The internet offers a range of services to its consumers. We can upload and download the files/ data via the internet as it is a pool of knowledge. We can access or obtain information as needed. It is quite popular because of the variety of senders available on the Internet. Web services have grown in popularity as a result of these offerings. To access/exchange a large amount of data such as software, audio clips, video clips, text files, other documents, etc., we require internet services. We must use an Internet service to connect to the Internet. Data can be sent from Internet servers to your machine via Internet service. Some of the internet services are FTP, Telnet, VoIP, etc. In this article, we will learn about different types of internet services.
How to connect your computer to the Internet?
Before moving further first of all we will understand how to connect our computer to the internet. So to establish the connection follow the following steps:
Step 1: Install the hardware, such as a modem and an Ethernet cable, as well as the important software like LAN driver, etc.
Step 2: Use an ethernet cable or a wireless link to establish a preliminary connection.
Step 3: Navigate to the router’s default IP address.
Step 4: Use the login name and password provided by the ISP to connect to the internet.
Step 5: Save your preferences.
Internet services
To access/exchange a large amount of data such as software, audio clips, video clips, text files, other documents, etc., we need internet services. You must use an Internet service to connect to the Internet. Data can be sent from Internet servers to your machine via Internet service. Some of the commonly used internet services are :
- Communication Services
- Information Retrieval Services
- File Transfer
- World Wide Web Services
- Web Services
- Directory Services
- Automatic Network Address Configuration
- Network Management Services
- Time Services
- Usenet
- NewsGroup
- Ecommerce
Now let us discuss them one by one
1. Communication Services: To exchange data/information among individuals or organizations, we need communication services. Following are some of the common communication services:
- IRC(Internet Relay Chat): Subscribers can communicate in real-time by connecting numerous computers in public spaces called channels.
- VoIP: It stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which describes how to make and receive phone calls over the internet. A larger number of people believe VoIP is a viable alternative to traditional landlines. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technique that helps us make voice calls via the Internet rather than over a traditional (or analog) phone line. Some VoIP services may let you call only other VoIP users, while others may let you call anyone with a phone number, including long-distance, mobile, and local/international lines. If you have an internet connection you can easily call anyone without using a local phone service because VoIP solutions are based on open standards, they can be used on any computer. More than just setting up calls is what VoIP service providers do. Outgoing and incoming calls are routed through existing telephone networks by them.
- List Server (LISTSERV): Delivers a group of email recipients’ content-specific emails.
- E-Mail: Used to send electronic mail via the internet. It is a paperless method for sending text, images, documents, videos, etc from one person to another via the internet.
- User Network (USENET): It hosts newsgroups and message boards on certain topics, and it is mostly run by volunteers.
- Telnet: It’s used to connect to a remote computer that’s connected to the internet.
- Video Conferencing: Video conferencing systems allow two or more people who are generally in different locations to connect live and visually. Live video conferencing services are necessary for simulating face-to-face talks over the internet. The system can vary from very simple to complex, depending on the live video conferencing vendors. A live video-based conference involves two or more individuals in separate locations utilizing video-enabled devices and streaming voice, video, text, and presentations in real-time via the internet. It allows numerous people to connect and collaborate face to face over large distances. Tools available for this purpose are Zoom, FreeConference, Google Hangouts, Skype, etc.
2. Information Retrieval Services: It is the procedure for gaining access to information/data stored on the Internet. Net surfing or browsing is the process of discovering and obtaining information from the Internet. When your computer is linked to the Internet, you may begin retrieving data. To get data, we need a piece of software called a Web browser. A print or computer-based information retrieval system searches for and locates data in a file, database, or other collection of data. Some sites are:
- www.geeksforgeeks.org: Free tutorials, millions of articles, live, online, and classroom courses, frequent coding competitions, industry expert webinars, internships, and job possibilities are all available. A computer-based system for searching and locating data in a file, database, or another source.
- www.crayola.com: It includes advice for students, parents, and educators on how to be more creative.
3. File Transfer: The exchange of data files across computer systems is referred to as file transfer. Using the network or internet connection to transfer or shift a file from one computer to another is known as file transfer. To share, transfer, or send a file or logical data item across several users and/or machines, both locally and remotely, we use file transfer. Data files include – documents, multimedia, pictures, text, and PDFs and they can be shared by uploading or downloading them. To retrieve information from the internet, there are various services available such as:
- Gopher: A file retrieval application based on hierarchical, distributed menus that is simple to use.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol): To share, transfer, or send a file or logical data item across several users and/or machines, both locally and remotely.
- Archie: A file and directory information retrieval system that may be linked to FTP
4. Web services: Web services are software that uses defined messaging protocols and are made accessible for usage by a client or other web-based programs through an application service provider’s web server. Web services allow information to be exchanged across web-based applications. Using Utility Computing, web services can be provided.
5. World Wide Web: The internet is a vast network of interconnected computers. Using this network, you can connect to the world wide web (abbreviated as ‘www’ or ‘web’) is a collection of web pages. The web browser lets you access the web via the internet.
6. Directory Services: A directory service is a set of software that keeps track of information about your company, customers, or both. Network resource names are mapped to network addresses by directory services. A directory service provides users and administrators with full transparent access to printers, servers, and other network devices. The directory services are :
- DNS (Domain Number System): This server provides DNS. The mappings of computer hostnames and other types of domain names to IP addresses are stored on a DNS server.
- LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol): It is a set of open protocols that are used for obtaining network access to stored data centrally. It is a cross-platform authentication protocol for directory services and also allows users to interact with other directory services servers.
7. Automatic Network Address Configuration: Automatic Network Addressing assigns a unique IP address to every system in a network. A DHCP Server is a network server that is used to assign IP addresses, gateways, and other network information to client devices. It uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol as a common protocol to reply to broadcast inquiries from clients.
8. Network Management Services: Network management services are another essential internet service that is beneficial to network administrators. Network management services aid in the prevention, analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of connection problems. The two commands related to this are:
- ping: The ping command is a Command Prompt command that is used to see if a source can communicate with a specific destination & get all the possible paths between them.
- traceroute: To find the path between two connections, use the traceroute command.
9. Time Services: Using facilities included in the operating system, you may set your computer clock via the Internet. Some services are :
- Network Time Protocol (NTP): It is a widely used internet time service that allows you to accurately synchronize and adjust your computer clock.
- The Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP): It is a time-keeping protocol that is used to synchronize network hardware. When a full implementation of NTP is not required, then this simplified form of NTP is typically utilized.
10. Usenet: The ‘User’s Network’ is also known as Usenet. It is a network of online discussion groups. It’s one of the first networks where users may upload files to news servers and others can view them.
11. News Group: It is a lively Online Discussion Forum that is easily accessible via Usenet. Each newsgroup contains conversations on a certain topic, as indicated by the newsgroup name. Users can use newsreader software to browse and follow the newsgroup as well as comment on the posts. A newsgroup is a debate about a certain topic made up of notes posted to a central Internet site and distributed over Usenet, a global network of news discussion groups. It uses Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP).
12. E-commerce: Electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce or e-Commerce, is a business concept that allows businesses and individuals to buy and sell goods through the internet. Example: Amazon, Flipkart, etc. websites/apps.
Sample problem
Question 1: Describe the search engine’s objective.
Solution:
The primary goal of a search engine is to assist individuals in finding additional information on any topic they are interested in.
Question 2: What do you mean when you say you’re going to upload a file on the internet? The name of the protocol required to do so.
Solution:
Uploading a file over the Internet is the process of transferring a file from your computer to a server. FTP(File Transfer Protocol) is the protocol required to do so.
Question 3: What exactly do you mean when you say “remote login”?
Solution:
The ability to log into a computer or network from another computer via internet/ network is known as Remote access / Remote login.
Question 4: What are the benefits of video conferencing for teachers?
Solution:
Teachers can use video conferencing to speak with other educators and pupils from different schools to discuss various topics or join online workshops.
Question 5: What is FTP and how does it work?
Solution:
The protocol/ rules that allows users to move data between computers connected to the Internet. It allows users to upload/ download the files from/to their computer to/from a website. FTP (File Send Protocol) is the means of transferring the files between computers using the Internet and TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) services.
FTP is based on the client/server concept. A FTP client application allows a user to communicate with an FTP server program in order to gain access to data and services on the server machine. In order to use FTP server program users needs to connect to the Internet or communicate with an FTP client application.
Objectives of FTP :
- It allows users to share files.
- The data transfer is more secure and efficient.
- It facilitates people to use distant computers.
Advantages of FTP :
- It employs robust control commands and is a connection-oriented protocol.
- The data is sent over a separate TCP connection than the control commands. This allows for quick data transport.
- It is easy to set up and utilize.
- Because of its uniformity, it has a universal application and so is popular to use.
- Using the FTP, users of all operating systems (Windows, Linux etc.) can connect to the server without difficulty.
Disadvantages of FTP :
- It necessitates a greater amount of memory and programming work.
- There are many TCP/IP connections in use. The utilization of such connections is hampered by a firewall.
- When a firewall is in place, filtering active mode FTP traffic on the client side is difficult.
- Due to its connection-oriented design, it has a significant latency.
- the transfer of date/timestamp attributes is not supported.
Question 6: How to find people on the internet
Solution:
You can find people on the internet on various websites and via various search engines. The internet makes it really simple to locate someone who is willing to help you for no cost. Some of the numerous sites and methods for finding anyone online are listed below:
- Facebook: It allows people to stay in touch with friends and family, find communities, and expand their companies.
- PeekYou: PeekYou is a People search engine that puts people in the spotlight on the Internet. It allows you to learn about the individuals who are most significant and meaningful in your life.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn is an excellent tool for locating people. There’s a decent possibility you’ll meet folks you can’t find anyplace else on this career-focused alternative to Facebook.