Internet is a global system of connected computer networks. It finds application in almost every field. Billions of people all over the world currently have access to, and use internet on a daily basis. Let's dig in and find out more.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this topic, you are expectetd to;
- Understand the meaning of internet
- Know the main services offered by internet
- Know the challenges facing the use of internet
Internet is the biggest communication network of computers in the world. Internet can be simply defined as the interconnection of computers throughout the world. It is a bigger network of other networks consisting of public, private, academic, government and business networks. These networks range from local to global scope. The short form of internet is the 'net'. A lot of information is carried by internet. This information include: hypertext documents, electronic mail, file sharing and telephony. It is used by billions of people all over the world.
The development of internet was based on the need to build a robust communication that would tolerate faults using computer networks.
Many of the traditional media for communication such as radio, paper mail, telephony, newspapers and televisions have undergone reshaping, or have been pushed aside by internet. The result of this is new services like internet telephony, email, internet television, video streaming and digital newspapers. The internet has played a big role in accelerating new personal interactions forms via instant messaging, social networking and internet forums. Online shopping has also been made possible by internet.
The internet was developed in the United States and it was first connected in October, 1969. Today, people can pay money in order to access the internet from service providers of internet. Some services offered on the internet are free to use. People that offer these free internet services use advertising to make money.
Services
- World Wide Web. This refers to a primary application program used by billions of people on the internet. Internet is also responsible for providing other network services including: electronic mail, file sharing, mobile apps like social media apps, streaming media services and online telephony. Advertising is made lucrative by popular web pages and so is e-commerce. E-commerce is the sale of products and services directly through the web.
- Communication. One of the most important services of communication that is available on the internet is Email. Email attachments allows documents, pictures and other files to be sent from one person to another. It is also possible for Emails to be cc-ed to many email addresses. Another service of communication facilitated by internet is the internet telephony. It has the benefit of carrying the voice traffic which costs less than the traditional telephone call mainly over long distances.
- Data transfer. Sharing of files is an example of data transfer across the internet. It is possible to even send computer files to colleagues or customers through email as an attachment. Streaming media (real-time digital media delivery for consumption immediately) is also possible. Other services under this include: podcasting (download of audio material is done and later played back), webcams and video conferencing.
ADVANTAGES
Internet covers almost every aspect of life that one can think of. Here, we will discuss some of the advantages of internet:
- Internet allows us to communicate with the people sitting at remote locations. there are apps found on the web that use internet as a medium for communication. Anyone can easily find several social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, Flickr or Google +.
- One can surf for any kind of information over the internet. Information about several topics like technology, Social Studies, Information Technology and Geographical information can be surfed with the help of a search engine.
- Apart from communication and source of information, internet also serves as a medium for entertainment. Below are various modes for entertaiment over internet, online television, online games, social networking apps, videos and audios.
- Internet permits us to use many services such as internet banking, online shopping, data sharing, online ticket booking, matrimonial services and E-mail.
- Internet provides the concept of electronic commerce which allows business deals to be conducted on electronic systems.
DISADVANTAGES
Despite internet proving to be a powerful source of information in almost every field, there still exist many disadvantages as discussed below;
- Threat to personal information. There are always chances to loose personal information like name, address and credit card number. Therefore, everyone should be very careful while sharing such information.
- Spamming. It corresponds to the unwanted e-mails in bulk. These e-mails do not serve any purpose but they lead to obstruction of the entire system.
- Virus. Virus can easily be spread to the computers connected to internet. Such virus attacks can cause your system to crash or deletion of important data.
- Pornography. Through internet, a lot of children have been exposed to pornographic materials. This may indirectly affect the mental health of the children.
- Various websites do not provide authenticated information. This leads to misconception among many people.
