Internet Concept

Internet:-

The Internet is a global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices. With the Internet, it's possible to access almost any information, communicate with anyone else in the world, and do much more. You can do all of this by connecting a computer to the Internet, which is also called going online.

Why is the Internet Called a Network:

Internet is called a network as it creates a network by connecting computers and servers across the world using routers, switches and telephone lines, and other communication devices and channels. So, it can be considered a global network of physical cables such as copper telephone wires, fiber optic cables, tv cables, etc. Furthermore, even wireless connections like 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi make use of these cables to access the Internet.

Internet is different from the World Wide Web as the World Wide Web is a network of computers and servers created by connecting them through the internet. So, the internet is the backbone of the web as it provides the technical infrastructure to establish the WWW and acts as a medium to transmit information from one computer to another computer. It uses web browsers to display the information on the client, which it fetches from web servers

The internet is not owned by a single person or organization entirely. It is a concept based on physical infrastructure that connects networks with other networks to create a global network of billions of computers. As of 12 August 2016, there were more than 300 crores of internet users across the world.

Uses of the internet:

Generally speaking, the Internet may be used to exchange information with people all over the world, communicate across great distances, and locate information or answers fast on almost any subject.

Here are some examples of specific uses for the Internet-

Ÿ Using social media and content sharing.

Ÿ Instant messaging, video conferencing, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), Internet telephony, and email are all examples of electronic communication. These all are used through the Internet.

Ÿ Access to online degree programs, courses, and workshops for education and self-improvement.

Ÿ Searching for jobs: To advertise available positions, submit job applications, and hire candidates identified on social networking sites like LinkedIn, both employers and applicants use the Internet.

Other examples include-

Ÿ Online dating

Ÿ Online gaming

Ÿ Research

Ÿ Reading electronic newspapers and magazines

Ÿ Online shopping, or e-commerce.

Ÿ Online discussion groups and forums

History of the Internet:-

The Internet came in the year 1960 with the creation of the first working model called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency). It allowed multiple computers to work on a single network which was their biggest achievement at that time. ARPANET uses packet switching to communicate multiple computer systems under a single network. In October 1969, using ARPANET first message was transferred from one computer to another. After that technology continues to grow.

Ways To Connect To Internet:

The different ways in which one can connect to the Internet are discussed below in brief-

Ÿ Dial-Up – In such connections, users are required to link their phone line to a computer to access the Internet. Under this connection, the user cannot make or receive phone calls through tier home phone service

Ÿ Broadband – Provided either through cable or phone companies, Broadband is a high-speed internet connection which is widely used today

Ÿ Wireless Connection – Wi-fi and Mobile service providers fall under this category. Internet connectivity is made via radio waves and the Internet can be connected anywhere, irrespective of the location. Given below are a few examples of wireless connection:

Wi-fi – Wireless Fidelity or wi-fi allows high-speed internet connectivity without the use of wires

Mobile Phones – All smartphones are now equipped with an option for Internet connectivity which can be availed using Internet vouchers and packs. No external connection or wire is required for these

Satellite – Where broadband connections are unavailable, satellites are used for wireless Internet connectivity

Ÿ Integrated Services Digital Network – ISDN allows users to sent audio or video data using telephone lines

Aspirants for Government exams can check the links given below and practise more and more questions from the different sections and topics which are included in the competitive exam syllabus: