Lesson 4: Uses of the Internet, Online Systems, and Platforms

**Lesson 4: Uses of the Internet, Online Systems, and Platforms** **The Internet,** sometimes called simply \"the Net,\" is a worldwide system of computer networks \-- a network of networks in which users at any one computer can, if they have permission, get information from any other computer (and...

**Lesson 4: Uses of the Internet, Online Systems, and Platforms** **The Internet,** sometimes called simply \"the Net,\" is a worldwide system of computer networks \-- a network of networks in which users at any one computer can, if they have permission, get information from any other computer (and sometimes talk directly to users at other computers). - **Is defined as the information superhighway.** The uses of the Internet are: Internet as a Communication Tool, Internet as a Tool for Performing Business Transactions, Internet as a Tool for Researching, and Internet as an Entertainment Tool. An **online system** is a collaboration of hardware, software, and telecommunication technologies that facilitates the transfer and processing of data to and from internet-enabled devices. **The components of an online system are terminal devices, network, server and processing systems.** - **Terminal devices** are electronic devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, or smartphones that are used to send requests or instructions over the Internet. - responsible for sending instructions or requests? - A **network** is a collection of computers, internet devices, and communication media that are used to carry data from one device to another. - A **server** refers to the hardware that serves as the storage house of data coming in and out of the system. - The **processing system**, also referred to as the "information system," is a group of hardware and software that is designed to collect, process, store, and distribute information. **Online platforms** refer to websites and applications that offer services through the Internet. The participants of online platforms are classified into: **business and customer.** - A **business** is an individual or organization whose role is the seller of goods or provider of services offered on the Internet. - The **customer** is the one who makes purchases or avails the goods and services produced by business organizations. - **Social media platforms** are internet services that promote social interaction and information sharing among members of virtual communities. - **Web search engines** are internet-based systems that are used to locate information on the World Wide Web. - **Online payment system** is a web-based application that allows customers to send payment for their purchases using a facility that organizes the transfer of monetary funds from the customer's bank account to the company's account. - **Online advertising platform** is an internet service that allows business organizations to post their advertisements to websites and online applications. - **Creative content** **outlets** are web services that offer assistance to individuals and organizations in the development of innovative and engaging multimedia content for their websites.