Online Social Networks Overview

Online Social Networks

• Online social networks allow users to share interests, ideas, stories, and media with registered members.
• Facebook has over 300 million active users, making it one of the largest social networking sites.
• Media sharing websites facilitate sharing of photos and videos; examples include Flickr for photos and YouTube for videos.

Educational Websites

• Educational sites support formal and informal learning environments.
• Companies and colleges offer online training and degrees to enhance structured learning experiences.
• Instructors utilize the web to enhance classroom learning by providing course materials and information.

Entertainment Websites

• Entertainment sites create interactive environments and host music, videos, games, and chat rooms.
• These platforms often include features like ongoing web episodes and sweepstakes.

Advocacy Websites

• Advocacy sites promote a specific cause or opinion and typically represent a group's or association's interests.

Web Applications

• Web applications enable interaction with software via a web browser on any device connected to the Internet.
• Examples include Google Docs for document editing, TurboTax Online for tax preparation, and email services like Windows Live Hotmail.

Computers and Their Functions

• A computer is an electronic device that follows instructions to process, store, and produce data.
• Data refers to unprocessed items; processed data becomes meaningful information.

Components of a Computer

• Input Devices: Hardware that allows data input; includes keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, and webcam.
• Output Devices: Hardware that conveys information; includes text messages, instant messages, picture messages, and video messages.

E-Book Readers and Handheld Devices

• E-book readers are designed primarily for reading digital books and usually feature a touchscreen and internet access.
• Handheld computers (Ultra-Mobile PCs) serve mobile professionals needing portable computing solutions.

Portable Media Players

• Mobile devices for storing and playing digital media; enable organization and accessibility of content.

The Internet

• The Internet is a global network linking individuals, businesses, and institutions, providing access to information and communication.
• Over 1 billion users globally utilize the Internet for a range of services, including email and chat applications.

ARPANET

• ARPANET was the original network created by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1969 to connect researchers.
• It linked four main computers at prestigious universities and has evolved into today’s Internet, consisting of over 550 million hosts.

Access Providers

• Businesses that provide Internet access, either free or for a fee, play a crucial role in connecting users to the web.

Graphics and Multimedia Programs

• Designed for professionals in fields like engineering and graphic design, these programs allow advanced document creation.
• Users can employ software for CAD, desktop publishing, image and video editing, and multimedia authoring.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

• CAD software assists in creating technical designs for vehicles, buildings, and scientific models, enhancing precision and efficiency.

Desktop Publishing Software

• DTP software enables the creation of high-quality documents with text and graphics, suitable for marketing materials and publications.

Explore the world of online social networks, where users share interests, ideas, and media with a global community. This quiz covers popular platforms like Facebook and MySpace, highlighting their impact and usage in modern society. Test your knowledge on the functions and features of these networks.