Internet

What is the internet?

The Internet is a system that connects computer systems all across the world so that users can interact with one another over a common platform. A vast range of electronic, wireless, and telecommunication devices are linked over networks that serve local zones and even global levels. The information uploaded on the internet is updated regularly and any user can know almost anything in today’s world by simply searching on the net. 

How does the internet work?

As we have already discussed the topic – of what the internet is, it is necessary to figure out its working principles as well. The transmission of data is relentless and reliable and gets delivered to each user in the form of individual packets. The data transfer is governed by Internet Protocol (IP) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). Both these make sure that the information does not deviate regardless of the platform used to access the internet.

The IP address is a numerical system that directs a device on how it should dispense the information or packets towards another device. It makes sure each packet of information is successfully conveyed to the intended address and no single packet is lost. 

Now it is questionable what the internet is from a browser’s perspective. A modem connects an electronic device to the network or internet and allocates a definite IP address. This in turn depends on the Internet Service Provider or ISP. The user enters any search query in a browser that directs them to information sources that have their own unique URLs or Uniform Resource Locator. The search is investigated by the browser and produces results with the help of DNS (Domain Name System) which converts domain textual terms into number-oriented IP addresses. In the next step, an HTTP request is sent to the intended server informing it about the client’s IP address. 

Foundation of the internet

The modern form of the internet that uses internet protocol was invented by two scientists namely Bob Kahn and Vinton Cerf. However, there is a long history that traces the foundation of the internet, the beginning of which was witnessed back in 1969 when the mechanism of packet switching was put forward by the NPL network. Initially, it was described as the ARPANET. There were similar networks for sharing files among devices connected in a network, they were called the CYCLADES and the Merit Network. The access to this network broadened in 1981 when the Network of Computer Science was sponsored by the NSF or National Science Foundation. The main outburst was witnessed in the general market when the internet was promoted by NSFNet in 1986. The researchers actively started using supercomputers for their benefit but they were at a great disadvantage mainly because of the necessity of too much power supply and lack of storage problems.

What is the internet and the explanation of the world wide web?

The Internet is a network of interconnected devices that share data with one another following a set of rules called the ISP. On the other hand, www or the world wide web refers to a collection of public web pages that are publicly made available through the internet. These web pages fulfil academic queries, general knowledge, and even advanced in-depth knowledge about almost anything thinkable. www is a kind of service that is made available by the internet. It utilizes HTTP or the hypertext transfer protocol for its layout and algorithm. However, the internet works on a combination of TCP and internet protocol or IP.

Uses of the Internet

Internet fulfils many necessities starting from generic queries that are typed into the web browsers to tricky tasks like uploading, sharing, and downloading files and attachments from a particular target server, also known as the webpage. The Internet is a source of entertainment for all, a large amount of which is accessible without any subscription. This is a revolution for users across the globe. Online banking is a crucial task that is possible because of the internet, it saves time and energy for people. Shopping can also be done on e-commerce websites, thanks to the invention of the internet.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages are:

• It connects people from almost anywhere.
• It is accessible by the majority of the privileged class, because of its affordability.
• It contains authentic and uniquely created user information that entices readers.
• It is a source of entertainment and serves many purposes like shopping, navigation, banking, etc.

Disadvantages:

• It is too addictive for the new generation population thus it lessens their productivity and hampers the innovative power of individuals.
• People get tricked and suffer monetary loss or intellectual loss due to phishing activities.
• It can infect devices with virus threats.
• Unethical video content, violent attachments, and sensitive audio affect the psychology of the general public.

The modern-day world is unthinkable without the internet. However, users must be wise in making decisions on what to grab and what not to do for their own benefit. The internet has made the world a transparent market and society for all which makes practical decision-making very easy.

Conclusion

The Internet is a system that connects computer systems all across the world so that users can interact with one another over a common platform.  The Internet was first designed as a working prototype under the name ARPANET. It is an incident from the 1960s. It was a project executed by the Defense Department of America. Despite its importance and diverse applications, its wise use has been debatable across the world.