Internet

Concept & Meaning

• The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that uses standard communication protocols to link millions of computers and digital devices worldwide, enabling information sharing, communication, and service delivery.
• Standard Exam Definition: Internet is a network of networks that allows global communication and information exchange through ICT.

Nature and Characteristics of Internet

The Internet is:

• Global – worldwide connectivity
• Decentralized – no single controlling authority
• Interactive – supports two-way communication
• Multimedia-based – text, audio, video, graphics
• Dynamic – continuously updated information
• Time-independent – 24×7 availability
• User-driven – content creation and sharing by users
• 🔑 Exam Line: Internet is the backbone of cyber extension.

Components of Internet 

1. Hardware: Hardware refers to the physical devices required to access and transmit information on the Internet. It includes computers, servers, routers, modems, smartphones, and tablets.
   These devices enable users to connect, send, receive, and store data. Hardware forms the physical foundation of the Internet.
2. Software: Software consists of programs and applications that allow users to access and use Internet services. It includes web browsers, application software, and operating systems. Software helps in viewing web pages, running apps, and managing system operations. Software acts as the interface between user and hardware.
3. Network Infrastructure: Network infrastructure provides the connectivity framework of the Internet. It includes Internet Service Providers (ISPs), broadband and mobile networks, and satellites and optical fiber cables. This infrastructure ensures data transmission over long distances. Network infrastructure enables global connectivity.
4. Protocols: Protocols are standard rules that govern data transmission over the Internet.
   TCP/IP is the basic communication protocol, HTTP/HTTPS is used for web communication, and FTP is used for file transfer. Protocols ensure smooth and standardized communication.
5. Data / Content: Data or content refers to the information available on the Internet.
   It includes web pages, databases, and multimedia content such as text, images, audio, and video. Content is the main purpose for which the Internet is used. Content is the information resource of the Internet.
6. Users: Users are the end participants who access and utilize Internet services. They include individuals, institutions, and organizations. Users create, share, and consume information on the Internet. Users are the driving force of the Internet.

Internet services

i) World Wide Web (WWW)

Concept: The World Wide Web (WWW) is a collection of interlinked hypertext documents (web pages) accessed through the Internet using a web browser.
It provides multimedia information including text, images, audio, and video.

Discovery & Standards

• Invented by Tim Berners-Lee
• Developed at CERN
• Invented in 1989, publicly released in 1991
• Works on HTTP / HTTPS protocol
• Web pages are written in HTML
• Web addresses are identified by URL

🔑 Exam Trap: WWW is a service of the Internet, not the Internet itself.

ii) E-mail

Concept: Electronic mail (E-mail) is used to send and receive digital messages instantly.
It supports text, documents, images, and multimedia files and is widely used for formal communication.

Discovery & Standards

• First e-mail sent by Ray Tomlinson
• Year: 1971
• Introduced the @ (at) symbol
• Uses:
  • SMTP → sending
  • POP3 / IMAP → receiving

🔑 MCQ Point: E-mail is asynchronous communication.

iii) Search Engines

Concept: Search engines are tools that help users locate information from millions of websites quickly.

Discovery & Working

• First search engine: Archie (1990)
• Use web crawlers / spiders
• Rank results using algorithms (relevance, links, keywords)

🔑 Exam Line Search engines reduce information retrieval time.

iv) Online Chat & Instant Messaging

Concept: Chat and instant messaging services enable real-time text communication and instant feedback.

Technical Facts

• Provide synchronous communication
• Use TCP/IP protocol
• Support text, voice, and video communication

🔑 MCQ Point Chat = real-time (synchronous) communication.

v) Video Conferencing

Concept: Video conferencing allows face-to-face interaction using audio and video over the Internet.

Technical Facts

• Uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
• Requires high bandwidth & stable connectivity
• Used for: Online meetings, Webinars, E-training, Virtual classrooms

🔑 Exam Line: Video conferencing enables virtual interaction.

vi) Social Networking

Concept: Social networking platforms allow users to create, share, and exchange information and interact socially.

Key Features

• Supports user-generated content
• Enables many-to-many communication
• Promotes: Community building, Peer learning, Knowledge diffusion

🔑 MCQ Point: Social networking supports farmer-to-farmer communication.

vii) Cloud Computing

Concept: Cloud computing provides online storage, processing, and computing services through the Internet.

Discovery & Models

• Term popularized in 2006
• Service models:
  • IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service
  • PaaS – Platform as a Service
  • SaaS – Software as a Service
• Data stored on remote servers

🔑 Exam Line: Cloud computing supports scalability and cost reduction.

viii) E-learning & MOOCs

Concept: E-learning refers to Internet-based education and training systems.

Key Facts

• MOOCs = Massive Open Online Courses
• Allow unlimited participation
• Support self-paced learning
• Used for distance & lifelong education
• Operated using Learning Management Systems (LMS)

🔑 MCQ Point: E-learning promotes self-learning and flexibility.

ix) E-commerce

Concept: E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services electronically over the Internet.

Technical Facts

• Uses secure payment gateways
• Depends on HTTPS encryption
• Reduces middlemen
• Expands global market access

🔑 Exam Line: E-commerce reduces transaction cost.

x) E-governance

Concept: E-governance is the use of ICT and Internet for electronic delivery of government services.

Key Features

• Improves transparency & accountability
• Enables: Online applications, Tracking services
• Reduces paperwork and delays

🔑 MCQ Point: E-governance supports digital service delivery.

xi) Mobile Applications

Concept: Mobile applications are software programs designed for smartphones that deliver Internet-based services.

Technical Facts

• Depend on mobile Internet (3G / 4G / 5G)
• Provide location-specific & real-time services
• Most widely used Internet service tool today

🔑 Exam Line: Mobile apps enable real-time advisory services.

INTERNET 

• Internet originated from ARPANET
• ARPANET started in 1969
• Internet is a network of networks
• Basic protocol: TCP/IP (adopted in 1983)
• Standards governed by Internet Engineering Task Force
• Web standards maintained by World Wide Web Consortium

One-line super facts

• WWW invented by Tim Berners-Lee
• First e-mail sent in 1971
• ARPANET started in 1969
• TCP/IP adopted in 1983
• WWW uses HTTP/HTTPS
• E-mail uses SMTP, POP3, IMAP
• Chat = synchronous
• E-mail = asynchronous
• Cloud computing = remote services
• MOOCs allow mass participation