Surf's up Web Surfers!

Herrmann, Klaus. Klaus Hermann. 13 Dec 2011. Google. Web.25 Jan.2012. 

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While surfing the World Wide Web, Have you ever asked yourself questions like, "Where am I pulling this information from?" or "What is the technical explanation for how the Internet works?" Well to answer those questions, first let's gain a clear understanding on what the Internet is.

What is the Internet?

 

The Internet is basically a network (group) of computers from all over the globe,  linked together for the purpose of data sharing. Just as human language is intended for communication between two human beings, computers share and follow a distinct set of communication rules which make up a protocol. Without this, there is no communication and data sharing. In fact, staring at the walls may be more exciting at that point.

How Does the Internet Work?
There isn't a simple answer to this question. There are several elements that work in conjunction in order for the Internet to work. See this blog for an in depth explanation on how the Internet works.

Protocols
Visiting protocols once again - just note that there are more protocols that exist, but for the purpose of this post topic, we are discussing two. Aside from actual computer hardware, these are mandatory elements.

• Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) -  Computers, smart phones, tablets, and other devices that accesses the web, connect to the Internet using TCP/IP. This protocol contains the rule set for accessing the Internet.
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP) -  This is the Internet's standard protocol for transferring files (uploading and downloading) such as music, pictures, and documents.

Google Images

How is the Internet Used?

The Internet is a portal to a wealth of information, therefore, It is a very useful tool. The most popular way that the Internet is used, is for searching the World Wide Web. Individuals from all walks of life can benefit from web surfing. Business professionals surf the web for leading marketing trends, advertising, networking, and to find ways to expand their businesses. Students often scour the web to research things and to stay in sync with academic responsibilities (using e-mail, or online courses).

Overall, from government officials to grandparents, people use the web (by way of the Internet) to enhance their lifestyles and carry out business..so the next time someone invites you to go web surfing, leave the bug spray at home (unless you're a programmer).

 

The History of The Internet and The World Wide Web

The Internet was born sometime in the early 1960s and was used solely for government operations/ communications. Due to a security concern, in 1962, the Department of Defense was ordered to start the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). J.C.R. Licklider was the project lead. He devised ideas that were stored in memos and were the first public references to the notion of the Internet.

The functionality of Circuit Switching lead to the ideas of data networking and packet switching.  Leonard Kleinrock outlined this idea and helped to develop the new technology (at that time) known as Packet Switching. Packet Switching enabled data to be migrated in individual packets by way of various routes unlike circuit switching. This technology was programmed into Interface Message Processors (IMP).

After establishing a way to transfer data, on September 2, 1969, Reps from BBN furnished UCLA's lab with the first IMP. By 1969, four universities were listed as the foundation of the global network (Internet).



Lastly, My Perspective

Reading the first chapter of  Discovering the Internet: Complete Concepts and Techniques, by Shelly Cashman, has given me some further insight on the early workings of the Internet. This leads to my conclusion:

The Internet is the staple between computers and my life; providing me with the ability to tackle countless tasks, it has become a bare necessity. Although I am a glutton for technology, I will say this- we as a universe, have become so dependent upon technology that we forget the simple things in life. I couldn't tell you the last time I've attempted to remember a telephone number or, in a feeble attempt to secure new gadgets, I can't recall traveling all the way to the store, only to discover that what I wanted is sold out. Simplicity can sometimes lead to complexity.



Google Images

 Every Yang has a Yin. Even that of the Internet.

How has the Internet improved your life? Are you also too dependent upon the Internet?






Links and References

To Purchase Shelly Cashman's book, click the link below:
Discovering the Internet: Complete Concepts and Techniques, Third Edition


More about the Internet: Internet Society

Becoming an Ultimate Blogger

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Amongst other forms of communication, blogging has become one of the more effective ways to deliver professional contents and every day thoughts. With millions of individuals surfing the web everyday, what better place is there to be noticed?

In an effort to gather some information on how to become effective at blogging, I've read 5 helpful articles  in which provide some great tips and testimonies on everyday blogging.

 In a post titled "How to Blog Almost Everyday", Chris Brogan shares his thoughts on ways that one can develop continuous blogging habits. Chris says, " It’s not easy, but once you develop the habits, they stick with you." Just like writing, blogging is something that matures with practice so most successful bloggers believe that the most important element of blogging is persistence.

After reading all 5 articles, I realized that they all have some key information in common- very interesting tips, and in some instances, the same perspectives on blogging daily. It is very helpful to know that whether blogging is done for business or for personal purposes, It is a very effective way to share information.




Here are my favorite tips...one from each author:

            1. Let your writing flow naturally. Writing as you would speak during a conversation helps

            to keep readers engaged and limit text editing (Farhad Manjoo, Slate).

            2. Use Photos in your blogs. Photos are a way to add life to your blog and keep blog
            followers interested (Chris Brogan)

            3. Give credit to other bloggers. When quoting something from an author or extracting
            information from their page, give them credit. Doing otherwise is called stealing and it is a
            form of disrespect to those who blog (Darrell Zahorsky, former About.com guide).

            4. Try not to get personal in posts. Stick to the lines of the blog title and limit the
            disclosure of personal information. At the end of the day, a reader is attracted to your post
            title, not your personal life  (Matthew Bandyk, US News and War Report).

            5. Build a blogging schedule. Setting aside time for blogging will help you to blog as
            much as possible (Darren Rowse, ProBlogger)..


It is concluded by the majority that blogging can be done in very little time. Always keep in mind the audience that you're communicating with and keep your post content interesting and persistent. You don't have to be perfectionist in order to become good at blogging so spend less time on being perfect and more time getting the content out.

 According to Darren Rowse, the author of "Use It or lose It", " six months is too long to go between newsletters. If you don’t use it – you lose it."


Now, do you have what it takes to become the ultimate blogger? Are you going to "Use It or lose It?"

Start blogging now: Create your free google account and create a profile on Blogger.

Related Article

eHow: How to Blog Successfully