UNIT 4
Introduction of Internet
The Internet, often referred to simply as "the Net," is a global network of interconnected
computer networks that enables communication and information sharing among individuals,
organizations, and devices around the world. It has become an integral part of modern
society, influencing how we communicate, learn, work, and conduct business.
The origins of the Internet can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s when the
United States Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) began
developing a way to connect computers together to share resources and information. This
initiative led to the creation of ARPANET, which is often considered the precursor to the
modern Internet. ARPANET was established in 1969 and linked together four major
universities, allowing them to share data and communicate over long distances.
Key developments in the evolution of the Internet include:
1. **TCP/IP Protocol:** The development of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and
Internet Protocol (IP) in the 1970s laid the foundation for how data packets are transmitted
and routed across the network. This protocol suite, commonly known as TCP/IP, remains the
backbone of the Internet.
2. **Domain Name System (DNS):** The DNS system was introduced to replace the use of
numeric IP addresses with human-readable domain names. This innovation made it much
easier for people to access websites and services.
3. **World Wide Web (WWW):** In the late 1980s, British computer scientist Tim Berners-
Lee created the World Wide Web, a system of interconnected hypertext documents that
could be accessed via the Internet. This invention revolutionized how information was
organized and accessed, leading to the explosion of websites and online content.
4. **Commercialization and Global Expansion:** In the 1990s, the Internet transitioned
from an academic and research network to a commercial and global phenomenon. The
creation of graphical web browsers like Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer made the
Internet more user-friendly, allowing people to easily navigate the web.
5. **E-commerce and Social Media:** The 2000s witnessed the rise of e-commerce
platforms, enabling online shopping and financial transactions. Additionally, social media
platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube transformed how people connect, share
information, and engage with each other online.
6. **Mobile Internet:** The proliferation of smartphones and other mobile devices brought
about widespread access to the Internet on-the-go, leading to a new era of mobile
applications and services.
7. **Cloud Computing:** The concept of cloud computing emerged, allowing users to access
and utilize computing resources and services over the Internet, without the need for physical
hardware or infrastructure.
8. **IoT (Internet of Things):** The Internet of Things refers to the interconnectivity of
everyday objects and devices through the Internet, enabling them to collect and exchange
data. This technology has applications in various fields, from smart homes to industrial
automation.
The Internet continues to evolve with advancements like 5G connectivity, artificial
intelligence, virtual reality, and more. Its impact on communication, education, commerce,
entertainment, and society as a whole is profound, shaping the way we interact with the
world around us.
Resources of Internet
Websites, Social Media, Search Engines, Vlogs, Blogs,Journals, Online Libraries, Online
Encyclopedias etc
Software and Hardware Requirements of Internet
To access the Internet and make use of its various resources and services, you need both
hardware and software components. Here's an overview of the typical requirements:
**Hardware Requirements:**
1. **Computer or Device:** You need a device that can connect to the Internet. This can be
a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or even certain smart devices like IoT
devices.
2. **Networking Hardware:** To connect to the Internet, you typically need networking
hardware like a network interface card (NIC) in a computer, Wi-Fi capabilities in a
smartphone or tablet, or Ethernet ports for wired connections.
3. **Router:** A router is essential for creating a local network within your home or office
and connecting it to the broader Internet. Routers manage network traffic and enable
multiple devices to share a single Internet connection.
4. **Modem:** If you're using a wired connection like DSL or cable, you'll need a modem to
convert the Internet signal from your service provider into a format that your router and
devices can understand.
5. **Cables:** Ethernet cables or appropriate charging/data cables are needed to physically
connect devices to the network or modem/router.
**Software Requirements:**
1. **Operating System:** Your device needs an operating system (OS) to function, whether
it's Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, or another OS. The OS provides the interface
through which you interact with applications and manage settings.
2. **Web Browser:** A web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge,
Safari) allows you to access websites and online resources. Browsers render web pages and
provide tools for navigation, bookmarks, and more.
3. **Network Drivers:** These are software components that enable your device's
networking hardware to communicate with the router or modem.
4. **Security Software:** Antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall software help protect your
device from online threats and malicious software.
5. **Applications and Plugins:** Depending on your needs, you might require specific
applications and plugins. For example, you might use email clients, media players, office
suites, or specialized software for certain tasks.
6. **Plugins/Add-ons:** Some web browsers require plugins or add-ons to enable specific
features. Examples include Adobe Flash Player, PDF readers, or browser extensions.
7. **VPN Software:** If you want to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added privacy
and security, you'll need VPN software.
8. **Communication Software:** Messaging apps, email clients, and video conferencing
software facilitate communication over the Internet.
9. **Media Players:** To watch videos, listen to music, or view other multimedia content,
you'll need appropriate media player software.
10. **Cloud Services Apps:** If you use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox,
you'll need their respective apps or software to access and manage your stored files.
Internet Service Providers
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are companies or organizations that provide access to the
Internet. They offer various types of Internet connectivity services to individuals, businesses,
and other entities. ISPs play a crucial role in connecting users to the global network and
enabling them to access websites, online services, and other resources. There are different
types of ISPs, each offering various types of Internet connections. Here are some common
types of ISPs:
1. **Broadband ISPs:** These are the most common type of ISPs, offering high-speed
Internet connections. They provide services such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable
Internet, fiber-optic Internet, and fixed wireless connections. Broadband ISPs offer faster and
more reliable connections suitable for various online activities like streaming, gaming, and
telecommuting.
2. **Dial-up ISPs:** Dial-up ISPs were more common in the early days of the Internet. They
use existing telephone lines to establish a connection, but they offer relatively slow speeds
compared to broadband connections.
3. **Wireless ISPs (WISPs):** Wireless ISPs offer Internet connectivity using wireless
technologies such as Wi-Fi, microwave, and satellite. They are especially useful in rural or
remote areas where wired connections might not be feasible.
4. **Mobile ISPs:** These ISPs provide Internet access through cellular networks. Mobile
ISPs offer 3G, 4G, and now 5G connections, allowing users to access the Internet on their
smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
5. **Satellite ISPs:** Satellite ISPs use satellite technology to provide Internet access,
making them a viable option for areas without traditional wired connections.
6. **Cable ISPs:** Cable ISPs use the same coaxial cable infrastructure that provides cable
television services. They offer high-speed Internet access by utilizing the unused bandwidth
on the cable lines.
7. **Fiber-optic ISPs:** Fiber-optic ISPs offer incredibly high-speed Internet connections by
using fiber-optic cables to transmit data as pulses of light. These connections are among the
fastest available.
8. **Municipal or Community ISPs:** In some cases, municipalities or local communities
establish their own ISPs to provide Internet access to residents. These initiatives aim to
provide affordable and reliable connectivity to underserved areas.
9. **Reseller ISPs:** Some ISPs do not own their own network infrastructure but instead
purchase bulk Internet access from larger providers and then resell it to customers under
their brand.
Creating an E-Mail Account-Sending and Receiving Messages with
Attachments to our friends account – Make your own notes
Multimedia and its Applications
**Multimedia** refers to the integration of various forms of media, such as text, graphics,
audio, video, and animations, into a single digital presentation or application. It aims to
enhance communication and engagement by offering a richer and more immersive
experience. Multimedia finds applications in a wide range of fields and industries, enhancing
the way information is presented, shared, and consumed. Here are some key applications of
multimedia:
1. **Entertainment and Media:**
- **Movies and Television:** Multimedia is a fundamental element of films and TV shows,
combining video, audio, and visual effects to create compelling narratives.
- **Gaming:** Video games utilize multimedia to create interactive and immersive virtual
worlds with graphics, audio, and animations.
- **Music and Audio:** Multimedia is used in music production, streaming, and
distribution, enabling the integration of audio, visuals, and lyrics.
2. **Education and E-Learning:**
- **Online Courses:** E-learning platforms use multimedia to deliver engaging educational
content, including videos, animations, interactive quizzes, and simulations.
- **Digital Textbooks:** Multimedia elements like videos, diagrams, and interactive
elements enhance the learning experience in digital textbooks.
- **Educational Software:** Multimedia applications facilitate interactive learning
experiences, making complex concepts easier to understand.
3. **Advertising and Marketing:**
- **Digital Ads:** Multimedia is used in online advertisements, including videos,
animations, and interactive banners.
- **Social Media Marketing:** Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok leverage
multimedia content to engage users and promote products and services.
4. **Web Design and Development:**
- **Websites:** Multimedia elements enhance website design, making sites more
engaging and informative.
- **Web Applications:** Multimedia features improve user experience in web applications,
including online tools and platforms.
5. **Communication and Social Media:**
- **Social Media:** Multimedia content like images, videos, and GIFs are integral to social
media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter.
- **Video Conferencing:** Multimedia enables real-time video and audio communication
in remote meetings and conferences.
6. **Art and Design:**
- **Digital Art:** Artists use multimedia tools to create digital paintings, animations, and
interactive art installations.
- **Graphic Design:** Multimedia software is used to design graphics for branding,
advertising, and various visual communications.
7. **Medical and Scientific Applications:**
- **Medical Imaging:** Multimedia is used in medical imaging technologies like MRI, CT
scans, and ultrasounds to visualize and diagnose conditions.
- **Scientific Visualization:** Multimedia tools help scientists visualize complex data sets
and simulations.
8. **Architecture and Design:**
- **Architectural Visualization:** Multimedia applications create virtual walkthroughs and
3D renderings of architectural designs.
- **Product Design:** Multimedia aids in the creation of product prototypes and
visualizations.
9. **Cultural Preservation and Heritage:**
- **Digital Archives:** Multimedia is used to digitize and preserve cultural artifacts,
documents, and historical records.
- **Virtual Museums:** Multimedia allows users to explore artifacts and exhibits in virtual
museum environments.
These applications demonstrate the versatility of multimedia in enhancing various aspects of
communication, creativity, education, and entertainment. As technology continues to
advance, multimedia will likely play an increasingly vital role in shaping how we interact with
information and the world around us.