How the Internet Works and How it Can Benefit Your Small Business

Internet for Business

A brief overview of the Internet, what it is and how it works

Home > Internet Primer > How the Internet Works
How the Internet Works
The Internet is a world-wide but informal network of computers connected by traditional phone lines, by cable, and also wirelessly via satellites and cell phones. Amazingly, it’s not owned by anyone. The giant telecoms might own the phone lines and mobile networks, but they don’t own or control the Net. Neither do Microsoft nor Google.
So, you’re probably thinking, isn’t that a recipe for anarchy?

Fortunately not. To avoid chaos, a set of protocols or conventions has evolved that define how all these millions of computers communicate with each other, much as there are conventions for using networks such as the phone or road system.

All you need to connect to the Internet is:

a computer;

a linking mechanism (traditionally a modem that connects your computer to a phone line although now there are many other options);

a service provider (similar to the one for your mobile phone).

Internet has grown explosively

This inexpensive connection process has helped the Internet grow explosively. Radio existed for 38 years before it had 50 million listeners, TV took 11 years to reach that total and the Internet crossed that barrier in just four years.Today there are several hundred million people connected to the Internet. So you have a global network through which those who’re “connected” can easily communicate, usually via email and the World Wide Web.

Internet, World Wide Web and Email are different animals

It’s important to understand that the “Internet”, “World Wide Web” (more simply the “Web) and “email” are not the same thing.

Whereas the Internet is a physical network of computers, the Web and email are separate entities that use this network - like cars and trucks using a road network.

So, while the Internet allows us to connect to millions of other computers, it doesn’t necessarily mean those computers can understand each other.

What is needed in addition is a common “language” and tools that can act as interpreters. These are provided by the World Wide Web and by email.

Next ... World Wide Web Explained

Last updated: August 2008. Copyright © 2006-2008 Scotch Macaskill, 18 Strawberry Fields, 36 College Road, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Tel: +27 33 3422811. Privacy: Your privacy is guaranteed. Personal information, including email addresses, will never be sold or given to third parties. See our Privacy Policy for further details.

Internet for Business
A brief overview of the Internet, what it is and how it works
Home > Internet Primer > How the Internet Works How the Internet Works The Internet is a world-wide but informal network of computers connected by traditional phone lines, by cable, and also wirelessly via satellites and cell phones. Amazingly, it’s not owned by anyone. The giant telecoms might own the phone lines and mobile networks, but they don’t own or control the Net. Neither do Microsoft nor Google. So, you’re probably thinking, isn’t that a recipe for anarchy? Fortunately not. To avoid chaos, a set of protocols or conventions has evolved that define how all these millions of computers communicate with each other, much as there are conventions for using networks such as the phone or road system. All you need to connect to the Internet is: a computer; a linking mechanism (traditionally a modem that connects your computer to a phone line although now there are many other options); a service provider (similar to the one for your mobile phone). Internet has grown explosively This inexpensive connection process has helped the Internet grow explosively. Radio existed for 38 years before it had 50 million listeners, TV took 11 years to reach that total and the Internet crossed that barrier in just four years.Today there are several hundred million people connected to the Internet. So you have a global network through which those who’re “connected” can easily communicate, usually via email and the World Wide Web. Internet, World Wide Web and Email are different animals It’s important to understand that the “Internet”, “World Wide Web” (more simply the “Web) and “email” are not the same thing. Whereas the Internet is a physical network of computers, the Web and email are separate entities that use this network - like cars and trucks using a road network. So, while the Internet allows us to connect to millions of other computers, it doesn’t necessarily mean those computers can understand each other. What is needed in addition is a common “language” and tools that can act as interpreters. These are provided by the World Wide Web and by email. Next ... World Wide Web Explained
Last updated: August 2008. Copyright © 2006-2008 Scotch Macaskill, 18 Strawberry Fields, 36 College Road, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Tel: +27 33 3422811. Privacy: Your privacy is guaranteed. Personal information, including email addresses, will never be sold or given to third parties. See our Privacy Policy for further details.