Internet
Internet refers to the interconnection of networks that links together that links together millions of computer on a single network to provide a global communication system. It is considered network of networks.
History of internet
Internet was initially a small network called ARPANET at Advantage Research Project Agency (ARPA) of United State in 1969. It was developed to help researchers to communicate with researchers of other universities. In 1972, the access to ARPANET was extended and made available to common people and business organizations. Later TCP/IP was developed for computer communication which become the protocol for internet. In 1987, the National Science Foundation established a network known as NSFNET that brought high speed computer connection.
By 1990 almost all the organizations connected to ARPANET shifted to NSFNET and ARPANET came to an end. In 1992, Tim Berners-Lee, introduce the WWW which was a network of website that could be accessed within the help of HTTP.
Positive impact of the internet
- Internet provides faster, cheaper, and easier communication.
- The digitalization of service such as e-banking, e-commerce, e-learning, e-governance, and e-medicine is enabled by the internet.
- Marketing and advertising products is easy through the use of social media such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.
- Files can be shared between the computers easily.
- Internet is properly used for entertainment such as online games, watching movie/anime, listening music, etc.
Negative impact of internet
- Internet has become a very common medium for spreading of computer viruses.
- Cybercrimes like hacking, piracy, pornography have increased.
- People who play online games continuously are facing serious health problems.
Requirements for internet connection
The internet is the largest computer network used for connecting millions of devices around the world. Following are the basic requirements to connect the computers or devices to internet:
Internet Connectivity:
To access the internet, you need a reliable connection, typically through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This can be wired (such as through a DSL or fiber-optic connection) or wireless (such as Wi-Fi or mobile data). The speed and reliability of your connection depend on the type of service you subscribe to and your location.
ISP (Internet Service Provider):
Your ISP provides the gateway to the internet. You’ll need to subscribe to a plan that suits your needs in terms of speed, data limits, and other factors. ISPs often offer packages that include not just internet access but also additional services like email accounts or web hosting.
Connection Devices:
Depending on your chosen type of internet connection, you’ll need specific hardware to establish the connection. This could include a modem for DSL or cable internet, a router for Wi-Fi, or a mobile hotspot device for cellular data.
Hardware Devices:
Beyond the connection devices, you’ll need hardware to access the internet. This typically includes a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, smartphone, or other internet-enabled devices like smart TVs or game consoles. These devices require network adapters or built-in Wi-Fi capabilities to connect to the internet.
Software:
To utilize the internet effectively, you’ll need appropriate software. This includes web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for accessing websites, email clients for managing email accounts, messaging apps for communication, and various other software depending on your specific needs (such as productivity suites, media players, or online gaming platforms). Additionally, some devices may require specific drivers or software to configure and manage network connections.
Application of the internet
WWW (World Wide Web):
The World Wide Web (WWW) is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the internet. It was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 and became publicly available in 1991. The WWW operates on the principles of URLs, HTTP, and HTML. It allows users to navigate between web pages by clicking hyperlinks and enables the sharing of information, multimedia content, and resources globally. The WWW has profoundly transformed communication, commerce, and information dissemination, becoming an integral part of modern life.
E-Mail:
Email, short for electronic mail, is a widely used method of exchanging digital messages over the internet. It allows individuals and businesses to communicate quickly and efficiently, regardless of geographical location. Emails can contain text, attachments, images, and links, making them versatile for various purposes such as personal correspondence, business communication, marketing, and information dissemination. Users typically access their email accounts through web-based interfaces or email client software, where they can compose, send, receive, and manage their messages
News Group:
A news group is an online discussion forum or community focused on a specific topic or range of topics, where users can post messages, share information, and engage in conversations with others who have similar interests. These groups can be moderated or unmoderated, and they often cover a wide array of subjects, including politics, technology, hobbies, and more. Participants typically interact through text-based messages, and discussions may span various threads or topics within the group.
Telnet (Telecommunication Network):
Telnet, short for Telecommunication Network, is a protocol used on the internet or local area networks (LANs) to provide text-based communication between devices. It enables users to remotely access and manage devices such as servers, routers, and switches. Telnet operates over TCP/IP and allows users to establish a connection to a remote host and interact with it through a command-line interface.
IRC (Internet Relay Chat):
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a real-time messaging protocol used for group communication over the internet. Originally developed in the late 1980s, IRC allows users to join channels dedicated to specific topics or interests and engage in text-based conversations with other participants. It operates on a client-server model, with users connecting to IRC servers using client software. IRC has been influential in the development of online communities and remains popular among tech enthusiasts, open-source projects, and some niche interest groups. Despite the rise of modern chat platforms, IRC continues to be valued for its simplicity, flexibility, and decentralized nature.
E-commerce:
E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods or services over the internet. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from online retail stores to business-to-business transactions and online marketplaces. E-commerce has revolutionized the way businesses operate, offering convenience, accessibility, and global reach. It enables consumers to shop from anywhere at any time and provides businesses with opportunities to reach a broader audience and streamline operations.
Search engine:
A search engine is a software system designed to retrieve information from the internet based on user queries. It works by crawling web pages, indexing their content, and then ranking them according to relevance to the user’s search terms. When a user enters a query, the search engine processes it through its algorithm, which considers factors like keyword density, website authority, and user behavior to return the most relevant results. Popular search engines include Google, Bing, and Yahoo.
E-governance:
E-governance, or electronic governance, refers to the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government services and processes. It involves the digitalization of government operations, including service delivery, citizen engagement, and internal management systems. E-governance initiatives aim to streamline administrative procedures, improve public service delivery, and foster greater citizen participation in governance through online platforms and digital channels.
- Government-to-citizens (G2C):
Government-to-Citizens (G2C) refers to the digital interactions and services provided by government agencies directly to individual citizens. This includes various online platforms and portals through which citizens can access government information, apply for services, pay taxes, obtain permits or licenses, register for programs, and engage in other administrative tasks. - Government-to-business (G2B):
Government-to-Citizens (G2C) refers to the digital interactions and services provided by government agencies directly to individual citizens. This includes various online platforms and portals through which citizens can access government information, apply for services, pay taxes, obtain permits or licenses, register for programs, and engage in other administrative tasks. - Government-to-Government (G2G):
Government-to-Government (G2G) refers to interactions, collaborations, and transactions that occur directly between two or more governmental entities. These interactions can take various forms, including diplomatic negotiations, trade agreements, information sharing, and joint initiatives aimed at addressing common challenges or achieving shared objectives. - Government-to-employee (G2E):
Government-to-Employee (G2E) refers to the communication and interaction between government entities and their employees. This includes the dissemination of information, policies, and updates from government agencies to their employees, as well as the provision of services and resources that support employees in their roles.
Remote control:
Remote control over the internet refers to the ability to access and control devices, systems, or applications from a remote location via the internet. This capability is facilitated by various technologies such as remote desktop software, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), or IOT (Internet of Things) platforms. Remote control enables users to manage and interact with devices or systems regardless of their physical location, offering convenience, flexibility, and efficiency. Common applications include IT support, home automation, industrial monitoring, and remote access to computers or servers for work or personal use.