The Internet- A
Boon or A Curse?
Presentation Made ByJoy Oberoi
Introduction
The Internet is commonly known as a ‘network of networks’ that consists of many
private, public, academic, business and government networks. It can also be
defined as a worldwide interconnection of computers and networks that facilitate
the sharing of information among users.
These networks are linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless and optical
networking technologies.
The Internet is used by everybody in the world. Thus, it comes under all the Areas
of Impact
I.T. Components- Functioning of the
Internet
Each computer connected to the Internet, must have an unique address.
Internet addresses are in the form of ‘nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn’ where ‘nnn’ stands for
any number between 0-255. This unique address is known as the IP Address.
For example, 192.168.1.1 is an IP address.
If one connects to the Internet through an ISP (Internet Service Provider),
then he/she is usually assigned a temporary IP address for the duration of
the dial-up session. Whereas, if one connects through LAN (Local Area
Network) then it might have a permanent IP address.
How does communication take place over the Internet?
When a message from one computer needs to be transmitted to another, it
makes use of a Protocol Stack. Every computer needs a protocol stack to
communicate with others over the Internet. The stack comes built into the
operating system.
The protocol stack that is used on the Internet is known as the TCP/IP. This is
because two major communication protocols are used.
If the message that is sent from one computer to another is large, then it is
broken down into smaller parts. These parts are known as Packets. These
packets go through the application layer towards the TCP layer and each one of
them is given a Port Number.
Once it passes the TCP layer, it enter the IP layer where it receives it’s
destination address.
Thereafter, the hardware layer converts alphabetical characters to electronic
signals and transmits them over the phone lines.
On the other end of the phone line, the ISP has a direct connection to the
Internet. The ISP’s router firstly examines the destination address on each
packet and then determines where to send it.
After reaching the destination, as the packets move upwards, all the routing
data that had been added to the packets by the stack, is removed. By the time
the packets reach the top of the stack, they are re-assembled .
The ISP maintains a pool of modems for their dial-in customers. This Modem Pool
is usually managed by a dedicated computer, which controls data flow from the
pool to the ISP Backbone.
Billing and usage details are collected here as well.
The Internet- Boon or Curse?
1. In the field of education, the Internet is considered no less than a boon for a
child’s education. Retrieving audio-visual information from the Internet makes
classes more interesting and thus students are more motivated towards
learning. In the long run, it help students develop certain skills such as
independent learning, easily gain access to online resources etc.. Also, the
Internet continues to expand its resources and provide students with
information that is not available in print. These could reports on governmental
and non-governmental organizations, scientific reports and artistic resources.
2. The Internet is also made to use when it comes to communication. The ability
to send information by the click of a button, talk to people across the globe etc.
has all been given to the users by the Internet.
3. Worldwide, teachers also consider the Internet to be a great tool which would
help them in curriculum development by incorporating internet-based activities.
4. Career Planning is another major benefit of using the Internet. Finding
information on courses, prospects etc. gives one an insight as to what career
options are available and helps in making decisions in advance.
5. Executing online transactions helps save time and aids some in learning new
ways of carrying out their chores.
1. All the teenagers spend every possible moment on the Internet playing games,
or chatting with friends. This results in their mind diverting from studies. Thus,
they end up getting a poor grade.
2. Some might indulge in illegal activities such as downloading illegal software,
hacking or sending out viruses over the Internet. Whilst doing so, they might
unintentionally violate laws and get into trouble.
3. Even though the Internet is considered a treasure of information, not all of what
is available, is reliable.
4. The Internet also exposes people, especially young children, to inaccurate
information which might lead to misinterpretation of facts and unwise
judgments.
5. Getting addicted to the Internet is another major problem. This leads to loss in
concentration and lack of physical activity, which in the long run, affects the
health of people.