definition of the internet.
- The internet is a worldwide computer network consisting of computers, devices and networks that are linked using some form of communication media.
- Briefly describe the purpose of a WAN, and give one typical example of a WAN.
- The purpose of a WAN is to facilitate the sharing of computer resources and the means of electronic communication over a wide geographical area, e.g. bank networks which have offices and ATMS throughout south africa, the internet itself.
- What phrase is used to describe the trend whereby all sorts of different devices (not only computers) connect to the internet so that they can be remotely monitored and controlled?
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Explain the role or function of an ISP.
- An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a company that has a permanent, fast connection to the internet, and that sells internet access and services to individuals and organisations for a monthly fee.
- An ISP provides wireless and wired internet access. Give three other services that an ISP typically offers.
- Email, web page hosting, fax-to-email and spam filtering.
- Internet packages refer to broadband. Explain what broadband is and why it is so important to people using the internet.
- Broadband refers to a high-speed, high-bandwidth connection to the internet. This connection allows users to have fast access to websites and fast downloading and uploading. In addition, some services such as video or TV streaming will not work effectively (or will not work at all) unless the user has a broadband connection.
- What would be the main question to ask if you needed to make a choice between an ADSL and a 3G/4G internet connection?
- Do you need to be mobile? If you do, you would have to choose a 3G/4G connection.
What is a WAN?
A network spread over a wide geographical area, such as a city, country or even continents.
What are the advantages/Limitations of ADSL
Advantages
offers high-speed connection, It presents a fixed monthly cost, It has good value for the money, there is no extra wiring, ADSL uses the existing phone line, split into two channels one for phone calls and one for internet.
ADSL is cheaper than cellular connections
ADSL routers usually have a built-in WiFi adapter to create your own WiFi network – ideal for allowing your mobile devices to benefit from the cheaper and faster access provided by the fixed line.
Disadvantages
Speeds drop the further you are away from the exchange.
ADSL is affected by the number of people are using your line in the certain area, The connection is faster to download (receive the data) than to send the information.
ADSL may not be available in your area.
ADSL can be affected by electrical interference. It is not a mobile solution.
What are the advantages/Limitations of Fibre
Advantages
Faster, cheaper, more reliable stable internet connection than ADSL and cellular connections.
Distance from the telephone exchange is less of a problem.
Not affected by electrical interference.
Disadvantages
More expensive than ADSL.
An ISP reserves the right to throttle a user’s internet connection, if necessary.
What practical effect does ‘throttling’ have on an internet connection? Also explain why an ISP might decide to do this.
- The internet connection speed slows down.
The ISP believes that an excessive amount of data is being downloaded.
what does a shaped connection mean
A shaped connection means that preference is given to certain services on the internet (such as email, downloading and browsing), while other services (such as online gaming and VoIP) are given less preference and are slower.
What does uncapped mean
b) Uncapped means that there is no limit placed on the amount of data that can be uploaded or
downloaded in a month
What is cloud storage
Cloud storage or online storage simply means that your data is not stored on your local hard drive. It is stored on a server on the internet.
What are the Advantages of cloud storage
Advantages:
It is a simple, cost-effective method to share and transfer files. File extensions are not blocked.
The system backs up the files.
You can save space on your local hard drive.
You can use these systems to synchronise (‘sync’) your files.
Briefly explain the relationship between the WWW and the internet.
- The internet is a Global Area Network or GAN (Global area Network) as it spans the whole world and links networks together.
The World Wide Web (WWW) is a service that runs on the internet and consists of a vast collection of interlinked and interactive documents stored on computers all over the world.
What is Volp Software
voice over internet protocol is a technology that allows telephone calls to be made over LANs, WANs and the internet.
What is video conferencing
It allows people to hold online conferences using a computer network, as if they were in the same room.
What is cloud computing
the sharing of resources and applications offered as services over the internet
Briefly explain what FTP is and what it is used for.
a) FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a service used for the fast and easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an internet connection.
What is Grid computing
A system whereby the resources of different computers are shared and used at the same time to solve a single problem.
Give four disadvantages or limitations of using email to share files.
- Disadvantages or limitations:
• Email is not suitable for large files as most email systems place a maximum limit on the size of the
attachments that you can send.
• Some email systems block certain potentially dangerous file extensions (such as .zip and .exe) for security reasons.
• Email is not always secure as other users may have access to the mail on the recipient’s computer.
• As a way to prevent spam, most email systems place restrictions on the number of recipients to
whom you can simultaneously send a message.
• Email is not very easy or efficient when you want to share files with many people because you have to send the file to each person you want to share it with and you have to have their email address.
Give three broad advantages of e-Government services for citizens, other than not having to travel and stand in queues.
a) Advantages:
• Improved (easier and quicker) communication between the government departments and
citizens.
• Access to services anytime, anywhere, any place where there is internet access.
• Easier access to up-to-date information and documents.
• Many government sites and services can be accessed by smartphones.
• Increased efficiency and potentially lower costs in the long-run.
• The need for hard copies is reduced, which also promotes the idea of green computing.
Advantages of wireless connections
Mobile access to the internet, using a mobile device
