What Is the Internet and How Does It Work?
The internet is a network of interconnected computer networks that allows for the exchange of information. It is used by billions of people to access a variety of online services, such as email, social media, and news websites. The internet also allows people to communicate with each other, regardless of where they are on the planet. This is known as global connectivity.
The Internet has impacted almost every aspect of our daily lives. It has made work more efficient and enabled people to connect with others across the world. It has also empowered individuals with a sense of independence and helped them pursue their interests. In the case of CTN’s Home Connect learners, it has allowed them to update resumes, search for employment, and apply for vaccine appointments.
But what exactly is the internet? And how does it work? The answer to this is a bit complex. But we will try to keep this article as simple as possible.
The internet started with a series of research projects that began in the 1960s. At the time, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) was trying to create a system that would allow computers at different universities to “talk” to each other. Two researchers at MIT, Leonard Kleinrock and Lawrence G. Roberts, built a network called ARPANET that connected their computers to those of other universities. From there, their work grew and the internet as we know it today was born.
Modern internet technology is built on top of this infrastructure, using cables like copper telephone wires, TV cable, or fiber optic. These connections can be direct or wireless. When you want to view a website, your computer sends a request over these wires to a server, which is sort of like a computer’s hard drive. The server then retrieves the website and sends it back to your computer so you can see it. This whole process usually happens in under a second!
In addition to web browsing, the internet is also used for communication and sharing of files. One of the most well-known examples of this is E-mail, where you can send a message to anyone at any location on the planet and it arrives virtually instantly. Other examples of this are chat programs and social media websites that allow you to talk with friends or strangers from anywhere in the world.
The internet has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, and it continues to grow. However, there are some negative aspects to the internet as well. It can be used to harass or bully people, and it is often a quick way to spread negativity or baseless conspiracies. It can also be a tremendous time waster, as it is easy to spend hours searching for random things that catch your interest. Overall, though, the benefits of the internet far outweigh the negatives. So, next time you log on, remember to be grateful for the power of global connectivity!
