The most common way to earn credits (and therefore traffic) via an exchange program is to surf through a rotation of web sites that are owned by other members. Most programs require you to login to your account and click a surf link to begin this process.
   However, some exchanges give you a special URL to use for surfing. You can even set this surfing URL as your browser's home page, so you earn traffic credits each time you open your browser. A program that gives you a special URL of this nature is sometimes called a start exchange.
   Whether you surf by visiting a special URL, or by logging into the exchange and clicking a designated link, you will be utilizing a surf console, or surf bar for the purpose of visiting other web sites and accruing traffic credits. The surf bar is usually a visible frame that encloses the pages you view during your surf session, but some exchanges use a 'floating' surf bar that comes into view when the surf timer (more on this shortly) counts down.
   While every exchange is a little different, the basic components of the surf bar remain the same. These components are the timer, the confirmation key, the user menu, and (optionally) the display area.
   Timer - You will be required to view each site for a specific amount of time. This interval will range from 10 to 30 seconds in most cases. The timer may or may not be visible, but you will receive a clear prompt when it is time to click to the next site.
Confirmation Key - When the required time has elapsed, you will be prompted to activate the confirmation key in order to proceed to the next site. This may consist of clicking a designated number, matching the correct shape or color, or simply clicking a "Next Site" button.
User Menu - This interface will usually allow you to login to your member area to make adjustments, report sites that violate the rules, and view your current statistics.
Display Area - Most surf bars will also designate additional space for the purpose of displaying banner ads and text links. In this way, an exchange can provide multiple forms of exposure.
The number of credits you can earn by surfing depends on the surf ratio of the exchange you are using. A surf ratio is the formula that determines the credit amount you earn for each page you view from the surf bar.
This figure is represented by a colon symbol fixed between two digits. The digit to the left of the colon denotes the number of pages viewed, while the number to the right of the colon specifies the number of credits earned. For example, a 2:1 surf ratio indicates an earning of one credit for each two web sites viewed while surfing.