Internet

We explain what the Internet is, its characteristics and connection types. In addition, its origin, the services that exist and the different browsers.

What is Internet?

Internet is a network of computers that are interconnected worldwide to share information. It is a set of equipment that relates to each other through the use of a universal language.

Internet interconnection is achieved through various protocols and services. Protocols are elements that allow the union of the network and the transmission of information, since they fragment, join and translate messages so that the data arrives correctly from one computer to another. For their part, services are those that allow users to create, send, receive and access information. The best known are email, chats, social networks and the web, that is, the set of online sites.

In addition, there are different types of Internet connection, that is, different means by which people can connect to the network of networks. The first of them was the connection by dial-up or telephone access, that is, that which was carried out with a modem and a telephone line. Then other more modern types emerged, such as ADSL broadband, fiber optics and 3G, 4G (LTE) and 5G connectivity for mobile devices.

To access the billions of web pages available on the great network of networks, web browsers are used. The most recognized are Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Safari. All were developed by different technology companies.

Origin of the term Internet: The word Internet It has its roots in the English language and is made up of the word inter (what does it mean between) and net (which comes from network and what does it mean electronic network). The term begins with a capital letter and does not have an article in front if it refers to the network, but is written with a lower case letter when it designates the type of service. For example: Internet It changed the lives of almost everyone. / The power went out and therefore there is no Internet.

• See also: Internet domain

Internet Features

The Internet has the following characteristics:

• It is publicly accessible. Anyone with a connection and a specific device can access the Internet at any time and from different places.
• It is heterogeneous. There are different types of networks and services that make it up.
• It's fast. Information is exchanged very quickly in most cases.
• It's global. The equipment that makes up the Internet network is located in different places around the world.
• Contains various information. You can consult, produce and exchange information on various topics, such as business, school, institutional or entertainment.
• Can be used easily. Browsing the Internet is a generally simple and intuitive activity.

How did the Internet come about?

The origin of the Internet is due to a military project developed in 1969 by ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), which consisted of setting up a computer network to exchange information between universities and research institutes securely.

Thus, in the 1960s, the first emails were sent, the first international network connection was established and two types of protocols that are used today were developed.

In the 1980s, two fundamental services appeared: the first websites and instant messaging. However, it was not until 1990 that web domains were publicly accessible and the first companies providing network connections were created.

• History of the Internet

Types of Internet connections

To access the Internet, various means can be used:

• Optical fiber. It is a special cable that, through light signals, transmits information. This cable connects to a modem that allows various devices to access the Internet.
• telephone line or dial-up. It is a telephone line that, through a modem, connects a computer to the Internet network.
• satellite access. It is a connection that occurs through a satellite. It is usually used in places where wireless networks or fiber optics do not reach.
• Wireless network. It is a connection in which cables are replaced by radio waves to transmit information. Some examples are LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution System) and Wi-Fi.
• power line. It is a line that transmits information through an electrical cable.
• ADSL broadband. It is a connection that occurs through a telephone cable, but does not interfere with the telephone line.
• mobile phone network. It is a connection that uses the same technology as mobile telephony and is usually used so that a cell phone can access the Internet.

• It may help you: ISP

Internet services and uses

The Internet allows people to use different services, such as email, instant messaging and websites, in order to:

• Search for any type of information.
• Buy products of various kinds.
• Communicate with family or friends who are in other countries or cities through a video call.
• Participate in online games with people from different places in real time.
• Share, download and upload different types of files in various formats.
• Work collaboratively.
• Watch online movies, series, documentaries, newscasts, live broadcasts, among others.

All of these activities show an Internet quality: the ability to connect people from different parts of the world.

Web browsers

There are different web browsers, that is, programs or applications that allow you to access websites. The best known are:

• google chrome. It belongs to Google and was created in 2008. It is one of the fastest and safest. This is a high quality program.
• Internet Explorer. It is an older service, now discontinued, but it was the market leader. It was created by Microsoft in 1995.
• Mozilla Firefox. It was launched in 2002 by the Mozilla company and caused a sensation when it entered the market. This is a fast service, since it uses little memory when performing each search.
• Safari. It was created and launched by Apple in 2003. It is one of the fastest and is compatible with this brand's operating system. The version for Microsoft no longer receives updates and, therefore, you do not get the same performance either.

References

• AA. VV. (2010). Encyclopedia of fundamental knowledge, vol. 5: Mathematics, Physics, Computing. National Autonomous University of Mexico and the 21st Century.
• Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National University of the South. (sf). Introduction to the Operation of Personal Computers. https://cs.uns.edu.ar/
• Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary. (2024). Internet. https://etimologias.dechile.net/
• Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2011). Modern encyclopedia. Santiago Commercial and Publishing Society.
• National Communications Entity – ENACOM. (sf). Connection types. https://www.enacom.gob.ar/