Use Of The Internet example essay topic

The Internet, or Net, is a vast network of computers that connect many of the world's businesses, institutions, and individuals. The computers that form the Internet range from a various number of huge mainframes in research used to span Internet access to PCs all over the world. Despite the recent publicity, the Internet is not a new thing. Its' roots lie in a collection of computers that were linked together in the 1970's to form the US Department of Defense's communications systems. Fearing the consequences of nuclear attack, there was no central computer holding vast amounts of data, but instead the information was dispersed across thousands of machines. A protocol known as TCP / IP was developed to allow different devices to work together.

The original network has been upgraded and expanded greatly since its' first appearance and is still used today. The Internet has gone on now to fulfill a great deal, more than it's intended purpose, and has definitely brought more good than bad. (Encarta) Millions of people worldwide are using the Internet to share information, make new associations and communicate. Individuals and businesses, from students and journalists, to consultants, programmers and corporate giants are all using the power of the Net. For many businesses the Internet is becoming an important part to their operations. Imagine the ability to send and receive data, messages, notes, letters, documents, pictures, video, sound, or any other form of communication, as effortlessly as making a phone call.

It is easy to understand why the Internet is rapidly becoming the mostly used form of communication. Using the mouse on your computer, the familiar point-and-click method gives you access to electronic mail, or e-mail, for sending and receiving data, and file transfer for copying files from one computer to another. (McWhorter) With the explosion of the World Wide Web, anyone could publish his or her ideas to the world. Before, in order to be heard one would have to go through publishers who were willing to invest in his / her ideas to get something put into print or action. This gives the average person the biggest chance and the least amount of hassle. With the use of the Internet, anyone who has something to say can be heard by the world.

By letting everyone speak their mind, this opens up all new ways of thinking to anyone who is willing to listen. (Encarta) The Internet offers a new way of doing business. A virtual market place where customers can, at the push of a button, select goods, place an order and pay using a secure electronic transaction. Businesses are discovering the Net as the most powerful and cost effective tool in history.

The Net provides a faster, more efficient way for colleagues, customers, vendors and business partners to work. Businesses making the transition over to 'e-business' are increasing. However, those that do not will most certainly suffer the consequences. Unlike print or broadcasting media, the Internet is interactive; and unlike the telephone, it is both visual and full of content.

A Web site is an excellent way to reduce costs, improve customer service, distribute information and even sell your merchandise. A very important fact is that the Internet supports online education. Online education introduces unprecedented options for teaching, learning, and knowledge building. Today access to a microcomputer, modem, telephone line, and communication program offers students and teachers the possibility of interactions that overcome the restrictions of time and space. There are many school based networks that link learners to discuss, share, and examine specific subjects such as environmental concerns, science, local, and global issues, or to enhance written communication skills. The introduction of online education opens unique opportunities for educational interactivity.

Students may learn independently at their own pace and learn in a convenient location and time. They will be receiving knowledge through a greater variety of subjects and teachers. (McWhorter) The most important facts about the Internet are that it contains a wealth of information, that can be sent across the world almost instantly, and that it can connect people in very different locations as if they were next to each other. People of different characteristics can share information with one another through e-mail and chat rooms. E-mail is enabling millions of people a day to communicate worldwide.

Approximately 225 million people can send and receive it and they all represent a network of individuals communicating using the fastest and easiest tool for communicating. Mailing list, discussion groups, and online conferencing allow us to gather together to work on a multitude of projects that are interesting or helpful to us. Chat rooms and mailing lists can connect groups of users to discuss topics or share ideas. Materials from users can be added to their Web site to share with others and can be updated quickly and easily at anytime. There of course are drawbacks to the Internet and the information it holds. Since it is open to anyone with a computer or access to a computer, anyone can use it even if used for bad reasons.

Harassment and abuse are probably the biggest concern with the Net. A big problem that the Internet holds is privacy and because most information is available with the touch of a key, privacy is very limited. Even with methods of security, hackers can break into privately secured information and if the hacker doesn't do damage a virus will. Computer viruses are as agile and adaptive as human and animal viruses.

Despite programs and firewalls that prevent such viruses, there will always be a virus stronger than its' enemies. Another drawback is the health problems caused by the Internet. Since it is so addictive, health officials have come up with a new illness caused by long hours on the Internet. This illness is referred to as Internet Addiction Syndrome or IAS.

This illness may destroy the lives of many by depriving them of sleep and food, which may cause stress, depression, lack of concentration, and loneliness. The Internet becomes a drug to those with IAS and without it may become angry and violent towards people and them selves. Another and more important problem is the use of the Internet for illegal transactions. Since the Internet is always available to anyone, criminals may use it to work their harm on the public. Cyber terrorism and cyber warfare are just two types of crimes committed on the Web. The biggest problem presented with the Internet is its' diversity, which allows criminals to communicate to each other quick and easy.

A lot of evidence pointed to Web as a communication key in the September 11 attacks. This is why the Web's diversity and availability may cause problems in the future. (Trenholm) (Encarta) Today the Internet is a highly effective tool for communicating, for gathering information and for cooperation between distant locations. There is continuous development and improvement of the Internet. Many businesses are discovering new ways to reach their customers, improve efficiency, and new products and services to sell. In the next 10 years, somebody will figure out how to charge for information on the Net, so you won't get things necessarily for free.

That will have several good effects, including a way to pay authors for their work. Also, because of the economic encouragement, it will become easier to filter out the good from the bad. There are even rumors of a second Internet that will be more user friendly. People would not have to have certain applications and programs to run the Net. Anyone with a computer will share the same material even if the computers are different. They can find all the necessary elements already on the Wed, which would make the Internet more efficient.

(Encarta) The Web is like a library that many people access for the sake of comfort. Arguments can be made for the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet, but most people will agree that the Internet is a fortunate thing for technology. It is not a question of whether or not the advantages of the Internet outweigh the disadvantages. It is about an understanding of the risks and personal assumptions of using this type of technology when working to achieve goals. Once the security problems are handled, the costs are programmed, and the searching problems are perfected, the possibilities are endless. However, governmental action can't really make any difference, because the Internet is too far out of their hands.