Exploring the Internet's Essential Services

Sep 1, 2024

Internet's Basic Services

Overview

  • Transition from discussing the history of the Internet to its basic services.
  • Key services provided by the Internet include:
    • Communication Services
    • Information Retrieval Services
    • Worldwide Web Services
    • Web Services
    • Directory Services
    • Usenet
    • Newsgroup
    • E-commerce

1. Communication Services

  • One of the most popular services of the Internet, also known as internet telephony.
  • Commonly used for contacting family and friends.
  • Types of communication services:
    • Instant Messaging (IM)
      • Text communication over the Internet in real-time.
      • Fastest-growing form of internet communication.
      • Examples: Facebook Messenger, Skype, Hangout, WhatsApp, WeChat.
      • WhatsApp has the highest number of active users among these.
    • Email
      • One of the first services provided by the Internet, facilitating data exchange (text, images, videos).
      • In 1996, more emails than postal mail were sent.
      • Features of email:
        1. Instant communications (messages sent in seconds).
        2. One-to-one or one-to-many communications.
        3. Free and easily accessible (requires internet connection and an email service provider).
      • Popular email service providers: Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, AOL, MSN, Yahoo Mail.
      • Advantages of Email:
        • Cheapest and fastest mail service.
        • Can send various data types (text, images, videos).
        • Email can be sent to multiple recipients.
        • Accessible anywhere with an internet connection.
      • Disadvantages of Email:
        • Requires internet access to send/receive emails.
        • Viruses can spread via email attachments.
        • Phishing scams targeting personal information.
        • No guarantee that the email will be read until checked.
        • Spam (unsolicited or unwanted emails).
    • Video Conferencing
      • Allows live audio and video communication between people in different locations.
      • Requires high bandwidth for proper functioning.
      • Emulates face-to-face conversations over the Internet.
      • Basic requirements for effective video conferencing:
        1. Good internet connection.
        2. Webcams at both ends.
        3. Computer screens or TV projectors.
        4. Good video conferencing software (e.g., WebEx, Zoom, Skype).
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Video Conferencing:
    • Students encouraged to think of two additional pros and cons not mentioned in the lecture.