The Ultimate Guide to Internet, Technology, and Security
HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
HTML is the foundation of the web. It’s a markup language that allows you to create web pages. WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editors make it easy to create HTML documents without needing to know the code.
Key Concepts in HTML:
- Web Template: A pre-designed layout for a web page.
- Link: A connection from text or graphics to another web page or resource.
- Frames: Subdivisions on a web page allowing for the display of multiple content sections.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Used to separate the content from the styles, making it easier to manage the look and feel of a website.
- Java Applets: Applications using the Java programming language.
- Shockwave and Flash: Enable web pages to include video and animations.
Chatting and Video Conferencing
This section explores various ways to communicate online.
IRC and Webchat
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) allows internet users to meet in channels for live conversations. You need a chat client and a chat server to connect. Once logged in, choose a username and nickname, select a channel, and start chatting. OPS (Channel Operators) control the content and participants.
IM (Instant Messaging)
Programs like Messenger allow one-to-one conversations using a buddy list/contact list.
Video Conferencing
Live connection between two or more participants in separate locations using the internet to exchange audio and video data. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) turns analog audio signals into digital data.
3D Environments
VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) allows for the creation of 3D environments on the web.
Internet Security
Protecting yourself online is crucial.
Cybercriminals
Crackers or black-hat hackers use technology for crimes like virus propagation, fraud, and intellectual property theft.
Internet-Based Crimes
- Scam: Fraudulent scheme to obtain money or valuables.
- Phishing: Impersonating a legitimate entity to steal personal information.
- Bank Fraud: Attempting to gain access to banking information.
- Online Harassment: Abuse that occurs in online spaces, often due to anonymity.
- Piracy: Illegal copying and distribution of copyrighted software, music, and video files.
Malware
Malicious software created to damage or alter computer data. Examples include: Viruses, Worms, Trojan Horses, Spyware.
E-commerce
Buying and selling online.
Key Concepts in E-commerce:
- Shopping Cart Program: Helps shoppers manage their orders.
- SSL (Secure Socket Layer): Encrypts communication between the user’s browser and the website.
- Payment Gateway: Facilitates online payments.
- Digital Wallet: Electronic wallet for online shopping.
- Bricks and Clicks: Companies with both a physical and online presence.
- Internet Auctions: Websites like eBay where people buy and sell products through bidding.
- B2B (Business-to-Business): Transactions between businesses.
- B2C (Business-to-Consumer): The most common type of e-commerce.
- C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Transactions between individuals, like on eBay.
Online Banking
Managing your finances online.
Electronic Banking
Performing banking transactions electronically. Includes online banking and internet banking. Traditional banks are becoming brick and click banks.
Wireless Banking
Using wireless networks to access financial institutions.
Online Banking Activities
- Paying bills online
- Checking account balances
- Receiving notifications and warnings
- Trading stocks online
Online Security
- PIN (Personal Identification Number)
- TAN (Transaction Authorization Number)
- Security Tokens: Generate a one-time code for authentication.
Biometric Authentication
The most secure method of identifying the user of a bank account.
Mobile Phones
Staying connected on the go.
Cellular Phones
Devices that enable communication over a wide area called the coverage area. Roaming allows you to use your phone outside your service provider’s network. Out of Range means you cannot communicate with a base station.
Mobile Communication Technologies
- GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication)
- UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System)
Robots
Automated machines that perform tasks.
Robots
Computer-programmed machines that perform actions and manipulate objects. They can be automata or man-like machines. Actuators create the movement of the robot. Robots depend on a computer system and often incorporate AI (Artificial Intelligence).
Intelligent Homes
Automating your home with technology.
Domotics (Home Automation)
Using information technology to create intelligent systems within the home, controlling appliances like microwave ovens and washing machines. Intelligent homes connect devices through a LAN (Local Area Network). Command initiators and command receivers send and receive instructions.
Bluetooth
Short-range radio system for communication between portable devices.
Future Trends
Emerging technologies shaping the future.
Smaller and Faster
Technology is constantly evolving towards smaller and faster devices.
Nanotechnology
The science of creating and using materials at the atomic and molecular level. This includes nanorobots (robots formed from molecules) and nanocomputers (molecule-sized computers).
Quantum Computers
Based on quantum mechanics, these computers could be millions of times faster than current computers.
DNA Computers
Using DNA to perform computations at incredible speeds.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Tags)
Used for tracking and identification.
Immersive Internet
Transforming the internet from a 2D experience to a 3D one.