Chapter 9 Review A

Explain how and why the Internet was created.

The computer was initially used to perform calculations,and in order to share information form one computer to another, one had to save the information on a magnetic tape. During the cold war, the US military wanted a more efficient way of sharing data, so they created a network of computers called ARPANET. ARPANET grew and grew until it became an international network, the internet.

Describe the technology that’s at the heart of the Internet.

The technology at the heart of the internet is the TCP/IP protocol. It is used to connect different types of networks in computer systems.It uses a system similar to a postal one, breaking down information into packets and sending it to where it needs to be sent. It also uses an addressing system for the internet, so its clear where all information needs to be sent to.

Describe the technology that makes the Web work as a multimedia mass medium.

Nowadays, web browsers offer plug-ins, which are basically software extensions that add new features. One a person downloads the plug in, they can take advantage of different applications and multi-media available on the web.

Discuss the tools people use to build Web sites.

People use various scripted languages to create webpages, such as HTML, Dynamic HTML, Java, Active X and XML. Websites can be further programmed to include updates, applications, etc with more complex languages such as Perl.

Discuss the trends that are changing the Internet and the way people use it.

As the internet grows, people are finding more uses of it and changing it. There are online businesses where one can purchase items. Most communication is easily accomplished through the internet. There are often live broadcasts of news and live streaming movies. People share movies, music and various other files. As the uses of the internet become more complex. More sophisticated and efficnet websites are designed with more applications and capabilities.

Discuss some of the most important social and political issues raised by the growth of the Internet.

The internet creates a means of sharing information. Sometimes this leads to people sharing files that may be copyrighted and may hurt the incomes of those responsible for the files, such as music artisists and so on. It can be considered teh theft of intellectual property.
Also, because the inteernet isn't centralized, and is more of a global network, it can't be governed over. Any sites that offer inappropriate or offensive material can't be blocked.
There are also lots of privacy and security ciolations due to hacking and identity theft. People are also scammed in "get rich quick schemes and so on by con artists online.

Describe various ways that governments restrict access to the Internet.

Because the internet isn't centralized, its difficult to censor information or set guidelines for the internet. Some countries try to control the internet by routing the internet through a centralized control center. Here, technicians attempt to block any information they have been ordered to, before it reaches the person trying to access the internet.