CHAPTER 2: THE INTERNET, THE WEB & ELECTRONIC COMMERCE Computer Foundation I (COMP001) FALL 2009 Math & Computer Department, Foundation Program, Qatar University
Topics Page(s) The Internet and The Web 27 29 Access 30 Communication QU Webmail 32 Search Tools 38 Electronic Commerce 41 Web Utilities 45
The Internet and The Web Search assists in locating Web resources E Commerce involves the buying and selling of goods over the Internet Web Utilities are programs that make using the Web easier
Internet versus Web Internet 1. Launched in 1969 with ARPANET. 2. The Internet consists of the actual p physical y network made up p of wires, cables, and satellites. 3. Being connected to this network is often described as being online. Web 1. Introduced in 1992 at CERN. 1 2. The Web provides a multimedia interface to Internet resources.
Most Common Uses 1. Communicating is by far the most popular Internet activity. You can ex change e mail with your family and friends almost anywhere in the world. You can join and listen to discussions and debates on a wide variety of special interest topics. 2. Shopping isone of the fastest growing Internet applications. You can win dow shop, look for the latest fashions, search for bargains, and make pur chases. 3. Searching for information has never been more convenient. You can ac cess some of the world s largest libraries directly from your home com puter. You can find the latest local, national, and international news. 4. Education or e learning is another rapidly emerging Web application. You can take classes on almost any subject. There are courses just for fun and there are courses for high school, college, and graduate school credit. Some cost nothing to take and others cost a lot.
How to ACCESS to the Internet? PROVIDERS 1. The most common way to access the Internet is through an Internet service provider (ISP). 2. The providers are already connected to the Internet and pro vide a path or connection for individuals to access the Internet. 3. The most widely used commercial Internet service providers are national and wireless providers. Internet service providers Example in Qatar Qtel They h provide access through hstandard dtelephone or cable con nections. Users can access the Internet from almost anywhere within the country for a standard fee. Use variety of connection technologies: dial up, DSL, cable, and wireless modems Wireless service providers Do not use telephone or cable lines. They provide Internet connections for computers with wireless modems and a wide array of wireless devices.
How to ACCESS to the Internet? BROWSERS 1. Programs that provide access to Web resources. 2. This software connects you to remote computers, opens and transfers files, displays text and images, and provides in one tool an uncomplicated interface to the Internet. 3. Three well known browsers are Mozilla Firefox, Netscape Communications, and Microsoft In ternet Explorer. 4. For browsers to connect to resources, the location or address of the resources must be specified, known as uniform resource locators (URLs). 5. URLS have two basic parts: Protocols used to connect to the resources e.g.: http:// (protocols are rules for exchanging data between computers) Domain name the name of the server where the resource is located 6. The last part of the domain name following the dot (.) is the top level domain (TLD). It identifies the type of organization. For example,.com indicates a commercial site. Protocol Domain name http://www.mtv.com TLD
1. Once the browser has connected to the Web site, a document file is sent back to your computer. This document typically contains Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) commands. The browser interprets the HTML commands and displays the doc ument as a Web page. 2. Web pages also can contain special pro grams called applets that are typically written in a programming language such as Java. Some terms: Browsers access the Web allowing you to surf or explore. URLs locations or addresses to Web re sources; rces two partsareprotocolare protocol and domain name; top level domain (TLD) identifies type of organization. HTML commands to display Web pages; hyperlinks (links) are connections. Applets special programs linked to Web pages; typically written in Java.
E Mail (Electronic Mail) 1. E mail (electronic mail) is the transmission of electronic messages. 2. Now e mail routinely includes graphics, photos, and many different types of file at tachments. 3. People all over the world send e mail to each other. 4. All you need to send and receive e mail is an e mail account, access to the Internet, and an e mail pro gram. 5. Basic elements: header (including addresses, subject, and attachments), ts), message, and dsg signature atueline. Two parts of email address
How does E mail works? E mail is sent and received through electronic "post offices" known as mail servers. To read your e mail, you must retrieve itfrom the mail server. Once you enter the address of the recipient, compose your message, and click Send, your e mailsoftware handles the delivery.
Basic Elements of an Emails message Addresses: Addresses of the persons sending, receiving, and, optionally, any oneelse else who is to receive copies Attachments: Many e mail pro grams allow you to attach files such as documents and work sheets. If a message has an at tachment, the file name appears on the attachment line Subject: A one line description, used to present the topic of the message. The letter or message comes next. It is typically short and to the point. Finally, the signature line provides additional information about the sender.
QU Webmail Available or used storage Folders name Senders name or email address Size of the emails Subject of the emails Date & Time emails are sent
QU Webmail Received Mail Subject of the message Sender email address Date & Time email sent Recipients of this message email address Name of files attached with the message
QU Webmail Composing message To include file(s) with emails To send email To save the message before sending. To spell check kthe message Subject of your message Text Area Recipients email addressees) C.c. Email address of people you want to send a copy of the same message Bcc (Blind Carbon Copy): Other recipients can t see the email address here.
Other terms Spam is unwanted and unsolicited e mail that may include a computer virus. Spam blockers are programs that identify and eliminate spam. Spam Blocker InBoxer OnlyMyEmailPersonal Site www.inboxer.com www.onlymymail.com Qurb www.qurb.com Vanquish vqme www.vanquish.com Some examples of Spam Blockers
Instant Messaging 1. An extension of e-mail that allows two or more people to contact each other via direct, live communication. 2. To use instant t messaging, you specify a list of fi friends and register with an instant messaging server. 3. To see how instant messaging works, check on the following site at www.computing2008.com and enter the keyword im 4. Universal Instant Messengers provides instant messaging that support communication with other services.
Social Networking 1. One of the fastest growing uses of the Internet. 2. Use to connect individuals to one another. 3. There arethree basic categories of social networking sites: reuniting, friend ofa friend, and common interest. Reuniting sites are designed to connect people who have known one another but have lost touch. Two of the best know reuniting sites are Classmates Online and Facebook. Friend of a friend sites are designed to bring together two people who do not know one another but share a common friend. Common interest sites bring to gether individuals that share com mon interests or hobbies. Some examples: Flickr, Linkedln, and Meetup. Before providing any information to a social networking site or to any individual, consider carefully what you are disclosing. Do not provide inappropriate or overly personal information. Check on page 38, there are some others social networking sites.
Search Tools Search services operate Web sites that can help you locate the information you need. They maintain huge databases relating to information provided on the Web and the Internet. Special programs called spiders is used to continually look for new information and update the search services databases. Search services include Search Engines, Metasearch Engines, and SpecializedSearch Search Engines.
Search Engines Search engines are specialized programs that assist you in locating information on the Web and the Internet. Some examples are: Yahoo, Goggles, MSN and many more. Most search engines provides two different search approaches: Keyword search: In a keyword search, you enter a keyword or phrase reflecting the information you want. The search engine compares your entry against its database and returns a list of hits, or sites that contain the keywords. Directory search: Most search engines also provide a directory or list of categories or topics such as Autos, Finance, and Games. In a directory search, you select a category or topic that fits the information that you want. Directory search Keyword search
Metasearch & Specialized Search Engines METASEARCH ENGINES Programs that automatically submit your search request to several search engines simultaneously. The metasearch engine receives the results, removes duplicates, orders the hits, and then provides the edited list to you. SPECIALIZED SEARCH ENGINES Focus on subject specific specific Web sites. Specialized sites can potentially save you time by narrowing your search. Examples
Evaluating the content of the information To evaluate the accuracy of information you find on the Web, consider the Following: Authority. Is the author an expert in the subject area? Is the site an official site for the information presented, or is the site an individual s personal Web site? Accuracy. Has the information been critically reviewed for correctness prior to posting on the Web? Does the Web site provide a method to report inaccurate information to the author? Objectivity. Is the information factually reported or does the author have a bias? Does the author appear to have a personal agenda aimed at convincing or changing the reader s opinion? Currency. Is the information up to dt? date? Does the site specify the date when the site was updated?
Concept Check