At present time it is hard to imagine people's life without the Internet. Every day, millions of people use it for various purposes and its popularity only increases. It should be also noted that the Internet has become such popular and widespread term that it is rather difficult to define it. Nevertheless, it is clear that the Internet plays a significant role in peoples’ lives as it provides them with all kinds of information.
In general, the broad definition of the Internet is the following: “The Internet is a global wide area network that connects computer systems across the world. It includes several high-bandwidth data lines that comprise the Internet "backbone."” (Christensson). The necessity of these lines lies in the fact that being connected they allocate data and information to various locations, for instance, to web servers. From this definition it becomes clear that in its broad meaning, the Internet is a network. The business dictionary provides the definition according to which the Internet is “A means of connecting a computer to any other computer anywhere in the world via dedicated routers and servers” (“Internet”). So, it is clear that in order to be connected, routers and servers are often used. Admission to the Internet Service Provider or ISP is essential in order to connect and use such network as the Internet.
It should be also noted that no one possesses the Internet. It is a global service. Therefore, it is possible to say that all people who use this network don't owe it but have access to it. However, people shouldn't forget that there are still “several organizations the world over collaborate in its functioning and development” (“Internet”). These organizations determine the Internet's structure and are responsible for its proper work. In a certain way they control the way this global network works. They also try to eliminate all the possible mistakes so that the Internet works properly. At the same time such organizations don't owe the Internet as it doesn't belong to them. From a different point of view, it is possible to note that all people owe the Internet as they all have access to it. Thus, “the high-speed, fiber-optic cables (called backbones) through which the bulk of the Internet, data travels is owned by telephone companies in their respective countries” (“Internet”). Moreover, some organizations may control the quality of the Internet work as well as the level of its access to other people. In a certain way they can affect other users’ Internet experience. It all allows to draw a conclusion that the Internet belongs to no one and to all people at the same time.
In order to understand the concept of the Internet it is also important to mention the services it provides. Thus, one of the most significant online services is the Web. According to Tech Terms definition, the Web is “a collection of billions of webpages that you can view with a web browser” (Christensson). All people have access to any webpages or websites that they want to see and explore. Another common online service is the Email. Its major aim is to help people communicate and keep in touch. With its help people may send to each other an unlimited number of messages. Furthermore, the Internet provides access to online games – these are the games that allow people to compete with each other online. All people can play these games any day they want to. It is also worth of note that one of the most popular services provided by the Internet is social media. In general, social media may be defined as “websites and apps that allow people to share comments, photos, and videos” (Christensson). Indeed, there is a number of social networks and their popularity among people increases every day. Social networks help people to communicate with each other and to share certain experiences. Software updates are also considered to be online services. Software updates are known as applications or apps which are downloaded by people for various purposes. All in all, these are the major online services that are provided by such global network as the Internet.
In order to understand the definition of the Internet, it is also important to mention for what purposes it is used. First of all, the Internet is used as one of the easiest ways of gathering information. For instance, when people want to learn something about a certain object, thing or event, they search it on the Internet. In order to learn the information about what is going on in the world, people read online newspapers or magazines. In fact, quite often Internet users are among the first to learn the information about the latest events. All students use the Internet in order to prepare for their studies. They read online articles, magazines and books which help them to prepare for their classes or the exam. The material that is placed on the Internet may be quite useful for writing research papers or preparing certain projects. Indeed, the Internet provides people with a number of learning platforms which allow people to improve their skills and knowledge. Due to the Internet people can even get an online education. It should be also noted that the majority of people use the Internet as a means of communication. Emails are used for business correspondence between colleagues or people who work for different companies. They are often used as a means of communication with friends or distant relatives who cannot see each other often. Many people use the Internet in order to have access to social media and social networks. Indeed, millions of people use social networks in order to communicate, share information about themselves and find new friends. They mostly use it in order to socialize with each other, to share their numerous photos and videos.
Works cited
Christensson, Per. "Internet Definition." TechTerms. Sharpened Productions, 17 September 2015. Web. 03 June 2016.
“Internet”. Business Dictionary. Web. 3 June 2016.
