1. INTRODUCTION

"Imagine a world where information flows freely, where you can connect with friends on the other side of the globe in an instant, and where a universe of knowledge and entertainment is just a click away. This is the world of the internet. It's not just a network of computers; it's a global phenomenon that has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate.

This topic will explore the definition of internet, some basic internet terminologies and its impact (benefits) on society, and the endless possibilities it offers.

Digital realm (Internet) has become an inseparable part of our daily existence and how it continues to shape our future."

DIVERSE AND GROWING COMPUTER/DIGITAL APPLICATIONS

"Diverse and growing computer/digital applications" refers to the wide range of software programs and digital tools that serve various purposes and are continually evolving and expanding in scope. 

Diverse: Computers are no longer limited to a few tasks. They are used in almost every aspect of our lives, creating a rich and varied landscape of applications. 

Computers have become an integral part of our society, influencing every facet of our lives. Their applications are vast and ever-expanding, from the mundane to the extraordinary. Here's a glimpse into the diverse applications of computers in various aspects of society:

Communication and Social Connection:

•        Computers have revolutionized communication, enabling instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media platforms that connect people globally.

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Video conferencing 

•        Email has replaced traditional letters for most communication needs, promoting faster and more efficient information sharing.

Education and Learning:

•        Computers are transforming education, providing access to a vast amount of information and online learning resources.

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Online learning 

•        Educational software and simulations make learning interactive and engaging, while online courses offer flexibility and personalized learning experiences.

Business and Industry:

Businesses rely on computers for various tasks, including data analysis, financial management, and customer relationship management (CRM) software.

2. CRM software

CRM software 

•        Supply chain management and logistics are optimized using computer software, ensuring efficient delivery of goods and services.

Science and Research:

•        Computers are instrumental in scientific research, facilitating complex data analysis, simulations, and modeling.

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Scientific research 

•        They are used in fields like astronomy, physics, and medicine to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation.

Healthcare and Medicine:

Computers play a vital role in modern healthcare, from storing patient records electronically to medical imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs

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MRI scan 

•        Advanced computer-aided surgery and robotics are increasing accuracy and minimizing risks in medical procedures.

3. Entertainment and Leisure

Entertainment and Leisure:

•        Computers are a ubiquitous source of entertainment, from playing games and watching movies to streaming music and browsing social media.

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Online gaming 

•        Virtual reality (VR) technology is creating immersive experiences, revolutionizing the entertainment industry.

Government and Public Services:

•        Governments use computers to manage public services, collect taxes, and distribute benefits.

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Egovernment 

•        E-governance initiatives allow citizens to access government services online, promoting transparency and efficiency.

Homes and Personal Use:

Personal computers and laptops are commonplace in homes, used for various purposes like browsing the internet, working from home, and managing finances.

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Working from home 

•        Smartphones and tablets have become extensions of ourselves, allowing us to stay connected, access information, and manage our daily lives on the go.

Computers have permeated every aspect of our society, shaping how we communicate, learn, work, and entertain ourselves. Their impact continues to grow, and their future applications are limitless.

Information processing is the foundation of how we, as humans, and computers, understand and interact with the world. It refers to the way we take in raw data, manipulate it, and use it to make decisions or form new knowledge.

Understanding Information Processing:

•        Human Information Processing: Psychologists have developed models like the Information Processing Theory to explain how our brains process information. This theory suggests our minds work in stages: encoding (receiving information), storing it in short-term memory, manipulating and processing it, and transferring it to long-term memory for retrieval.

•        Computer Information Processing: Computers process information similarly, but in a more literal sense. They follow a set of instructions (programs) to take in data (input), process it according to the program's logic, and generate an output (results).

What is Information Processing?

Information processing involves a series of steps that convert raw data into meaningful information:

1.       Collection: Gathering data from various sources.

2.       Input: Entering data into a system.

3.       Processing: Manipulating data through algorithms and computational methods to produce desired results.

4.       Storage: Saving data and processed information for future use.

5.       Output: Presenting information in a readable or usable format.

6.       Dissemination: Distributing information to relevant stakeholders.

4. The Impact of Information Processing

The Impact of Information Processing:

•        Revolutionized Communication: Information processing has fueled the rise of the information age. Computers can process and transmit vast amounts of data quickly, leading to the development of the internet, social media, and instant communication tools.

•        Enhanced Decision Making: Businesses and organizations use sophisticated information processing systems to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. This impacts everything from marketing strategies to financial planning.

•        Artificial Intelligence (AI): Advancements in information processing allow computers to learn and adapt, paving the way for AI. AI systems can process massive datasets, identify patterns, and make predictions, impacting fields like healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles.

•        Automation: Information processing is key to automation, where machines perform tasks traditionally done by humans. This can improve efficiency and productivity in various industries, but also raises concerns about job displacement.

Limitations of Information Processing:

•        Information Overload: The vast amount of information available can overwhelm our ability to process it effectively, leading to difficulties in focusing and making sound decisions.

•        Privacy Concerns: As information processing becomes more sophisticated, concerns about data privacy and security increase. There's a need to balance the benefits of information processing with the protection of personal data.

•        Bias and Fairness: Algorithms used in information processing can perpetuate biases present in the data they are trained on. This can lead to unfair outcomes in areas like loan approvals or job applications.

Information processing is a powerful tool that has significantly impacted our world. As technology continues to evolve, it's crucial to understand its potential and limitations to ensure responsible development and utilization.

5. BRIEF HISTORY OF INTERNET

It was developed by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in the 1970s and was initially known as ARPANET. The Internet was designed to be used by companies and Universities doing military research so that they could share information. Since then the number of people who use the Internet and the services that are provided on the Internet have grown tremendously. There are now over 200,000,000 people who regularly make use of it.

Network

There‘s need to define network before discussing internet. What is computer network? A computer network is a set of computers / devices sharing resources located on or provided by network nodes. It can also be define as a network consists of two or more computers/ devices that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications.

Types of Network

1.     Local Area Network (LAN): Typically covers a small geographical area, such as a home, office, or campus. Used for connecting devices within a limited area for resource sharing and communication.

2.     Wide Area Network (WAN): Spans a larger geographical area, often connecting LANs in different locations. Facilitates long-distance communication and data exchange between distant sites.

3.     Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Covers a city or metropolitan area.Used by organizations or service providers to interconnect LANs in a city for high-speed data transfer.

4.     Home Area Network (HAN): A small network within a home. Connects devices within a household for sharing resources like printers, files, and internet access.

5.     Campus Area Network (CAN): Spans a campus or large university. Interconnects multiple buildings or areas within a campus for efficient data sharing and communication.

Intranet: A private network within an organization that uses internet technologies to share information and resources among employees.

Extranet: Similar to an intranet but extends network access to external parties, such as partners, suppliers, or customers.

6. Internet

The term internet of all networks that consist millions of private, public, academic, business and government networks of local to global scope that are linked by a broad array of electronic and optical networking technology. 

• Internet is a global system of interconnected computer network that use the standard internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide. 
• Internet is global  Network of Networks

Common internet terminologies

• Browse: This is the term is used to refer to the process of accessing and viewing web pages on the internet 
• Browser: is a software application that is used to access and view web pages in the internet.

Examples are Mozilla, Google chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari etc. 

• Chat rooms: These are virtual communication platform where many people in contact with family, friends, a software application that is used to access and view web pages in the internet.

Examples are Mozilla, Google chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari etc.

• Cyber café: It a place where a number of personal computers connected to the internet are made available for use by customers at a price.  
• Cyber space: is a software application that is used to access and view web pages in the internet.

Examples are Mozilla, Google chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari etc. 

• Chat rooms: These are virtual communication platform where many people in contact with family, friends, a software application that is used to access and view web pages in the internet.

Examples are Mozilla, Google chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari etc.

• Download: This is the process of retrieving information from the internet onto a personal computer.  
• Upload: This is the process of transmitting a file from a local computer onto the internet  
• Home page: This is the start page of any website. It refers to the initial or main pages of a website that loads when a user specific the URL of a website in a web browser
• Web pages: A web page is an html document or resource of information in a website that is presented as a page.
• Website: The website is a collection of webpages that are related on an entity, activity or event.
• ISP( Internet Service Provider):  is a company that provides individuals and companies
• Address Bar: The address bar is the box at the top of the browser window that display the entire URL (Uniform Address Locator) or website address 
• E- mail: A mails that is sent and received through the internet is called an e-mail. For a user to send and receive message on the internet he/she must have an email address. Examples of an e-mail address are lavun@gmail.com, thinkpositive@yahoo.com suliebida@gmail.com etc.

APPLICATIONS OF INTERNET

1.     Communication

2.     Information Retrieval

3.     E-commerce

4.     Entertainment

5.     Social Networking

6.     Education and E-learning

7.     Telecommuting and Remote Work

8.     Health Services

9.     Government Services

10.  IoT (Internet of Things)

11.  Cloud Computing

12.  Online Gaming

Digital Media and Content Creation

7. Applications of Internet

These are various examples of the wide-ranging applications of the internet across various domains. As technology is going to continue to enable, new applications and possibilities will be emerged. Here are some of the key applications of the internet, including: Communication

Internet applications facilitate global communication via several that means like as messaging, voice and video calls, social media, email, and collaborative platforms. They connect individuals worldwide, enabling instant sharing of information, ideas, and experiences, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering a global community.

Examples of Internet Application for Communication:

•        WhatsApp

•        Skype

•        Facebook Messenger

•        Zoom

•        Slack

•        Discord

•        Telegram

•        Microsoft Teams

•        Snapchat

•        Instagram Direct

Information Retrieval

Information retrieval involves the retrieval and presentation of relevant data from vast online resources. It utilizes search engines, algorithms, and indexing techniques to efficiently locate and deliver desired information to users, enhancing their access to knowledge and facilitating efficient navigation through the digital landscape.

Examples of Internet Application for Information Retrieval:

•        Google Search

•        Yahoo Search

•        DuckDuckGo

•        Bing

•        Wikipedia

•        YouTube

•        Amazon

•        IMDb (Database for movies, TV shows, and celebrities)

•        PubMed (Database of biomedical literature)

•        TripAdvisor (Database of hotels, restaurants, and travel destinations)

E-commerce

E-commerce means to the online buying and selling of products and services. It involves platforms that enable users to browse product catalogs, make purchases, conduct secure online transactions, track orders, and engage in customer support, providing convenient and global access to commercial transactions.

Examples of Internet Application for E-commerce:

•        Amazon

•        Konga

•        Jumia

•        Jiji

•        Ajebomarket

•        Meesho

•        eBay

•        Alibaba

•        Shopify

•        AliExpress

•        Best Buy

8. Entertainment

Entertainment in internet applications encompasses a wide range of digital platforms and services that provide users with access to various forms of amusement and leisure. This enables with streaming services for movies, TV shows, social media for content consumption, music, gaming platforms, and other online platforms for reading books or comics, with among others.

Examples of Internet Application for Entertainment:

•        Netflix

•        YouTube

•        VOOT

•        Spotify

•        Twitch

•        ALT Balaji

•        Instagram

•        TikTok

•        Disney+

•        Sony Liv

•        Amazon Prime Video

•        Apple Music

•        Audible

Social Networking

Social networking is a digital platform that offers individuals to make connection and interact with others, share content, and build online communities as well. Users are also able to create profiles, send friend requests, photos, and videos, share posts, and engage over communication and networking along with people across the world.

Examples of Internet Application for Social Networking:

•        Facebook

•        Instagram

•        Twitter

•        LinkedIn

•        Tumblr

•        Snapchat

•        Pinterest

•        Reddit

•        TikTok

•        WhatsApp

•        WeChat

9. Education and E-learning

Education and e-learning refer to involve digital platforms and tools that enable individuals to access educational resources, courses, and interactive learning experiences online. Users can engage in virtual classrooms, access study materials, participate in discussions, and acquire knowledge and skills remotely, fostering flexible and accessible education opportunities.

Examples of Internet Application for E-learning:

•        Coursera

•        Nuel

•        Khan Academy

•        Udemy

•        edX

•        Duolingo

•        Unacademy

•        LinkedIn Learning

•        Udacity

•        Codecademy

•        Google Classroom

Telecommuting and Remote Work

Telecommuting and remote work in internet applications involve the use of digital tools and platforms that enable individuals to work from anywhere, away from traditional office settings. Internet applications like as project management tools, video conferencing, and cloud-based collaboration platforms serve communication, productivity, and collaboration over remote work environments.

Examples of Internet Application for Telecommuting & Remote Work:

•        Slack

•        Trello

•        Google Drive

•        Asana

•        com

•        GitHub

•        Evernote

•        Dropbox

•        Basecamp

•        Jira

•        Toggl

•        Airtable

Health Services

In internet applications, health services refer to digital platforms and tools that provide access to healthcare resources, information, and services online. These applications may include telemedicine, health information portals, appointment scheduling, online pharmacies, and virtual fitness and wellness programs, facilitating convenient and remote access to healthcare and wellness services.

Examples of Internet Application for Health Services:

•        WebMD

•        Zocdoc

•        MyFitnessPal

•        GoodRx

•        HealthTap

•        Headspace

•        Calm

•        MyChart

•        7 Cups

•        Fitbit

10. Government Services

Government services involve to digital platforms and tools provided by government entities to deliver information, resources, and services to citizens. These applications include online portals for accessing government forms, e-filing of taxes, online registration for services, and information hubs for government programs and initiatives, enhancing convenience and accessibility for citizens.

Examples of Internet Application for Government Services:

•        uk (Official website of the UK government)

•        gov (Official website of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in USA)

•        MyGov (Online government portal in India)

•        ca (Official website of the Government of Canada)

•        gov (Official website of the United States government)

•        MyGovHK (Online platform in Hong Kong)

•        ABR (Australian Business Register) {For Australia}

IoT (Internet of Things)

The Internet of Things (IoT) in internet applications involve to the integration of each day objects and devices along with the internet, enabling them to make connection, communicates, and swaps data. IoT applications include smart homes, wearable devices, industrial automation, and smart cities, enhancing efficiency, automation, and connectivity in various domains.

Examples of Internet Application for Internet of Things:

•        Smart Home Systems

•        Wearable Devices enabled with IoT

•        Industrial Automation

•        Smart Cities

•        Connected Cars

•        Retail and Inventory Management

•        Environmental Monitoring

Cloud Computing

In internet applications, Cloud computing involves to the delivery of computing resources, enabling processing power, storage, software, over the internet. It allows users to grant access and use these resources on-demand, from anywhere and anytime, without getting to the need for physical infrastructure, permitting for scalability, flexibility, and affordability in application development and deployment.

Examples of Internet Application for Cloud Computing:

•        Amazon Web Services (AWS)

•        Microsoft Azure

•        Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

•        Salesforce

•        Salesforce

•        Slack

•        Adobe Creative Cloud

•        Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)

•        IBM Cloud

•        Box