Understanding the Internet: Services, Web 2.0, and More
Internet and Services
The Internet is a worldwide network of computers, allowing a large number of devices to connect through various communication protocols. This network provides a wide range of services:
- Web Browsing (WWW): A system of linked documents and files accessible through a web browser.
- E-mail: Sending messages between users.
- Newsgroups, Forums, Instant Messaging
- File Transfer: Quickly transfer files through FTP and file sharing.
- Voice Communication (VoIP) or Videoconference
- Radio, Television, and Press
Web 2.0: The Interactive Web
Web 1.0 refers to static web pages. Dynamic web pages, on the other hand, are interactive, allowing users to upload photos or videos and add entries. Web 2.0 is characterized by this interactivity. The term refers to a second generation of web applications based on user communities and services that generate and promote collaboration and information exchange.
Collaborative Tools in the Cloud
Document/File Repositories: Websites where files and digital information are stored.
Office Suites and Online Applications: Allow access and handling of files from any computer without installation.
This approach is based on the “Cloud.” This concept of computing uses various services, such as software development platforms, servers, storage, and software, over the Internet.
Many free online tools (requiring no installation) enable us to substitute programs installed on our computers. We can also store our work online, share it with other users, and distribute it.
Blogs and Wikis: Sharing Knowledge
A blog can range from a simple online diary to an expression, communication, and socialization tool. It’s a space to publish opinions, receive comments, and share photos.
A wiki is a collection of web pages collectively built around a specific topic, where anyone with permission can add, edit, or delete content.
Social Networks: Connecting People
A social network is a structure that allows various types of exchanges (financial, friendly, specialized topics) between individuals, based on relationships between members. They can be classified into two groups:
- Horizontal or Generalist: General-purpose networks like Facebook or Twitter.
- Vertical or Specialized: Networks that group people with a specific purpose:
- Professional profiles: LinkedIn or Xing
- Educational: Ning or Educared
Programming Web Pages: Static vs. Dynamic
A website is a set of linked documents (web pages) accessed through a common address. The documents are files and folders containing text, photos, buttons, icons, and animations, classified as:
- Static: Do not change and always show the same content. Made in HTML.
- Dynamic: Return different results depending on the user’s action. Made by combining HTML with dynamic languages.