Computer and Internet
Computer and Internet Basics
With Computer and Internet it is possible to access almost everything that is on the cloud. While there has been debates over the years, it has both good and bad sides. Its up to us how to use the Internet to our benefit. Computer have become part of our life. We can’t imagine our lives without internet. From the time we wake up till time we go to sleep, How much time do you spend going through your Smartphones?
The World Wide Web, or simply the Web, is an assortment of various websites that you may view via the Internet. Related content, photos, and other materials make up a website. Websites can mimic other media, such as TV shows or newspaper articles, or they can be interactive in a way that is specific to computers.
Internet Security and Privacy
- Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is the discipline of defending programs, networks, and systems from online threats. Typically, the goals of these cyberattacks are to disrupt regular corporate operations, obtain, alter, or delete sensitive data, or use ransomware to demand money from customers. Phishing, Social Engineering, Ransomware, Malware are types of cybersecurity threats.
- The act of sending bogus emails that seem to be from reliable sources is known as Phishing. The intention is to steal private information, such as login credentials and credit card details. It is the most typical kind of online attack.
- Adversaries may utilize social engineering as a strategy to coerce you into disclosing private information.
- Malicious software includes ransomware. By preventing access to files or the computer system until the ransom is paid, it is intended to extort money.
- Malware is a category of software intended to damage or obtain unauthorized access to a computer.
- Data Privacy: In general, data privacy refers to an individual’s ability to choose when, how, and how much of their personal information is disclosed to third parties. One’s name, location, contact details, and online and offline activities can all be considered forms of personal information. Similar to the desire to keep some individuals out of a private discussion, many internet users want to restrict or stop the collecting of some sorts of personal information.
Data privacy has grown in relevance over time, along with the growth in Internet usage. In order to deliver services, websites, software, and social media platforms frequently need to gather and retain personal data about users. Encryption, two-factor authentication, access control are some of the technologies available today that can safeguard user privacy and increase data security.
E-Commerce
- E-Commerce Platforms: A software that facilitates online purchasing and selling is known as an e-commerce platform. B2C(business to consumer), B2B(business to business), C2C(consumer to consumer), and C2B(consumer to business) are among the various forms of commerce.
An electronic commerce platform is the software that allows both buyers and sellers to log in and perform their respective functions. In essence, a customer should be able to browse products on an e-commerce platform, add items to their cart, and proceed to the checkout.
Platforms for e-commerce fall into three categories: SaaS(software as a service), PaaS(platform as a service), and On-premises. SaaS and PaaS platforms utilize the internet to provide e-commerce solutions. SaaS platforms, such as Shopify, are limited to software. Whenever hardware is included they are referred to as PaaS platforms. Instead of being set up by another supplier and accessed via the cloud, on-premises platforms are hosted locally by the retailer and overseen by their IT personnel.
Currently, a few of the most well-liked platforms available are: Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix, Big Cartel, Squarespace, Magento, WooCommerce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
Online Services
- Streaming Services: One way to watch videos or listen to audio without downloading the media files is to use streaming. If the file owner makes use of a content delivery network, streaming performance can be enhanced and buffering time can be decreased (CDN).
The continuous transfer of audio or video files from a server to a client is known as streaming. To put it another way, streaming is what happens when users of Internet-connected gadgets watch TV or listen to podcasts.
Audio and video data are transferred across the Internet in packetized form, just like other types of data. A brief excerpt of the file and an audio or video player for the browser are included in each packet. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) are two different protocols used in streaming techniques. Since UDP and TCP are transport protocols, data packets can be moved between networks using them. The Internet Protocol is utilized with both (IP).
- Social Media: The term “social media” describes a range of technological tools that allow people to share information and ideas with one another. Approximately 60% of the global population, or over 4.7 billion individuals, utilize social media, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X platform (previously Twitter). Social networking, social bookmarking, social news, media sharing, microblogging, and online forums are the six categories into which social media platforms are commonly separated.
These varied platforms cater to a wide range of user interests and objectives. Some are more appealing to hobbyists than to professionals. They are used by people to locate people worldwide who hold similar political or other opinions. Social media connects politicians with voters, entertainers with fans, and charities with donors.
Emerging Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ability of a built machine, such a computer, to mimic or replicate human cognitive tasks is known as artificial intelligence (AI). AI-enabled machines are capable of computation, data analysis for prediction, recognition of different kinds of signals and symbols, human-machine conversation, and assistance with jobs that do not require human input.
There are many different types of artificial intelligence technology, such as wearable fitness trackers, chatbots, and navigation apps. ChatGPT, Google Maps, Smart Assistants, Self-driving cars, and Snapchat filters are a few instances that demonstrate the variety of possible AI uses. Learn more about Artificial Intelligence.
- Blockchain Technology: A blockchain is a distributed ledger or database that is shared by all nodes in a computer network. Though they have applications outside of cryptocurrencies, they are most recognized for playing a critical part in cryptocurrency systems that preserve a safe and decentralized record of transactions. Any industry can employ blockchain technology to make data immutable, or incapable of being changed.
Blockchain is being used by financial services to speed up closure times and transactions. Blockchain is also used by some institutions for traceability and contract management. For instance, the online payment company PayPal introduced a blockchain-based cryptocurrency buying, holding, and selling service.
More about Blockchain.
- IoT (Internet of Things): The term “Internet of Things” (IoT) refers to a broad category of different non-computer Internet-connected devices. This covers a wide range of products, such as smart watches and fitness trackers, as well as smart refrigerators, headphones, cameras, automobiles, traffic lights, aviation engines, and home security systems.
Future Trends
- 5G Technology: The fifth generation of mobile networks is called 5G. A new type of network, made possible by 5G, is intended to link almost everyone and everything, including machines, objects, and gadgets. In general, 5G is utilized for three primary categories of linked services: huge IoT, mission-critical communications, and improved mobile broadband. The capacity to handle future services that are not yet known is known as forward compatibility, and it is one of the distinguishing features of 5G.
5G mobile technology can bring in new immersive experiences like VR and AR with faster, more consistent data rates, lower latency, and cheaper cost-per-bit, in addition to improving our devices.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): The future of gaming, marketing, e-commerce, education, and other industries has a great deal of promise thanks to virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).People are aware of these technologies because they offer better experiences that blend the virtual and physical worlds with better, three-dimensional pictures.
Virtual reality is a computer-generated environment that immerses the user in their surroundings with realistic-looking objects and visuals. The experience in virtual reality may resemble reality or diverge entirely. With the aid of a virtual reality helmet or headset, people can see this world. With virtual reality, we may get fully immersed in video games and feel like we are the characters. Virtual reality has applications in business, entertainment, and education.
An interactive real-world experience is called Augmented reality. With the use of computer-generated perceptual information, which often encompasses a wide range of experiences, including olfactory, tactile, visual, and auditory, it enhances realism.