Fun Facts About The Internet
Fun Facts About The Internet
Fun Facts About The Internet
by Dan Karas
The Internet is one huge place where billions of people have fun on a day-to-day basis. To be more precise, 2.3 billion people from all over the world are using their desktop computers, laptops and from recently mobile phones and various other gadgets to access the Internet each and every day. What seems to be even more amazing is the fact that in the last decade there was phenomenal growth of over 500% when it comes to the number of Internet users. These numbers are only there to help you visualize how important the World Wide Web has become to us – it is now an inevitable part of our daily routine. So, the next time you sit behind your computer screen and connect to the Internet, know that you are not the only one who performed this task. Instead, the next time you deny the influence the Net has on you, remember that one third of the world’s population is online each and every day, and this includes you too.
Internet Usage
As mentioned above, nearly one third of all the people in the world use the Internet daily for many different reasons. However, you need to pay attention to this – these numbers are not the same for every country or every continent in the world. Moreover, there is a big difference between the number of Internet users in Africa and Europe, for instance. While it has been estimated that only 4% of the population in Africa use the Internet, Europe, on the other hand, boasts a 24% Internet usage.
Do Teenagers Use the Internet Moderately?
After discussing the numbers relating to the amount of Internet users across the globe, it is also important to mention age groups. As expected, teenagers spend a lot of their free time online, but the numbers suggest that they are not the ones who spend the most time on the Internet. Even though teenagers spend approximately 30 hours a week online, young people between ages 21 and 35 make the largest proportion of Internet users. So, in case you fall into the latter category, don’t tell off your kid for spending too much online. Your child has you to limit their Internet usage, and who is supposed to tell you when it is enough?
Web Cameras
Fortunately, the Internet is evolving more and more, and its users find the new technology to be very useful. When it comes to web cams, it was a long road until they became as useful they are today. In the past, web cams had a purpose, but what they were used for then were quite a bit different from the purposes that web cameras serve today. Namely, the first web camera had a very unusual purpose – it was used for monitoring a coffee maker at Cambridge University. Its users found a very interesting and practical way to use a web camera, as they could see when the coffee maker was empty.
How Much Content Is Available Online
The amount of content that resides on the Internet is another very interesting fact. According to statistics, there are 5 million terabytes of data online. When you take into account that a human brain could store from 1 to maximum of 10 terabytes of data, these unfathomable numbers are really impressive.
Categories: Internet Access Article, Internet News, Technology Tags: Internet Facts, Internet Usage
The World of Internet Slang, Acronyms and Abbreviations
Internet Slang
The World of Internet Slang, Acronyms and Abbreviations
by Dan Karas
For anyone who is a bit late to arrive at the party, joining any chat room online or indeed any forum discussion will surely be a very difficult task. What this means is that Internet users – particularly the younger generations who already have extensive knowledge in this field from text messaging – have invented a whole new language of acronyms in order to communicate more quickly, as well as avoid a lot of rules and regulations related to the online world. Well, for those of you who want to know something more about the Internet slang and all those confusing acronyms you see wherever you go online, here will be given a brief guide on the subject.
The Reason Why the Internet Lingo Has Become So Popular
Historically, it can be concluded that the Internet slang, or netspeak/chatspeak, has evolved from fanspeak. Furthermore, fanspeak is actually the slang of people who enjoy science fiction movies, as most of the pioneers in computer programming were science fiction fans. Even though the Internet slang first came into being with the purpose to save time while typing, it is today more of a group meme than anything else. On the other hand, some of the acronyms and abbreviations have developed in order to overcome censorship problems, as many online chat rooms and forums do not allow their users to use profanities of any kind.
The Internet Slang in the Real World
Even if we assume that you have never used the Internet, which is very unlikely, you probably haven’t succeeded in avoiding everything that this type of ‘language’ offers. Until a few years ago, acronyms such as FYI or FAQ would have probably been considered extremely informal, and people who used them in formal writing would have been considered rude and inappropriate. However, these two acronyms have in the last five years or so found their way into the formal/normal language use. This means that you would not be considered rude if you included these acronyms in your job application, but you would rather be considered digitally literate.
The Confusing Side of Internet Acronyms and Abbreviations
Yes, we have all heard of LOL, ROFL, BTW, 4EVER, 4GT, CU, THX or TY, BFF, and so on. However, what happens when these acronyms and abbreviations become so obscure that they become very difficult to decipher? Some of the examples for this include the following:
- @TEOTD (at the end of the day)
- 2G2B4G (too good to be forgotten)
- ADBB (all done, bye-bye)
- DIRFT (do it right the first time)
- FAWC (FOR ANYONE WHO CARES), AND SO ON.
Aside from the acronyms and abbreviations, there are also those words and phrases that have a special meaning in the online world, and these include the following:
- Newbie (noob or n00b), cluebie, guru – Three stages of a netizen (a citizen of the Internet) – a newbie is completely new to the world and knows nothing; a cluebie is a newbie with some clue of how things work; and a guru is an expert in any online topic.
- Troll – Someone who intentionally does everything they can to cause trouble online.
- 143 – This means ‘I love you’.
- Angry Garden Salad – A website that is designed badly and loads slowly.
So, the next time you want to join an online forum discussion, be sure to first think about all of the acronyms, abbreviations, and the Internet lingo in general. If you have any doubts, it’s better to do some research than to let everyone involved know that you are a clueless noob, right?
Categories: Internet Access Article, Self Improvement, Technology Tags: Abbreviations, Acronyms, Internet Slang
Internet History
Internet History
Internet History
by Dan Karas
The World Wide Web has become an integral part of our lives, so much that most of us cannot even begin to understand the fact that there was a time when the Internet did not exist. However, the Internet as we know it today didn’t come into being all until the last decade of the 20th century, meaning the 1990′s. Yes, this really means that, in spite of the fact that today’s children might feel as if the Internet had always been here, the World Wide Web as it is known today is not as old as we might think. On the other hand, the idea of the Internet is much older.
The Idea of Victorian Internet
The author called Tom Standage released a book in 1998 by the name of “The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century’s On-Line Pioneers”. As its name suggests, the book is about the late 19th century, and the main idea is that the telegraph is actually the precursor of the modern Internet. Aside from this, Tom Standage also says that the telegraph was even more significant that the Internet for its time, as real-time global communication was not possible before the invention of the telegraph.
The Beginning of the Internet 1950′s and 1960′s
During the sixth and the seventh decade of the 20th century, the idea of the modern Internet first appeared in the USA, and this idea was given more and more attention as time passed by. In that time, this web was used only by American Government agencies to share important information among themselves. By the middle 1960′s ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) was put into action, and only chosen organizations could enter this project which boasted the line speed of up to 50 kbps. During the following decades, The Internet was developing more and more, all until it became very similar to what we are using today.
Connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and America
During the 1980′s, The Internet developed significantly, which resulted in almost the whole world being connected by the late 1980′s and early 1990′s. However, all of these “phases” of the Internet were somewhat awkward to use, as most of them required a lot of computer knowledge, as well as patience, and were used mostly by professionals such as researchers, university professors, librarians, scientists and so on. After this, during the 1990′s the Internet finally became more user-friendly than before, meaning that it was easy to be used by people from all walks of life.
The Modern Internet Era
Today, the World Wide Web is something we cannot imagine our lives without. With websites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Wikipedia, and similar, people of all ages and ethnicity have been given an equal chance to use this powerful tool on a daily basis. Aside from this, the modern Internet has done a lot of good in terms of business as well, because every contemporary business can create an online presence and benefit greatly from doing this. All in all, the Internet has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and we can be very glad it did.
Categories: Internet Access Article, Technology Tags: History of the Internet, Internet History
How To Choose A Satellite Internet Provider?
How To Choose A Satellite Internet Provider?
How To Choose A Satellite Internet Provider?
by Dan Karas
While there is no dearth of options to choose from when it comes to Internet service providers, Satellite ISP has garnered a lot of attention and with good reason. The technology affords connectivity in areas that otherwise face a bandwidth blackout and cannot be reached by landlines. Also, satellite Internet is very convenient for people on the move. So, if you are considering an investment in a satellite Internet plan, here are some tips on how to choose the right satellite Internet provider.
Top 5 tips for choosing the right satellite ISP
Reliability: There are a myriad of options available for consumers interested in satellite Internet in terms of providers and plans. However, one of the foremost factors to consider is the reputation of the service provider. After all, the last thing you need is a service that conks on you when you need it the most. Take the time out to check out online reviews and read what other clients are saying about a company that you are interested in.
Look at the plans: Once you have drawn up a list of 4 to 5 Internet providers, it is time to compare their offerings vis à vis the price of the service. Take a look at the speed, download limit, cost and average downtime. In fact, speak to a representative from the company and inquire about the actual speed that you can expect. You may have noticed the discreet presence of the “conditions apply” asterisk. This indicates that the highest speed is rarely achievable as there will be other users imposing on the resources.
Be sure about coverage: It would not make sense if you are in the middle of a ‘no service’ zone and have already paid for a satellite Internet. So, make it a point to call the representatives of the company to your home and inquire about the sort of coverage you can expect. Nothing less than 24/7 connectivity is worth the price.
Lock in period and additional costs: While most companies will be forthcoming about plan pricing and related information, you will need to do a bit of digging to understand the additional costs involved. Also, inquire about the lock in period; many ISPs will need you to pay for 6 months to a year in advance. Since the fees are non-refundable in most cases, this will essentially be a lock in period. It would also be prudent to ask about termination charges and the expenses that you will have to incur for installation of the satellite dish.
The additional: Finally, pay close attention to all the perks that the deal involves. Don’t shy away from mentioning what the competitors are bringing to the table.
If you have been struggling with connectivity issues with other Internet providers, a satellite ISP may prove to be your saving grace. The best part is that with satellite Internet you can be connected to the World Wide Web even when on the move. It is possible to install satellite Internet even in a campervan.
Because there are several satellite connectivity providers in the market, the prices are fairly competitive. However, you will need to do a bit of shopping around and some haggling to get the best priced from a reliable satellite Internet provider.
Categories: Internet Access Article, Satellite Internet, Technology Tags: Satellite
What is DSL?
What is DSL?
What is DSL?
The advent of the world wide web has not only impacted the way in which people lead their lives but also it has been instrumental in the introduction of many related innovations and technologies like DSL. While today most people are content with the high speed browsing offered by their satellite and cable Internet connections, few can forget the noisy modems of yesteryear which were once the sole way to get onto the Internet bandwagon.
Even back then, an impressive technology known as DSL allowed people to rush through the information highway at breakneck speeds. If you have already heard about DSL but were not sure what it is and how it can enhance your browsing experience, here is a look at how the innovation works and its benefits.
What is DSL?
The Digital Subscriber Loop or Line (DSL) refers to a combination of technologies that enable data transfer over telephone networks. Information is typically transferred at speeds ranging from 128 Kbits/second to a whopping 24,000 Kbits/second. Originally a part of the Integrated Services Digital Network, DSL offers considerably faster speeds and quality than the outdated analog system.
The different forms of DSL technology
- HDSL: High Data Rate Digital Subscriber Line is characterized by the use of a distinctly higher frequency spectrum for the transmission of the data.
- ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line is a version of DSL which has a higher download speed and a slower upload speed.
- SDSL: This is a version of DSL with symmetric upload and download speed.
- RADSL: This is a variation of Asymmetrical DSL that changes the upstream speed to get specific downstream speeds.
- VDSL: Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber uses four different frequency bands and offers considerably higher speeds.
- VDSL2: Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line 2 is the next generation version of VDSL.
The benefits of using DSL
Affordable: One of the reasons for the viability of DSL in this day and age of high speed browsing technologies is the affordability of the option. Most buyers of regular cable and satellite internet ignore the fact that the 1.5 Mbps speed offered by DSL is at par with the T1 top off which seldom exceeds 1.5 Mbps. Yet, DSL only costs $35 per month as opposed to the pricey $400 or $500 charged by leading T1 Internet companies.
Just right for small businesses: Many argue that the over-subscription of DSL has led to markedly slow browsing speeds. While the statement does hold some merit, the fact remains that the speeds of a DSL network flounders only at peak times while remaining fairly steady through the rest of the day. For most small and midsized businesses trying to cut costs the partial compromise on speed is certainly worth the savings that they can make with a DSL connection.
On all the time: Because with a DSL connection, you don’t have to worry about usage, you can keep the computer connected to the Internet 24/7. The feature can have a range of applications and will certainly benefit establishments that require real time information like firms that deal in the equities and foreign exchange markets.
Although DSL has its fair share of pros and cons, the merits of the technology far outweigh its drawbacks which make this a feasible solution for businesses that need to perpetually be connected to the Internet but cannot afford the high cost of cable and satellite networks.
Categories: DSL, Internet Access Article, Technology Tags: DSL
Metro Ethernet Users Will have To Wait Years For Terabit Speed!
Metro Ethernet
Metro Ethernet Users Will have To Wait Years For Terabit Speed!
by Dan Karas
While most users are waiting with baited breath for the introduction of the Terabit Speed Metro Ethernet that promises astonishing browsing speeds, experts suggest that it will be a while before the dream turns into a reality. Although not impossible to achieve, Metro Ethernet with Terabit Speed will call for the use of high-end technology which will require mobilization of significant economic resources.
The problem so far with Terabit Speed Metro Ethernet
Colossal challenges will have to be overcome before users get the opportunity to experience terabit browsing speed. Standing on the threshold of tomorrow, some of the issues which may need resolving before the terabit dream is realized include:
The standards: According to John D”Ambrosia the chair of the IEEE study group which is conducting research into high speed Ethernet technologies, the primary concern will be the work on the standards needed for Terabit speed Ethernet. D’Ambrosia stated that a mindboggling extent of work awaits people before we can stumble on Terabit speeds and it will take no less than 3 to 4 years to get through it.
The competition: While Terabit speed is currently in the realms of fantasy, 100G Ethernet is already here and the latter is going to need its own set of standards which will without a doubt impose on the time and resources of the standards makers, slowing the advent of Terabit Metro Ethernet. Add to this the lower cost of 100G Ethernet and it is easy to understand why the industry is slowly but steadily veering towards this option.
Upgrades: The accommodation of Terabit Metro Ethernet will be no mean task as the PCI Express standards will need a major overhaul before the present day computer expansion cards can be made suitable for the highest speed browsing.
Transmission: Even if all these issues were to be sorted, the concern of transmission would still persist. It would suffice to state that transmitting terabit speed will require a baffling array of technological innovations and getting all the pieces together will prove to be a harrowing task for the most meticulous group of researchers.
The cost: From an implementation point of view, the technology needed to integrate optics into silicon chips will need as many as 40 lasers each at 40 Gbps. This would equate to massive energy spending which in turn will be an issue for most manufacturers, as they struggle to lower costs for their end users.
Another factor added to the corrigendum is that high speed technologies are supposed to lower power spending. However, the implementation of Terabit speed will end up doing the opposite and this will not sit well with the green crusaders.
Undeniably, mammoth challenges are scattered on the path that leads to Terabit Speed Metro Ethernet. However, growing consumer fanaticism towards the idea is enough to fuel research and compel companies to scrutinize innovative means to achieve the elusive dream of Terabit Ethernet. So, while it ain’t happening tomorrow, in the near future, we will be browsing through Facebook and other Social networks of the time at Terabit speeds.
Categories: Internet News, Technology Tags: metro ethernet
Sprint Predicts Within Five Years M2M Will be Standard
WiMax Tower
Sprint launched its M2M (mobile to mobile) division running with WiMAX in hopes of a high profit, with an ARPU (average revenue per user) of about 10 dollars U.S. per month. According to Geoff Martin, Manager of Platforms and the Collaboration Center for Sprint’s M2M Business Unit, quotes “M2M is one of the most profitable customers we have.”
This M2M division is one of Sprints center focuses this summer along with many other similar competitors such as Verizon and AT&T. 400 non phone products, Sprint claims, are going to be able to run on their network. Though Sprint has several networks, Martin claims that the M2M WiMAX will be cheapest and create the most revenue.
Geoff Martin of Sprint predicts that this is going to be the new big thing. He said in an interview “There’s not too much with an electrical current running through it that will not be wirelessly enabled in future.” He went on to predict, “In five years’ time you won’t be able to buy a digital camera that won’t give you a way of uploading your photos to Facebook…. Every single auto manufacturer will be coming out with one flavor of M2M.”
Source: http://www.mobilebusinessbriefing.com/article/sprint-reveals-m2m-arpu-wimax-modules-cheapest
Categories: Technology, WiMax Tags: M2M, Sprint, WiMax
DSL Most Popular Worldwide Broadband Technology
According to a press release by Broadband Forum, a non-profit provider of free broadband technical reports and white papers, DSL leads the world in broadband technology market share.
The Q3 2010 high speed Internet market share data, provided by Point Topic, shows DSL Internet Service as the world’s dominant broadband technology with a whopping 63.42 percent of the market. High Speed Cable Internet service is second with 20.41 percent and fiber-optic third with 13.74 percent of the broadband Internet market. Fixed Wireless Internet and Satellite Internet services share a paltry 2.43 percent of the remaining broadband Internet subscriptions.
The CEO of Point Topic, Oliver Johnson said “As demand for broadband increases worldwide there is now a significant amount of ‘infill’ taking place. Many areas don’t have access to the infrastructure required for fixed line broadband
provision. There has been an increase in access via technologies that don’t require wire of some description all the way to the consumer”.
China remains the top broadband country with over 130 million fixed broadband lines followed by the United States with 80 Million lines.
Categories: Broadband, DSL, Internet News, Technology Tags: Broadband, DSL, technology, world
