Internet Services
With advancements in technology, traditional communication methods such as telephones and television are being transformed by the Internet. The Internet offers new services like Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). It also enhances interactions like instant messaging, e-mails, forums, chatting, and social networking. Online shopping and e-business have become essential, benefiting both large and small businesses. All these are called Internet Services—they are software-based services provided through devices connected via the World Wide Web.
Key Points from the Content
1. Information Retrieval
- Description: Information retrieval is the process of finding and accessing information using the Internet. It is one of the most significant Internet services.
- How It Works:
- You need a web browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
- To visit a website, type the web address (URL) in the browser’s address bar.
- The browser sends a request to the web server hosting the website.
- The web server sends back the information and the browser displays it.
Examples:
- Searching for science notes on Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org).
- Looking up historical facts on Wikipedia (https://www.wikipedia.org).
- Watching educational videos on Coursera (https://www.coursera.org).
Important Points:
- Browsers are essential tools for visiting and retrieving content from websites.
- Educational websites make information easily accessible.
2. E-Mail
- Description: E-mail, short for electronic mail, is a popular Internet application that allows users to send and receive messages quickly.
- Benefits:
- Real-time communication.
- Cost-effective and eco-friendly (saves paper and postage).
- Attachments can be sent, including pictures, songs, and videos.
Examples:
- Sending your homework to your teacher as an email attachment.
- Receiving a project update from a classmate via email.
- Emailing a family member in another city.
Important Points:
- E-mails consist of a header (receiver details) and a body (message content).
- Attachments allow sharing files easily.
3. E-Mail Account & Address
E-Mail Account:
- Description: An e-mail account is a virtual mailbox where emails are sent and received.
- Details Needed:
- Username
- Account provider
- Password
- E-mail settings
E-Mail Address:
-
Description: It is a unique name that identifies an email account. Consists of a username and domain name, separated by "@".
Example:
kipspublishingworld@gmail.com- Username: kipspublishingworld
- Domain Name: gmail.com
Examples:
- mary123@yahoo.com (Mary’s email address on Yahoo)
- john.doe@rediffmail.com (John's email at RediffMail)
- myschool.project@gmail.com (Common project email address for a school group)
Important Points:
- E-mail addresses are case-insensitive and do not allow spaces.
- Username and domain name structure help emails reach the right person.
4. Types of E-Mail Services
A. Web-Based E-Mail
- Accessed via: Web browsers.
- Advantages: Accessible from any computer with Internet access.
- Popular Examples: Gmail.com, Yahoo.com, MSN.com
Examples:
- Checking email from a cyber café when on vacation using Gmail.com.
- Accessing Yahoo mail from your friend’s laptop.
- Reading school notices on MSN.com mail from your mobile phone.
Important Points:
- Great for travelers.
- Requires only Internet access and a browser.
B. Application/Client-Based E-Mail
- Accessed via: Special software installed on your computer.
- Examples: Outlook Express, Mozilla Thunderbird, Foxmail.
- Disadvantages: Might not be usable outside the country due to different Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Examples:
- Reading official school emails using Outlook on the school computer.
- Setting up your home computer with Thunderbird for faster access.
- Using Foxmail for business communication.
Important Points:
- Often faster and better for managing large volumes of mail.
- May have location or installation limitations.
5. Creating a Strong Password
- Do not use: Personal information (e.g., your name, birthdate).
- Must include: A mix of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters.
- Recommended length: At least 8 characters.
- Do not reuse: The same password across multiple accounts.
Examples of Strong Passwords:
SunShine@123Gr8Tigers!9MiXed_2024$
Important Points:
- Strong passwords help keep your account secure.
- Never write your passwords down where others can find them.
6. E-Mail Account Creation Activity (Step-by-Step)
Let's create a Gmail Account!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Connect to the Internet.
- Open a web browser (such as Chrome, Firefox).
- Go to www.gmail.com.
- Click on "Create account". Choose “For myself” (for personal use).
- Fill in the form:
- Enter first and last name.
- Choose a username. Try another if your choice is taken.
- Create a strong password (minimum 8 characters, mix of letters, numbers, and symbols). Confirm it.
- Click Next.
- Enter phone number (optional but useful for security), recovery email (optional), date of birth, and gender.
- Click Next.
- Read Privacy and Terms. Click “I agree” to proceed.
- Welcome Screen appears. Click "Next".
Observations:
- The process is simple and guides you step by step.
- The username must be unique. If it’s already taken, you need to try a new one.
- A strong password is required for security.
Scenario-Based Questions
-
Scenario: Your friend forgot their Gmail password.
- Question: How can you help them recover their account?
- Answer: Guide them to click on “Forgot password?” on the Gmail login screen and follow the steps using their recovery e-mail or phone number.
-
Scenario: You’re using a public computer in a library to check your email.
- Question: What precautions should you take?
- Answer: Always log out after use and avoid saving your password on the public computer to ensure your account’s safety.
-
Scenario: You receive an email from an unknown address with an attachment.
- Question: What should you do?
- Answer: Do not download or open the attachment. It could be a virus. Delete the email or mark it as spam.
-
Scenario: You are creating an online account for a school project.
- Question: What type of password should you set?
- Answer: Use a strong password combining uppercase, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Do not use your name or birthday.
-
Scenario: You need information about World War II for your history project.
- Question: How would you use the Internet for information retrieval?
- Answer: Use a web browser to visit trusted educational websites like Wikipedia or Khan Academy and type “World War II” in the search bar to find relevant information.