Computer Skills and Applications II Unit 2.00 – The Internet and World Wide Web Objective 2.01 – The Internet

What is the Internet? The Internet is a collection of networks that are connected together for exchange of Information When the computer is connected to the Internet, it is said to be “online.”

Uses of the Internet Communicate with people around the world. Messages can reach people around the world in seconds. Read updates on current events Leading news channels use the Internet at a medium to provide updated news. Search for information on any specific topic Take classes and exams online

Uses of the Internet The Internet can be used for entertainment Listen to music Play games Watch movies Share pictures Buy and sell products. One can use a credit card to pay online E-Commerce

Internet Connection Requirements Items needed to connect to the Internet A computer or computing device A connection device (a modem) An Internet Service Provider (ISP) Types of Computers: Personal computer Portable computer (laptop) Mobile devices (cell phone or a handheld device)

Internet Connection Requirements Connection Device: Modem – converts digital information into analog information to be transmitted. Can be internal or external Internet Service Provider (ISP) A company that provides Internet connectivity to Individuals businesses and organizations May also provide additional services Additional storage space

Internet Connection Requirements Methods used to connect to the Internet: Cables (Cat 5 wire – Much like a phone line) This is called a physical connection Wireless Technology Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Provides wireless communication between a computer and a network WiFi is not physically connected to an ISP Access Point (AP) – this is used to connect a wireless computer to a wired network. The wired network belongs to a Internet Service Provider

Types of Internet Connections Dedicated Dial-Up Dedicated Internet Connection Allows computer to be connected to the Internet all the time Always connected to the ISP Used by large organizations, universities Example: T1, DSL, and Cable Modem More expensive Dial-Up Connections Need to request a connection from the ISP when Internet use is wanted You may disconnect when done using the Internet Less expensive

What is Bandwidth? Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network. Measures by Mbps (megabits per second) Kbps (Kilobits per second) Bps (bits per second) Rate of transfer of data will depend on ISP’s equipment Type of Internet connection Number of people using the same connection at the same time

Internet Connections Dial-Up Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Cable Modem Data transfer rates up to 56.6 Kbps Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Always connected to the Internet Data transfer rates is between 384 kbps to 8Mbps Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADLS) One type of DSL connection A special modem is needed Cable Modem High speed Internet connection from cable TV provider Data transfer rates of 4 Mbps

Internet Connections T1 Line Wireless Provides a dedicate phone line Popular among businesses Data transfer rates of 154.4 Mbps Wireless Connects to a modem or T1 line and then connects to an ISP May not get the full rate of transfer with a wireless connection Data transfer rates of 11Mbps to 45 Mbps Some wireless connections may differ