Computer Technology

The Internet

Watch this comical clip to answer the question "What is the Internet?"


Okay, so the internet isn't really just a wireless box that sits on top of Big Ben and transmits a signal. SO then, what is it? Well you already know the answer to that, right?

The internet is the world's largest and most powerful network. "It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private and public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope that are linked by a broad array of electronic and optical networking technologies." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet)

The image below tries to illustrator what PART of the internet actually looks like. Take a look:

photo: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Internet_map_1024.jpg

"[This is a] Partial map of the Internet based on the January 15, 2005 data found on opte.org. Each line is drawn between two nodes, representing two IP addresses. The length of the lines are indicative of the delay between those two nodes." (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Internet_map_1024.jpg)

Technically speaking, the internet was never invented. The internet is a collection of highly refined and evolved technologies, such as computer, networking devices, and a whole LOT of cables!

The primary purpose of the internet is to facilitate the sharing of information. Twenty years ago, if you wanted to learn about anything, you would have had to go to the library, find a book on the subject and photocopy your information. Even then, you still might not have been able to find the information that you were looking for. Today, you can just sit down at any computer with an internet connection, and just like that you have a vast reservoir of knowledge at your fingertips.

When you think of the internet, you probably imagine a webpage containing text, pictures and maybe videos. However, these days, we use the internet for a whole lot more than just viewing info! Using the internet, we can communicate in real time, access online programs, and even put ourselves into a virtual reality.

Here at OHSU, the internet is CRUCIAL to our learning! "The Internet is allowing greater flexibility in working hours and location, especially with the spread of unmetered high-speed connections and web applications." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet) Just think - if you didn't have the internet, where would you be? What school would you be at right now?