Internet

Internet World Wide Web Data Transfer Hyperlinks Cloud Computing Mobile Devices Financial Services Social Media
A global communications system consisting of millions of computer networks interconnected by modems, telephone cables, wireless networks, and satellite links. The Internet facilitates data transfer, remote database access, and email, with high-level services such as the World Wide Web allowing multimedia content display.
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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.

  • 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

### What is the main service that distinguishes the World Wide Web from other Internet services? - [ ] Email transmission - [ ] File transfers - [x] Multimedia content display through hyperlinks - [ ] Data encryption > **Explanation:** The World Wide Web primarily allows for the display of multimedia content through the use of hyperlinks, distinguishing it from other services on the Internet like email or file transfers. ### What is a necessary characteristic of hyperlinks used in web pages? - [x] They connect different web pages and documents. - [ ] They are used for data encryption. - [ ] They provide access only to local files. - [ ] They are exclusively used in email services. > **Explanation:** Hyperlinks are references in digital documents that users can click to connect different web pages and documents, forming the fundamental navigational element of the World Wide Web. ### Which of the following is NOT typically considered an Internet service? - [ ] Email - [ ] Online Banking - [ ] Social Media - [x] Cable Television > **Explanation:** While email, online banking, and social media are common Internet-based services, cable television does not operate through the Internet but rather through dedicated broadcast and cable systems. ### What advancements have significantly contributed to the growth of Internet use in recent decades? - [ ] Introduction of wireless telegraphy - [ ] Advent of mobile devices and applications - [ ] Development of analogue communication systems - [x] Emergence of high-level services like cloud computing and social media > **Explanation:** The emergence of mobile devices, cloud computing, and social media platforms has greatly contributed to the widespread adoption and usage of the Internet in recent decades. ### Which sector has particularly benefited from the rise of e-commerce? - [ ] Landscaping - [x] Retail - [ ] Agriculture - [ ] Mechanical Engineering > **Explanation:** The retail sector has particularly benefited from the rise of e-commerce, enabling businesses to reach broader audiences and operate round-the-clock. ### What typically is the responsibility of software systems managing data movement on the Internet? - [ ] Providing free Internet access - [ ] Monitoring user behavior exclusively - [x] Ensuring data integrity and correct routing - [ ] Printing documents automatically > **Explanation:** Software systems managing data movement on the Internet are responsible for ensuring data integrity and correct routing, essential for smooth communication and data transfers. ### How has online banking transformed financial transactions? - [x] Facilitated easier and faster financial transactions - [ ] Limited banking operations to branch visits - [ ] Increased instances of physical check payments - [ ] Decreased automation in financial operations > **Explanation:** Online banking has facilitated easier and faster financial transactions, drastically reducing the need for physical branch visits and manual processes. ### What do we understand by 'cloud computing'? - [ ] Computing on local servers only - [x] Delivery of computing services over the Internet - [ ] Using private email servers for storage - [ ] Providing only hardware as a service > **Explanation:** Cloud computing refers to the delivery of various computing services such as storage, databases, and applications over the Internet, allowing users to access and utilize remote servers. ### In what manner are data packets typically transferred on the Internet? - [ ] Encrypted in reverse only - [ ] Via a single direct route always - [x] Over various types of physical media - [ ] Through satellite links exclusively > **Explanation:** Data packets on the Internet are transferred over various types of physical media including cables, wireless networks, and satellites, ensuring robust connectivity. ### Which has been a notable result of the increased commercial exploitation of the Internet? - [ ] Reduced consumer choices - [ ] Decrease in online services - [x] Growth in electronic shopping and marketing research - [ ] Decline in customer service interactions > **Explanation:** Increased commercial exploitation of the Internet has notably led to the growth of electronic shopping (e-commerce) and has enhanced marketing research capabilities for businesses.

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!

Tuesday, August 6, 2024
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