Overview
This lecture covers types of internet connections, services provided by ISPs, wireless vs. wired technologies, messaging, cloud and file-sharing technologies, and related advantages and disadvantages.
The Internet & Networks
- The internet is a global network of computers and devices linked to share information.
- A network is two or more computing devices connected to share data.
- WAN (Wide Area Network) covers large areas like cities or countries; global networks connect continents.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
- ISP: Company providing internet access and related services for a monthly fee.
- ISP services include internet access, web hosting, email, spam filtering, wired/wireless options.
Internet Connection Criteria
- Factors: mobility, speed, data cap (limit/uncapped), shaped/unshaped service.
- Broadband: High-speed, high-bandwidth internet connection.
Wired Connections
- ADSL: Uses telephone lines; split for calls and internet, speed decreases with distance from exchange.
- Fiber: Uses glass fiber cables, faster and more stable than ADSL or cellular.
- Wired connections have monthly ISP and line rental costs; generally more stable than cellular.
Wireless Connections
- Wireless internet uses cellular data, dongles, and Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Main advantage: access from almost anywhere; main disadvantage: coverage and speed can drop in remote areas.
- Wi-Fi connects devices wirelessly to existing ADSL/fiber networks, typically covers small areas (hotspots).
- Some devices only connect via Wi-Fi; others support cellular (SIM card) for broader mobility.
Mobile Devices & Messaging
- Mobile devices are expected to be always on and connected (3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi).
- Instant messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp) provide real-time, low-cost communication but can lead to security and privacy issues.
VoIP & Video Conferencing
- VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): Makes phone calls via the internet (e.g., Skype), usually cheaper but needs stable, fast internet.
- Video conferencing enables remote meetings with audio/video; requires good lighting, privacy, and pre-testing audio/video.
Cloud Computing & Online Storage
- Cloud computing runs programs online; no installation needed, but reliant on internet and incurs monthly fees.
- Online storage saves files in the cloud, enabling sharing and retrieval from anywhere, but may have space limits and require payment for extra space.
File Sharing & Protocols
- Email attachments are easy for small files but not secure or suitable for large files.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring large files between computers; cloud storage often replaces FTP today.
Grid Computing
- Grid computing combines resources from multiple computers to solve complex problems, useful in scientific analysis.
- Advantages: cost-effective, uses idle resources; disadvantages: needs fast network, may spread malware.
Government Internet Services
- Government services online provide access to applications, renewals, and accounts.
- Benefits: convenience, immediate feedback; obstacles include digital divide, high setup costs, and security concerns.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Internet — A worldwide network connecting computers and devices for information sharing.
- ISP (Internet Service Provider) — A company selling internet access and services.
- Broadband — High-speed, high-bandwidth internet connection.
- ADSL — Internet via telephone lines, slower than fiber, speed drops with distance.
- Fiber — Internet via glass cables, faster and more stable than ADSL/cellular.
- Wi-Fi — Wireless connection to an existing network, limited area.
- VoIP — Technology for making voice calls via the internet.
- Cloud computing — Running applications and storing data online.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol) — Protocol for transferring files between computers.
- Grid computing — Using multiple computers’ resources to solve a single problem.
- Digital divide — Gap between those with and without internet access.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review definitions and differences between ADSL, fiber, and wireless connections.
- Study advantages and disadvantages of each connection type and service (table/chart recommended).
- Familiarize with risks and best practices for messaging, video conferencing, and cloud use.
- Know two advantages and disadvantages for government internet services for exam purposes.