Internet

Definition

The internet is a global network of interconnected computers that communicate using standardized protocols, enabling the sharing of information and resources. This vast infrastructure has transformed the way people interact, work, and access information, playing a pivotal role in the growth and evolution of the IT industry over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The internet originated from ARPANET, a U.S. Department of Defense project in the late 1960s aimed at facilitating communication among military and academic researchers.
2. In the 1990s, the introduction of web browsers and graphical user interfaces significantly increased public access to the internet and transformed it into a mass communication medium.
3. The rapid growth of e-commerce in the late 1990s changed traditional business models, allowing companies to sell products and services online directly to consumers.
4. Social media platforms emerged in the early 2000s, revolutionizing how individuals connect and communicate, influencing cultural trends and social interactions on a global scale.
5. The rise of mobile internet access through smartphones has made it possible for billions of people worldwide to connect to the internet anytime and anywhere, further driving its evolution.

Review Questions

• How did the early development of ARPANET contribute to the formation of the modern internet?
  • ARPANET was initially developed as a means for military and academic researchers to communicate effectively. Its design prioritized decentralized communication, which laid the groundwork for what would become the modern internet. The successful implementation of packet switching technology in ARPANET enabled efficient data transmission, forming a crucial part of the protocols that still govern internet communication today.
• Discuss how the introduction of web browsers in the 1990s changed user interaction with the internet.
  • The launch of user-friendly web browsers in the 1990s made navigating the internet accessible to people without technical expertise. This innovation shifted the internet from a primarily academic and military tool to a widespread platform for information sharing and commerce. As a result, millions of new users began exploring websites, leading to exponential growth in online content and services that we see today.
• Evaluate the impact of mobile internet access on global communication and commerce.
  • The rise of mobile internet access has fundamentally transformed global communication and commerce by enabling users to connect from virtually anywhere. With smartphones becoming ubiquitous, individuals can engage in real-time communication through social media and messaging apps, facilitating instant sharing of information. Additionally, businesses have adapted their models to prioritize mobile access, leading to increased e-commerce opportunities and a significant shift in consumer behavior as people now shop, bank, and manage their lives online.

Related terms

World Wide Web: A system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the internet, enabling users to navigate and share content easily.

IP Address: A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

Cloud Computing: The delivery of computing services over the internet, allowing users to access and store data on remote servers instead of local devices.