Chapter 2 [Discovering Computers 2011] Introduction to Computers Review

 Assignment By : Tri Djoko Wahjono, Ir., M.Sc.

1. How Did the Internet Evolve?

The Internet, also called the Net, is a worldwide collection of networks that links millions of businesses, government agencies, educational, institutions, and individuals. The Internet has its roots in ARPANET, a network started in 1969 to link scientific and academic researchers across the United States. In 1986, the National Science Foundation connected its huge network, called NSFnet, to ARPANET, creating a configuration of complex networks and hosts that became known as the Internet. Today, more than 550 million host computers connect to the Internet.

2. What Are the Various Types of Internet Connections, and What Are the Differences between Broadband and Dial-Up Connections?

Many home and small business users opt to connect to the Internet via high-speed broadband Internet connections. DSL (digital subscriber line) provides Internet connections using regular copper telephone lines. Cable Internet service provides high-speed Internet access through the cable television network via a cable modem. Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) uses fiber-optic cable to provide high-speed Internet access. Fixed wireless provides high-speed Internet connections using a dish-shaped antenna to communicate via radio signals. A cellular radio network offers high speed Internet connections to devices with built-in compatible technology or computers with wireless modems. A Wi-Fi network uses radio signals. Satellite Internet service provides high-speed Internet connections via satellite. Some homes and small businesses connect to the Internet with dial-up access. Dial-up access, which is slower-speed technology, takes place when the modem in your computer connects to the Internet via a standard telephone line that transmits data and information using an analog (continuous wave) pattern.

3. What Are the Types of Internet Access Providers?

An access provider is a business that provides access to the Internet free or for a fee. An ISP (Internet service provider) is a regional or national access provider. An online service provider (OSP) provides Internet access in addition to members-only features. A wireless Internet service provider provides wireless Internet access to desktop and notebook computers and mobile devices with built-in wireless capabilities (such as Wi-Fi) or to  computers using wireless modems or wireless access devices.

4. What Is the Purpose of an IP Address, and What Is Its Relationship to a Domain Name?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a number that uniquely identifies each computer or device connected to the Internet. The Internet relies on IP addresses to send data to computers at specific locations. The IP address usually consists of four groups of numbers, each separated by a period. A domain name is the text version of an IP address.

5. What Is the Purpose of a Web Browser, and What Are the Components of a Web Address?

A Web browser,  or browser, is application software that allows users to access and view Web pages or access Web 2.0 programs. With an Internet connection established, you start a Web browser, which then retrieves and displays a starting Web page, sometimes called a home page. The home page usually contains links to other Web pages.  A link, short for hyperlink, is a built-in connection to another related Web page or part of a Web page. A  Web page has a unique address called a URL (Uniform  Resource Locator), or Web address. A Web address consists of a protocol, a domain name, and sometimes the path to a specific Web page or location on a Web page.

6. How Do You Use a Search Engine to Search for Information on the Web, and What Is the Difference between a Search Engine and a Subject Directory? 

A search engine is a program that finds Web sites, Web pages, images, videos, news, maps, and other information related to a specific topic. To use a search engine,  you enter a word or phrase, called search text or  a  search query, that describes the item you want to find.  Each word in the search text is known as a keyword.  The search engine displays a list of hits. When clicked,  each hit displays an associated Web site or Web page. A   subject directory classifies Web pages in an organized set of categories and related subcategories. By clicking links, you move through levels to display a list of Web  pages about a desired topic. displays an associated Web site or Web page. A directory classifies Web pages in an organize categories and related subcategories. By clicking links, you move through levels to display a list of Webpage about a desire topic.

7. What Are the Types of Web Sites?

A portal is a Web site that offers a variety of Internet services from a single  location. A news Web site contains newsworthy material. An informational Web site contains factual information. A business/marketing Web site promotes or sells products or services. A blog, short for Weblog, is an informal Web site consisting of time-stamped articles, or posts, in a diary or journal format, usually listed in reverse chronological order. A wiki is a collaborative Web site that allows users to create, add to, modify, or delete the Web site content via their Web browser. An online social network, or social networking Web site, encourages members to share their interests, ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other registered users. An educational Web site offers avenues for teaching and learning. An entertain- ment Web site provides an interactive and engaging envi- ronment. An advocacy Web site describes a cause, opinion, or idea. A Web application, or Web app, is a Web site that allows users to access and interact with software through a Web browser or any computer or device connected to the Internet. A content aggregator is a business that gathers and organizes Web content and then distributes, or feeds, the content to  subscribers for free or a fee. A personal Web site is maintained by a private individual or family.

8. How Do Web Pages Use Graphics, Animation, Audio, Video, Virtual Reality, and Plug-Ins?

Some Web pages use multimedia, which combines text with graphics, animation, audio, video, and/or  virtual reality. A graphic is a digital representation of nontext information such as a drawing, chart, or photo. Animation is the appearance of motion created by displaying a series of still images in sequence. Audio includes music, speech, or any other sound. Video consists of full-motion images played back at various speeds. Virtual reality (VR) is the use of computers to simulate an environment that appears as three-dimensional space. A plug-in, or add-on, is a program that extends a browser’s capability to display multimedia elements.

9. What Are the Steps Required for Web Publishing? 

Web publishing is the development and maintenance of Web pages. The fi ve major steps to Web publishing are: (1) plan a Web site, (2) analyze and design a Web site, (3) create a Web site, (4) deploy a Web site, and (5) maintain a Web site.

10. What Are the Types of E-Commerce?

E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, is a business transaction that occurs over an electronic network such as the Internet. Business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce consists of the sale of goods and services to the general public. Consumerto-consumer (C2C) e-commerce occurs when one consumer  sells directly to another, such as in an online auction.  Business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce takes place between businesses that exchange goods and  services.

11. How Do E-Mail, Mailing Lists, Instant Messaging, Chat Rooms, VoIP, Newsgroups and Message Boards, and FTP Work?

E-mail (short for  electronic mail) is the transmission of messages and fi les via a computer network.  A mailing list is a group of e-mail names and addresses  given a single name, so that everyone on the list receives  a message sent to the list. Instant messaging (IM) is a  real-time Internet  communications service that notifi es  you when one or more people are online. A chat room  is a location on an Internet server that permits users to  conduct real-time typed conversations. VoIP (Voice over  IP, or Internet Protocol), also called Internet telephony,  enables users to speak to other users over the Internet,  instead of the public switched telephone network. A   newsgroup is an online area in which users have written  discussions about a particular subject. A  message board  is a Web-based type of discussion group that is easier  to use than a newsgroup. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is  an Internet standard that permits fi le uploading and   downloading with other computers on the Internet.

12. What Are the Rules of Netiquette? 

Netiquette, which is short for Internet  etiquette, is the code of acceptable behaviors users should follow while on the Internet. Netiquette rules include: keep messages short, be polite, avoid sending flames or spam, use emoticons and acronyms, clearly identify a spoiler, read the FAQ,  12. do not assume material is accurate or up-to-date, and  never read someone’s private e-mail.