Internet

Definition

The internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that communicate using standardized protocols, enabling the sharing of information and resources across vast distances. This revolutionary platform has transformed how people interact, access knowledge, and conduct business, making it a cornerstone of modern communication and media evolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The internet originated from ARPANET in the late 1960s as a project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.
2. Protocols such as TCP/IP were developed to standardize data transmission over the internet, facilitating global connectivity.
3. The explosive growth of the internet in the 1990s was driven by the development of web browsers, which made accessing information more user-friendly.
4. The internet has led to the rise of social media platforms, which have drastically changed how people communicate and share content.
5. E-commerce emerged as a significant sector on the internet, revolutionizing how businesses interact with consumers and altering traditional retail models.

Review Questions

• How did the development of the internet impact communication methods in society?
  • The development of the internet fundamentally changed communication methods by enabling instant messaging, video calls, and social networking. Unlike traditional communication channels such as letters or landline calls, the internet provides real-time interaction across geographical boundaries. This shift has fostered global conversations, allowing individuals to connect regardless of location, thus reshaping personal relationships and professional networking.
• Evaluate the role of protocols like TCP/IP in the evolution and functionality of the internet.
  • Protocols like TCP/IP are essential for the functionality of the internet as they standardize how data is transmitted between devices. Without these protocols, devices from different manufacturers would struggle to communicate effectively. The establishment of TCP/IP enabled diverse networks to connect and share information seamlessly, paving the way for the expansive growth of the internet as a unified global communication medium.
• Assess the implications of cloud computing on traditional media strategies in light of internet evolution.
  • The rise of cloud computing has had profound implications for traditional media strategies, primarily by enabling greater flexibility and accessibility in content creation and distribution. By leveraging cloud services, media companies can store vast amounts of data remotely and access it from anywhere with an internet connection. This shift allows for collaborative projects across geographic locations and provides smaller companies with tools that were once only available to larger organizations, thus democratizing content production and distribution in the digital age.

Related terms

World Wide Web: A system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the internet, allowing users to browse and navigate through various websites.

IP Address: A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.

Cloud Computing: The delivery of various services over the internet, including storage, processing, and software applications, enabling access from anywhere with an internet connection.