Chapter 3

1.   Why isn’t the Internet overloaded? Will it ever be at capacity?

The internet isn’t overloaded because more and more servers are being added and the Internet architecture is built in layers so that each layer can change without disturbing development in other layers.  The internet will never be at capacity if more layers continue to be produced.

2.   Compare and contrast intranets, extranets, and the Internet as a whole.

Intranet is a TCP network that is located within a single organization for purposes of communications and information processing.  An extranet is formed when firms permit outsiders to access their internal TCP/IP networks.  An example of a user of an intranet would be Microsoft and it is far less expensive to run on an Intranet.  An extranet would be like General Motors which allows parts suppliers to gain access to GM’s network.

3.   What are some of the challenges of policing the Internet? Who has the final say when it comes to content?

There is not one single governing organization that controls activity on the Internet, instead there are several organizations that influence the system and monitor its operations.

4.   Why was the development of the browser so significant for the growth of the Web?

It allowed people to share files, information, graphics, sound, video, and other objects across all computer platforms in the world, regardless of operating system.

5.   Name and describe five services currently available through the Web.

E-mail which allows messages containing text, picture, images, or sound to be transferred from one Internet user to another.  Instant messaging which allows messages to be instantly sent between two users allowing for a two-way conversation.  Search engines which identify Web pages that match a query submitted by a user.  Blogs which are personal Web pages that typically contain a series of chronological entries by the author and links to related Web pages.  Wikis which are Web applications that allow a user to easily add and edit content on a web page (ex. Wikipedia).

6.   What are at least three new services that will be available through the next generation of the Internet?

RSS-an XML format that allows users to have digital content automatically sent to their computers over the Internet.

M-commerce applications which permit mobile consumers to make payments easily from their cell phones.

Online software and services, such as web apps, widgets, gadgets, and distribution of software applications and distributed storage offered by ASP’s.