Brief History of the Internet and Web browsers

The internet has grown and changed over the years.  It originally started as a U.S. government project that was called the ARPANET.  This was essentially just a group of networks that were combined together using the TCP protocol.  As it grew, changes needed to be made to the infrastructure.  This is when the World Wide Web was developed at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).  This is also when the first web browser was created.  Eventually Hyper Text Transfer Protocol was developed and this is when things really started becoming user friendly.  Browsers now had the capability to display images, music, and videos.  Newer browses built off of that and lead to what we have today.

References:  http://www.history.com/topics/inventions/invention-of-the-internet, Technology In Action, Introductory, pages 76-77

Photo Credit:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Applications-internet.svg

Methods of Communication – Social Networking

Social networking has drastically changed how people communicate.  Before social media, people talked directly whether that was in person or over the phone.  Social networking now makes it easier to communicate in groups but it comes at a cost.  We now have so much information that it can negatively affect how we act in public situations.  Some people are becoming less personal because they are communicating in groups online versus in person.  At times it’s great to have a ton of information but it’s about finding a happy medium.

References:  http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/051313p10.shtml, Technology In Action, Introductory, page 79.

Photo Credit:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/86530412@N02/7975205041

Methods of Communication – Email

Email has become the standard of communicating with others over the years.  Hard copies of documents and sending letters in an age where people are trying to be more “green” has dwindled.  It’s more cost effective and faster to send an email.  At times when you aren’t required to have hard copies, there really isn’t a need to do so.  Knowing that someone will receive an email and not having to worry if it will get lost in the mail can be a lifesaver.  While it’s not 100% secure, there are ways you can prevent issues like encryption.
References:  http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-use-email-business-communications-tool-21193.html, Technology In Action, Introductory, pages 79-80.

Photo Credit:  http://pngimg.com/download/19971

Methods of Communication – Wikis and Blogs

            Wikis and Blogs are a way to communicate when more specific topics are at hand.  Wikis are basically used for referencing a particular topic.  Multiple users can create and edit pages that the website is related too.  It gives you a way to share information with a main topic and sub categories.  Blogs give individuals a way to share information and their opinions on whatever subject matter they choose.  It is a way to be heard by people of similar interests.

References:  https://www.cio.com/article/2438542/web-services/blogs-and-wikis-in-the-business-world-definition-and-solutions.html, Technology In Action, Introductory, pages 81-83.

Photo Credit:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/…/File:Wiki-black.png

Methods of Communication – Podcasts and webcasts

            Podcasts and webcasts are essentially new age radio and television’s replacement.  They make it easy to watch or listen to a live or previously recorded show over the internet.  You’ll have access to content on your phone on the go or anywhere that you have a computer.  You’re no longer tethered to a TV or radio.  You’ll also have access to more content since they are relatively easy to produce as opposed to strictly sponsored content.

References:  https://www.techwalla.com/articles/difference-between-monaural-and-binaural-headsets, Technology In Action, Introductory, pages 83-84.

Photo Credit:  http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/Music-Headphone-Podcast-Podcasts-2633018

Methods of Communication – Streaming media

Methods of Communication – Streaming media

            Streaming media is similar to podcasts and webcasts with giving you the ability to access your content on a mobile device or on a computer.  Many companies are now offering their multimedia content with streaming media.  Companies such as Netflix only offer their content through streaming.  They even over full seasons at the day of a release instead of staggered over weeks, forcing people to wait for the next episode.  They allow you to get view their content without having to buy physical copies of disks.  This has proved to be a viable business model for them.

References:  http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/streaming-media,  https://medium.com/@AlexTomlinson/how-netflix-proves-business-model-innovation-works-b9c59ead1d1f, Technology In Action, Introductory, pages 85-86.

Photo Credit:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/tom-b/22374148

E-commerce and M-commerce

E-commerce is the term for buying products online.  M-commerce is buying products through mobile devices.  E-commerce has grown over the years.  When not having to pay for as much overhead with a brick and mortar store they can offer cheaper prices.  Companies like Amazon offer a prime account at a monthly or yearly fee with the ability to get free two day shipping.  This encourages you to buy more products to cover the cost of the fee.  Other companies are following suit.  Other companies also use E-commerce and M-commerce in conjunction with their retail stores allowing multiple ways to sell their products.

References:  https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mobile-commerce.asp, Technology In Action, Introductory, page 86.

Photo Credit:  https://pixabay.com/en/e-commerce-online-shop-web-template-1606962/