Introduction to Internet Technology

Course Content Overview

• The course introduces concepts and definitions related to Internet technology.
• Topics include the World Wide Web, Internet access providers, browsers, URLs, HTML, hyperlinks, file transfer utilities, and character encoding.
• Internet security suites, types of internet communication (social networking, blogs, microblogs, webcasts, podcasts, wikis, email, and messaging) are covered.
• Spam, search tools (search services, search engines, specialized search engines), content evaluation, and security are also addressed.
• Cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), wireless technology, connectivity, mobile internet, communication basics, and network types are examined.

Assessments

• The course assessment is worth a total of 100 marks.
• Two quizzes contribute 25 marks.
• The midterm exam contributes 25 marks.
• The final exam contributes 50 marks.

Introduction to the Internet

• The Internet is described as an interconnected mesh of computers and data lines.
• It connects millions of people and organizations globally.
• It forms the foundation of the digital revolution allowing instant sharing of words, images and digital files worldwide.
• The Web offers an easy-to-use interface to Internet resources.
• Effective use of the Internet requires user awareness of available online resources.

Internet vs. Web

• The Internet is a global network connecting smaller networks.
• The Internet was launched in 1969, funded by the United States to develop ARPANET (Advanced Research Project Agency Network).
• The World Wide Web (WWW) was introduced in 1991.
• The Internet and the Web are not the same; the Internet is the physical network, while the Web is a multimedia interface to resources on the Internet.

Web Evolution: 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0

• Web 1.0: 1st generation focusing on linking existing information and search program creation.
• Web 2.0: Features dynamic content creation, with Facebook as a prime example.
• Web 3.0: Focuses on identifying relationships between data and personalized content creation.
• Web 1.0: Basic encyclopedias and simple networks with static, read-only content and minimal interaction, company based and prominent from 1990-2005.
• Web 2.0: Social networks with dynamic, shared content, user interaction via social media, community based and prominent from 2006 to present.
• Web 3.0: Encompasses assistant technologies and clouds offering intelligent content connection, AI-driven services, individual based and is future focused.

Common Internet Uses

• General common uses include communication.
• General common uses include shopping.
• General common uses include searching.
• General common uses include education or e-learning.
• General common uses include online entertainment.

Online Entertainment Options

• Online entertainment includes options for TV.
• Includes options for movies.
• The entertainment includes options for music.
• The entertainment extends to books.
• It includes options for social media.
• News feeds: Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Amazon Kindle, CNN, Facebook, Twitter & Feedly.

Internet Access Providers (ISPs) Overview

• Topics include general overview of ISP's.
• Lists ISP categories.
• Factors to consider.
• Connection requirements.
• How ISPs facilitate internet connection
• Advantages and disadvantages.

ISP Overview

• Internet Service Providers emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as organizations providing internet access and related services.
• ISPs connect customers to other service providers through networks.
• ISPs can be commercial, non-profit, privately, or community owned.
• ISPs often provide telecommunications services including data and telephone connections.

Why Use an ISP

• The ISP facilitates the complete internet connectivity to reach online destinations.
• Packets must "find" users via advertised ISP routes.
• ISP is a business or organization that provides consumers or business access to Internet and related services.

ISP Categories

• Regional ISPs: Serve a specific geographic area with a smaller technical support team.
• National ISPs: Cover a large geographic area with a larger support team.
• Find information at: https://www.whoismyisp.org.

Types of ISPs

• Most ISPs offer services like internet access, email, domain registration, web hosting, and co-location.
• Home users: Dial-up, DSL(ADSL), broadband wireless, cable modem, ISDN.
• Medium to large businesses: DSL(ADSL), Ethernet, Satellite, ISDN.
• Common ISP types are DSL (digital subscriber line), cable broadband, and fiber optic broadband.
• Common ISP types are wireless or Wi-Fi broadband, satellite and mobile broadband, and dedicated leased lines.

Factors for Choosing an ISP

• Important factors include: bandwidth, availability, cost, security, and customer service.
• Location, and speed needs are also important factors.

Requirements for Connecting to an ISP

• You need a computer, modem and telephone line (for dial-up).
• You need a data line for non-dial up access.
• You need Browser(software) and software to connect to ISP.
• You need an Account with ISP.

How ISPs Connect to the Internet

• When connected via a service provider, communication uses PPP (point to point protocol).
• PPP allows two remote computers to communicate without IP addresses.

ISP Advantages and Disadvantages

• A major advantage with ISPs is speed.
• Advantages include availability and reliability.
• Advantages can include security and protection.