Introduction to the Internet

The internet needs no introduction really, especially to the technologically savvy generation of today. This week's COM125 lessons however, does get more specific as to why the internet is the amazing multitude of things we all know today. It introduced us to a slightly more technical aspect of the internet and how and why it is the way it is today.

It is interesting to learn that on the internet, data is transferred through packets of information which are sent over many different paths, and when they eventually reach their destination, reform together to form one file. We download and use dozens of files daily. These videos showed us how these things actually get to us. From the coding of a website to the downloading of packets of information, we are told the basic infrastructure of the internet.

Internet Browsers

As so aptly stated by Mr Choy, browsers are the windows into the internet world. Its importance cannot be understated, so its good to know there is healthy competition among browser providers to ensure constant forward thinking and improvement of browsers. It was also refreshing to learn about the various things that make up a browser, like hyperlinks, graphics and multimedia.

However much the internet landscape changes, browsers will always be ever present.

Net Neutrality

Net Neutrality was something that was highlighted as well, the principle that Internet service providers and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, site, platform, application, type of attached equipment, and modes of communication.

It is crucial to the freedom of the internet. It encompasses so much and everyone can benefit from the internet. Everyone. It has come under threat from various governments and organizations before, and it will no doubt be in danger again in the future. There is a constant discussion among the most powerful groups of people in the world, all seeking control of the internet. It is for the people, and we must ensure it stays this way.

To wrap up, here are examples of how the internet has transformed our traditional media today:

Radio

Want to listen to radio? Many stations offer their services online. There are also an innumerable number of podcasts out there, all offering insightful and entertaining listening.

Television and Movies

What about television and movies? Plenty on offer on the internet, as long as you know where to find them. Many serials can be instantly bought and streamed, and companies are always trying to get their content onto the net as soon as possible.

 

Newspapers and Magazines

As for newspapers and magazines, there are tons of news and information websites, and many traditional papers and magazines have online and digital versions. The internet even has its own version of opinion and forum pages - blog sites and various forum websites.

 


Books

Ebook catalogues are a big part of the online world, most classics have digital versions and there isn't a major book today that gets published without an accompanying online version.

The internet has done wonders with the things which are already a large part of our lives, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the internet.

Cheers,

R J