Let’s recap the previous lesson on Forms of Electronic Communication! Complete the matching exercise below (See also downloadable link)
Matching Exercise-Forms of Electronic Communication
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The Internet and the World Wide Web
Many people use the terms Internet and World Wide Web (or Web) interchangeably, but in fact the two terms are not synonymous. The Internet and the Web are two separate but related things.
What is The Internet?
The internet is a massive network of networks. It connects millions of computers together globally, forming a network in which any computer can communicate with any other computer as long as they are both connected to the Internet. Information that travels over the internet does so via a variety of languages known as protocols.
What is The Web (World Wide Web)?
The World Wide Web, or simply web, is a way of accessing information over the medium of the internet. It is an information-sharing model that is built on top of the internet. The web uses the HTTP protocol, only one of the languages spoken over the internet, to transmit data. The web also utilizes browsers, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox, to access Web documents called webpages that are linked to each other via hyperlinks.
The Web is a Portion of The Internet
The web is just one of the ways that information can be disseminated over the internet. The internet, not the web, is also used for email. So the web is just a portion of the Internet, albeit a large portion, but the two terms are not synonymous and should not be confused.
Advantages of Using the Internet
The Internet is one of the greatest creations and gives everyone in the world with Internet access instant access to an endless supply of knowledge and entertainment. Below is a list of the advantages of using the Internet.
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Information, knowledge, and learning
As mentioned earlier, the Internet contains an endless supply of knowledge and information that allows you to learn about almost any topic or question you may have. Using a search engine like Google, you can ask virtually any question and find a web page with an answer to that question. There are also millions of videos on sites like YouTube that help explain various topics and even online courses that can be taken to help teach you about many different subjects.
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Connectivity, communication, and sharing
In the past, it would take days and sometimes even months to receive a letter from someone else. Today, with the Internet, you can send an e-mail to anyone in the world and often have it delivered in less than a minute. Other forms of communication, such as chat and VOIP, also allow you to have instant communication with anyone in the world.
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Address, mapping, and contact information
With the help of GPS technology, the Internet can help map and direct you to almost every place in the world. You can quickly route to your location or find businesses in your area that may sell or provide you with a service you need. Today’s search engines are also smart enough to know your location and help give you the most relevant searches for your area. For example, if you need a plumber and search for plumber, you will be given local plumbers in your area.
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Entertainment
The Internet gives everyone access to an endless supply of entertainment, with access to watch videos, watch movies, listen to music, and even play games online.
Disadvantages of Using the Internet
Although the Internet is one of man’s greatest creations, it also has many disadvantages, several of which are listed in the following sections.
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Bullying, trolls, stalkers, and crime
Anyone who has spent time on the Internet has encountered trolls or abusive people. Another issue that has increased over the years is cyberbullying.
With people sharing information on the Internet, it’s also easier for stalkers to find personal information about others through various means.
Hidden places on the Internet can also be a place for criminals to conduct business without as much fear of being caught. A global audience also gives criminals more ways to solicit their goods.
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Addiction, time waster, and causes distractions
Surfing and playing games on the Internet can quickly become very addictive. This, in turn, makes it is easy to spend a lot of frivolous time on the Internet instead of doing something productive. On this same note, the Internet can hamper workplace productivity as well.
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Identity theft, hacking, viruses, and cheating
With access to billions of computers, it makes it easier for computer hackers and malicious users to hack accounts and steal personal information that could be used for identity theft. The Internet also connects all computers to each other, which makes it easier for hackers to scan millions of computers and quickly identify what computers are vulnerable to attack.
The Internet also makes it much easier for students to cheat on their studies or find others on the Internet to write reports for them or do their homework.
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Health issues and obesity
As with watching TV, spending too much time on the computer surfing the Internet or playing games can also lead to obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle.
A computer also requires a lot of repetitive movement that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.For example, moving your hand from your keyboardto a mouse and typing, are all repetitive actions, which can cause injuries. Taking breaks, keeping the proper posture, and understanding computer ergonomics can all help delay or prevent these injuries.
Class Activity
Debate the moot: “The world today, without the Internet, would be a better place.” Incorporating the advantages and disadvantages of using the internet.
References
https://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/Web_vs_Internet.asp
SCHS Information Technology Blog 