The Internet is the most commonly used term in today’s world and plays a very important role in the everyday life of people. But there are many questions, answers to which people need to know. In this article, we shall help you find answers to these questions; discuss the evolution of the Internet, its usage, benefits, history and how the Internet works.
In terms of Computer Awareness, the Internet is one of the most important topics in competitive exams. Thus, candidates preparing for exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, etc. must read on to learn more about the Internet.
For other important terms and software involved with Computer, candidates can check the Computer Knowledge page.
Refer to the links below and strengthen your preparation:
- 10 Important Computer Terms for Competitive Exams
- Computer Networks
- Basics of Cloud Computing
- Fundamentals of Computer
Let us first answer a few of the most important questions which arise with regard to the Internet.
Question: What is the Internet?
Answer: A global system of interconnected computers, using a standardised Internet Protocol suite for communication and sharing information is called the Internet.
Question: What is ISP?
Answer: ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. This helps in providing direct access for using the internet from your office or home, connected through landlines. With the introduction of Wi-fi and broadband, connecting to the Internet has become wireless.
Question: What is the World Wide Web?
Answer: World Wide Web or ‘www’ is a collection of webpages which can easily be published on the Internet and read by millions of its users. To know the difference between World Wide Web (www) and Internet, candidates can visit the linked article.
Question: What is an IP address?
Answer: The Internet Protocol address is a numerical identification code assigned for any device connected to a network. It acts as an identification interface for Internet users.
Question: What is a Web Browser?
Answer: A web browser is a software application for accessing the information on the World Wide Web. The commonly used web browsers include Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc.
Learn more about the other Computer related terms with the help of links given below:
| Computer Shortcut Keys | Computer Abbreviations |
| Microsoft Windows | Microsoft Office |
| Types of Computer | Computer Hardware and Software |
History and Evolution of the Internet
The Internet completely revolutionised communication and technology across the Globe. Initially, computerised devices were only used for large industries but later its usage increased massively.
It is also mandatory for people to know that it is not possible for a single person to develop something as broad and wide as the Internet all by himself/herself. It was a combined effort of multiple researchers and programmers that the Internet was discovered.
Given below are a few important points which played an extremely important role in the development of the Internet and making it one of the most widely used resources across the world.
- The first development was the introduction of host-to-host network interactions. This was first observed in ARPANET in 1969. It was developed by Advanced Research Projects Agency (APRA) of the Department of Defence, U.S. It was one of the first general usage of computer networks.
- Next step was commercialising the usage and making the transistors and transmitters fit in smaller devices for convenient Internet usage for the general public. This was introduced in the 1970s
- Moving forward, satellites and wireless communication was the main target. Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (formerly ARPA), supported satellite-based radio packets for mobile usage of networks
- The next was the development of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). This enabled different machines and networks across the world to assemble data packets. It was in the 1980s that the TCP/IP approach was adapted by researchers and technologists, following the footsteps of the U.S. Department of Defence
- With the introduction of personal computers, the demand for commercial Internet usage increased. This was the time when Ethernet and other Local Area Networks cam in the foreground
- In 1993, the web browser was introduced, which followed the point-and-click approach and is now a widely used operation for Internet users
- The late 1990s was the time when thousands of Internet Service Providers has taken up the market and most of them were from the U.S.
- And then the 21st century brought in an amalgamation of technology and wireless Internet accessibility for its users. Wherein, wireless broadband services came in as a boon for Internet users
Amid all these developments which were made, a lot of successes and failures came in but today, the Internet is one such commodity which has made lives easier and brought in a wider pace for development across the globe.
Since Computer Awareness is an important topic from the Government examination point of view, candidates can get a more understandable explanation of the Internet and its various aspects by reviewing the video given below:
Ways To Connect To Internet
The different ways in which one can connect to the Internet are discussed below in brief:
- Dial-Up – In such connections, users are required to link their phone line to a computer to access the Internet. Under this connection, the user cannot make or receive phone calls through tier home phone service
- Broadband – Provided either through cable or phone companies, Broadband is a high-speed internet connection which is widely used today
- Wireless Connection – Wi-fi and Mobile service providers fall under this category. Internet connectivity is made via radio waves and the Internet can be connected anywhere, irrespective of the location. Given below are a few examples of wireless connection:
- Wi-fi – Wireless Fidelity or wi-fi allows high-speed internet connectivity without the use of wires
- Mobile Phones – All smartphones are now equipped with an option for Internet connectivity which can be availed using Internet vouchers and packs. No external connection or wire is required for these
- Satellite – Where broadband connections are unavailable, satellites are used for wireless Internet connectivity
- Integrated Services Digital Network – ISDN allows users to sent audio or video data using telephone lines
Aspirants for Government exams can check the links given below and practise more and more questions from the different sections and topics which are included in the competitive exam syllabus:
| Free Online Mock Test Series with Solutions |
| Previous Year Government Exam Question Papers with Solutions |
| Free Online Government Exam Quiz |
Internet Connection Protocols
Protocols are a set of rules that help in governing the way in which any particular body or technology works.
Internet Connection Protocols can be divided into three major types:
- TCP/IP Network Model – Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) are the most widely used protocols for connecting networks. It divides any message into a series of packets which are sent from source to destination
- File Transfer Protocol – Program files, multimedia files, text files, documents, etc. can be transferred from one device to another, using FTP
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol – Used for transferring a hypertext from one device to two or more devices. HTML tags are used for creating links and these links may be in the form of text or images
Internet forms an integral part of computer usage today and is an important topic to be well prepared for govt exams. Given below are links to other such important subjects which are a part of the syllabus:
| Logical Reasoning | Quantitative Aptitude |
| Verbal Ability | Current Affairs |
| Static GK | Banking Awareness |
Pros and Cons of Using the Internet
Intentionally or unintentionally, Internet usage is a part in the day to day lives of every individual. The Internet has made lives easy and comfortable, but at the same time made human being dependable for the smallest or biggest of information. Discussed below are the uses of the internet, along with a few cons that it brings along.
Pros of Internet
- Easy Access to Information – Information on anything and everything are available online. The Internet makes it convenient to learn about new things at any point in time and get details on various subjects, irrespective of time and place
- Platform for Online Education – With the advanced technology, even students and adults wish to learn new things and gaining knowledge at various online portals has become more accessible
- Job Hunting – Employers can look for employees on the internet and the job seekers can apply online for jobs using the Internet
- Platform to become an Entrepreneur – Today, thousands of people have started their own websites and getting good business and users/customers by making their own websites and selling products or services. This has become accessible due to Internet connectivity
- Visual and Graphical Representation of Things – Various researches have shown that a person tends to get more engaged with a graphical representation of things. Internet has made this facility also convenient for both user and creator
- Reduced the parameter of Distance – Social media has reduced the distance between people as communication has become much easier because of Internet connection
With the Internet being an extremely essential part of daily life, it is important that a person is well aware of the disadvantages of the Internet and its excess usage.
Cons of Internet
- Dependency – The dependency of people for looking things and information online has increased massively since the introduction of Internet and its easy access
- Cyber Crime – People do not just use internet for learning purposes, cybercrime has also been at a distinctive high because of effortless availability of resources
- Distraction – People can easily find online games, interesting information, etc. online which may be a cause of distraction for may
- Bullying and Trolls – Online platforms are being used for unethical practises like bullying people and trolling them
All the information provided in this article regarding the Internet will bring in a broader perspective of connectivity, networks and protocols which are necessary for Internet usage.
Analysing and studying the information given here shall prove to be highly useful for people belonging to all age groups.
Given below are a few difference between articles which will help candidates understand the different computer-based terms and applications even better:
- Difference Between RAM and ROM
- Difference Between MS Excel and MS Word
- Difference Between IPV4 and IPV 6
- Difference Between Firewall and Antivirus
- Difference Between Notepad and WordPad
- Difference Between Virus and Malware
Sample Questions on Internet for Competitive Exams
Given below are a few sample questions on Internet. A similar type of questions may be asked in the Computer Knowledge section from this topic in the upcoming competitive exams.
Q 1. A unit of data made into a single package that travels along a given network path is called ________.
- Data Packet
- Modem
- Internet Data
- Transmitter
- None of the above
Answer: (1) Data Packet
Q 2. What is the size of an IPv6 IP address?
- 64 bits
- 1024 bits
- 128 bits
- 32 bits
- 546 bits
Answer: (3) 128 bits
Q 3. What is the traditional technology used for connecting devices in a WAN, LAN and MAN, enabling them to communicate with each other via a protocol?
- ARPANET
- Ethernet
- DRPANET
- IP
- None of the above
Answer: (2) Ethernet
Q 4. What is the full form of Wi-fi?
- Wireless Field
- Wireless Facility
- Wireless Fidelity
- Wirefree Field
- Wirefree Facility
Answer: (3) Wireless Fidelity
Q 5. What is the full form of HTML?
- Hypertext Markup Language
- Hypertext Markup Links
- HyperText Marketing Links
- HyperText Management List
- HyperText Memory Listing
Answer: (1) HyperText Markup Language
Q 6. Which was the first host-to-host network connection?
- Internet
- ARPANET
- ETHERNET
- APARNET
- None of the above
Answer: (2) ARPANET
Q 7.HTML is a ______
- Website
- Scripting Language
- Web Browser
- Search Engine
- Network Connection
Answer: (2) Scripting Language
Q 8.What is the full form for FTP?
- Fast Transferring Portal
- File Transfer Protocol
- File Text Processor
- Fast Text Processor
- File Transmitter Process
Answer: (2) File Transfer Protocol
Q 9.How long is an IPv4 address?
- 62 bits
- 32 bits
- 16 bits
- 128 bits
- 64 bits
Answer: (2) 32 bits
Q 10._____ is the computer protocol used by the Internet.
- TCP/ IP
- WWW
- HTTPS
- HTML
- FTP
Answer: (1) TCP/ IP
A similar type of questions may be asked based on the Internet in the upcoming competitive exams.
Government exam aspirants can also check the Preparation Strategy for Competitive Exams at the linked article and proceed with their preparation accordingly.
For study material on any other topic, candidates can turn to BYJU’S and get the latest exam information, preparation tips and other relevant information.
Frequently Asked Questions on Basics of Internet
Q 1. What is the Internet?
Ans. Internet is an electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world.
Q 2. What is the importance of the Internet?
Ans. Internet has various benefits. It has simplified communication, helped people know about the activities and news across the globe, it has provided easy access to every kind of information. The Internet has also become a source of expanding business, learning new things, and gaining more knowledge.
Q 3. What are the different types of Internet?
Ans. Given below are different types of Internet connections:
- Dial-up Internet
- DSL Internet
- Satellite Internet
- Fibre-optic Internet
Q 4. What are the features of Internet?
Ans. The basic feature of the Internet is to help its users find any information, based on any topic easily and have free access to the data.
Q 5. Is there a disadvantage of using Internet?
Ans. The Internet does have multiple cons. It can be distracting and time-consuming, can be used for wrong practices like retrieving personal data. It has also increased human dependency on technology for the smallest activities.
FAQs
What are the basics of the Internet? ›
The Internet is a global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices. With the Internet, it's possible to access almost any information, communicate with anyone else in the world, and do much more. You can do all of this by connecting a computer to the Internet, which is also called going online.
What is the history about Internet? ›January 1, 1983 is considered the official birthday of the Internet. Prior to this, the various computer networks did not have a standard way to communicate with each other. A new communications protocol was established called Transfer Control Protocol/Internetwork Protocol (TCP/IP).
What is Internet short description? ›The Internet, sometimes called simply "the Net," is a worldwide system of computer networks -- a network of networks in which users at any one computer can, if they have permission, get information from any other computer (and sometimes talk directly to users at other computers).
What is Internet history in simple words? ›Internet history is a term for a tool or resource in a Web browser that keeps track of sites and pages that a user visits. Through tabulating URLs, Internet history facilitates a quick reference or lookup of previously visited pages. Internet history is also known as browser history.
What are the 3 types of internet? ›Internet Connection Types: WiFi, Broadband, DSL, Cable.
What are the four basic functions of the Internet? ›Introduction. The Pew Internet Project has looked at how people use the internet in four major ways: to communicate, to gather information, to transact personal and professional business, and to entertain themselves.
What was the internet originally used for? ›The internet got its start in the United States more than 50 years ago as a government weapon in the Cold War. For years, scientists and researchers used it to communicate and share data with one another.
Who invented the internet and why? ›No one person invented the internet. When networking technology was first developed, a number of scientists and engineers brought their research together to create the ARPANET. Later, other inventors' creations paved the way for the web as we know it today.
Where did the history of internet begin? ›ARPANET delivered its first message on October 29, 1969, from one computer located at the University of California Los Angeles to another at Stanford. Each computer was the size of a small house, and the simple message “LOGIN” crashed the network. Stanford only received the first two letters, according to History.com.
Which is the best description of the Internet *? ›The Internet is a vast network that connects computers all over the world. Through the Internet, people can share information and communicate from anywhere with an Internet connection.
What is the importance of the Internet? ›
The internet helps us with facts and figures, information and knowledge for personal, social and economic development. There are many uses of the internet, however, the use of the internet in our daily life depends on individual requirements and goals.
Why is it called internet? ›The Internet is called a network of networks because it is a global network of computers that are linked together by cables and telephone lines making communication possible among them. It can be defined as a global network over a million smaller heterogeneous computer networks. Suggest Corrections. Similar questions.
What are the 10 uses of internet? ›- Electronic mail. At least 85% of the inhabitants of cyberspace send and receive e-mail. ...
- Research.
- Downloading files.
- Discussion groups. ...
- Interactive games. ...
- Education and self-improvement. ...
- Friendship and dating. ...
- Electronic newspapers and magazines.
The internet is a worldwide computer network that transmits a variety of data and media across interconnected devices. It works by using a packet routing network that follows Internet Protocol (IP) and Transport Control Protocol (TCP). [
How many types of internet are there? ›There are mainly two types of internet. The age-old dial-up internet connection, which has become almost irrelevant today, and broadband. Broadband covers all the different types of internet connection types that we will be discussing and includes DSL, Cable, Fiber Optic, and Satellite.
What are the two most used services on the Internet? ›Some of the commonly used internet services are : Communication Services. Information Retrieval Services.
What are three key features of the Internet? ›- Accessibility. An Internet is a global service and accessible to all. ...
- Easy to Use. ...
- Interaction with Other Media. ...
- Low Cost. ...
- Extension of Existing IT Technology. ...
- Flexibility of Communication. ...
- Security.
The best type of internet is fiber-optic internet because it's extremely efficient, reliable, and fast. In most cases, fiber tops out at 1,000 Mbps for both download and upload speeds.
What are the six types of internet? ›Between fiber, fixed wireless, cable, DSL, satellite and 5G home internet plans, there's an awful lot to keep straight and if you don't understand the differences, you risk getting stuck with a connection that isn't as fast or reliable as you had wanted, or as affordable as you need.
What are the 5 use of internet? ›- Email.
- Sharing of files.
- Watch movies and songs.
- Research purpose.
- News.
Who controls the Internet? ›
No one person, company, organization or government runs the Internet. It is a globally distributed network comprising many voluntarily interconnected autonomous networks. It operates without a central governing body with each constituent network setting and enforcing its own policies.
How internet has changed the world? ›The Internet has changed business, education, government, healthcare, and even the ways in which we interact with our loved ones—it has become one of the key drivers of social evolution. The changes in social communication are of particular significance.
Who founded the Internet? ›Computer scientists Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn are credited with inventing the Internet communication protocols we use today and the system referred to as the Internet.
When did the Internet get popular? ›The Internet's takeover of the global communication landscape was rapid in historical terms: it only communicated 1% of the information flowing through two-way telecommunications networks in the year 1993, 51% by 2000, and more than 97% of the telecommunicated information by 2007.
What is the original name of internet? ›Thus, by the end of 1969, four host computers were connected together into the initial ARPANET, and the budding Internet was off the ground.
How internet works step by step? ›The web browser connects to the web server and sends an HTTP request (via the protocol stack) for the desired web page. The web server receives the request and checks for the desired page. If the page exists, the web server sends it. If the server cannot find the requested page, it will send an HTTP 404 error message.
What are the examples of internet? ›The Internet carries many applications and services, most prominently the World Wide Web, including social media, electronic mail, mobile applications, multiplayer online games, Internet telephony, file sharing, and streaming media services.
What are the two types of websites? ›Websites can be divided into two broad categories—static and interactive. Interactive sites are part of the Web 2.0 community of sites and allow for interactivity between the site owner and site visitors or users.
What is the most important benefit of internet? ›Work from home, collaboration, and access to a global workforce. The Internet offers people benefit to connect with others around the world. There are various online services that help you to communicate and work with other people all over the world. Also, it can make services and producing new products faster.
What are the three benefits of the internet? ›- Providing better access to health information and options. ...
- Making it easier to communicate with friends and family. ...
- Offering a wealth of online activities and experiences to enjoy remotely. ...
- Promoting workforce development skills. ...
- Increasing access to social services and benefits.
What are the benefits of no internet? ›
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety. Unplugging from technology is like a reboot for your brain. ...
- Opportunity to Focus on Appreciation and Gratitude. ...
- Provides More Time for Simple Pleasures. ...
- Reduces Feelings of Loneliness. ...
- Connect with the Natural World. ...
- Allows You to Be Present.
The term netizen is a portmanteau of the English words internet and citizen, as in a "citizen of the net" or "net citizen". It describes a person actively involved in online communities or the Internet in general.
Why is it called Wi-Fi? ›WECA named the new technology Wi-Fi. (Wi-Fi is not an abbreviation for “wireless fidelity”; the name was created by a marketing firm hired by WECA and chosen for its pleasing sound and similarity to “hi-fi” [high-fidelity].) Subsequent IEEE standards for Wi-Fi have been introduced to allow for greater bandwidth.
What is the short name for internet? ›You might abbreviate the word Internet to net. or Inet in an office-wide email or memo. It is also common to see such abbreviations in headlines, newspaper titles or where space is a concern.
What are 5 components of the Internet? ›- DSL Modem–
- DSL/Broadband Filter.
- Firewall and NAT Router.
- Computer Firewalls –
- ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)-
- Network Hub.
- Network Switch.
- Wireless Access Point.
- Accessibility. An Internet is a global service and accessible to all. ...
- Easy to Use. ...
- Interaction with Other Media. ...
- Low Cost. ...
- Extension of Existing IT Technology. ...
- Flexibility of Communication. ...
- Security.
There are three ingredients needed to access the Internet from a laptop or desktop computer: (1) an ISP, (2) a modem and (3) a Web browser.
What are the 5 functions of Internet? ›- Electronic mail. At least 85% of the inhabitants of cyberspace send and receive e-mail. ...
- Research.
- Downloading files.
- Discussion groups. ...
- Interactive games. ...
- Education and self-improvement. ...
- Friendship and dating. ...
- Electronic newspapers and magazines.
Content, Community, Commerce - 3C's of Internet Platforms.
What are the three key areas of the Internet of things? ›The key benefits of this network of objects can be broken down into three areas — interconnectivity, communication and automation.
Is A modem the same as a router? ›
While some will use the two words interchangeably, they are not the same thing. A modem brings internet service into the home, and the router delivers the internet to the devices in your home via WiFi or an Ethernet cable.
What is the main point of internet? ›It supports human communication via social media, electronic mail (e-mail), “chat rooms,” newsgroups, and audio and video transmission and allows people to work collaboratively at many different locations. It supports access to digital information by many applications, including the World Wide Web.
What are the 10 benefits of internet? ›- Information, knowledge, and learning. ...
- Connectivity, communication, and sharing. ...
- Anonymity and making people equal. ...
- Address, mapping, and contact information. ...
- Banking, bills, and shopping. ...
- Selling and making money. ...
- Collaboration, work from home, and access to a global workforce.
No one owns the internet
No company or government can claim ownership of it. The internet is more of a concept than an actual tangible entity, and it relies on a physical infrastructure that connects networks to other networks. The concept is similar to being a room full of people who all speak different languages.
There are mainly two types of internet. The age-old dial-up internet connection, which has become almost irrelevant today, and broadband. Broadband covers all the different types of internet connection types that we will be discussing and includes DSL, Cable, Fiber Optic, and Satellite.
What does wi fi stand for? › What are the benefits of internet? ›- Providing better access to health information and options. ...
- Making it easier to communicate with friends and family. ...
- Offering a wealth of online activities and experiences to enjoy remotely. ...
- Promoting workforce development skills. ...
- Increasing access to social services and benefits.