Internet

Definition§

The Internet is a global communications system encompassing millions of interconnected computer networks. These networks are linked through various means, including modems, telephone cables, wireless networks, and satellite connections, along with software systems that manage data movement. This vast network offers multiple services, such as accessing remote databases, transferring data between computers, and sending emails. The Internet’s most notable high-level service is the World Wide Web (WWW), which provides multimedia facilities to display pictures, sound, and video. A fundamental characteristic of the Web is the use of hyperlinks that connect different pages and documents.

Examples§

1. Email Communication: Sending and receiving emails via services like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo Mail.
2. E-commerce: Online shopping platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba facilitate buying and selling goods via the Internet.
3. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn which allow individuals to connect, share content, and communicate.
4. Online Banking: Managing financial transactions, paying bills, and monitoring accounts through bank-specific websites or applications.
5. Streaming Services: Watching videos or listening to music on platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify.

Frequently Asked Questions§

Q1: What is the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web? A1: The Internet is the global network of interconnected computers, while the World Wide Web (WWW) is a service available on the Internet that allows for accessing multimedia content through hyperlinks.

Q2: How is data transferred over the Internet? A2: Data is transferred through packets over various types of physical media (cables, wireless networks, satellites) and protocols that ensure data integrity and correct routing.

Q3: What are hyperlinks? A3: Hyperlinks are references or navigation elements in digital documents that users can click to move from one page or document to another within the World Wide Web.

Q4: How has the Internet influenced e-commerce? A4: The Internet has enabled businesses to reach a wider audience, streamline operations, offer better customer service, and provide round-the-clock shopping, significantly transforming traditional commerce.

Q5: What is cloud computing? A5: Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services like storage, processing power, and applications over the Internet. It allows users to access and store data on remote servers rather than on local machines.

Related Terms§

• Hyperlinks: Clickable elements that connect web pages and documents.
• World Wide Web: A system of interlinked multimedia documents accessed via the Internet.
• Cloud Computing: Delivery of various computing services over the Internet.
• Social Media: Online platforms for connecting and sharing content with others.
• E-commerce: Commercial transactions conducted electronically over the Internet.

Online References§

1. Internet Society (ISOC): https://www.internetsociety.org
2. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C): https://www.w3.org
3. U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Guide to Online Shopping: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0020-shopping-online
4. Google Scholar: Database of scholarly articles with resources on Internet technologies: https://scholar.google.com

Suggested Books for Further Studies§

1. “The Internet Book: Everything You Need to Know about Computer Networking and How the Internet Works” by Douglas E. Comer
2. “Weaving the Web: The Original Design and Ultimate Destiny of the World Wide Web” by Tim Berners-Lee
3. “The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies” by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
4. “Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture” by Martin Fowler
5. “Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology & Architecture” by Thomas Erl, Ricardo Puttini, and Zaigham Mahmood

Accounting Basics: “Internet” Fundamentals Quiz§

Thank you for exploring our detailed overview of the Internet and testing your knowledge with this quiz. Continue expanding your understanding of Internet fundamentals and their significant impact on various sectors!