Lesson 16

The Internet and Education

  The Internet, also simply called the Net, is the largest and far-firing network system-of-all-system. How is everything coordinated through the Internet? This is done through a standardized protocol (or set of rules for exchanging data) called Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). To gain access to the internet, the computer must be equipped with what is called a Server which has a special software (program) that uses the Internet protocol. Originally developed and still subsidized by the United State government, the Internet connect not only commercial, industrial, scientific establishments but all other sectors including education and its libraries, campuses and computer centers.

Getting around the Net

The vast sea of information in the Internet, including news and trivia, is a challenge to those who wish to navigate it. Everyday, the Net user-population and the available information continue to grow, and new ways are being developed. 

The most attractive way to move around the Internet is called browsing. Using a program called a browser, the user can use a mouse to point and click on screen icons to surf the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web (the web), an Internet's subset of text images, and sounds are linked together to allow users to access data or information needed.The future of the Internet seems limitless. Already its complexity has spawned and continue to spawn Net sites including new demand for services to business, industries, science, government and even homes. Many experts predict that the Internet is destined to become the centerpiece of all online communications on the planet and in some future time in the solar system using interplanetary satellite communication stations.