Transition from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0

Module 4.1: Transition from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0

Historical Context

  • Pre-Computer Era:
    • Research projects were conducted through extensive use of books and encyclopedias.
  • Modern Technology:
    • Users can easily search and access information through simple keyword queries on computers.

Introduction to Computing History

  • Xerox Alto:
    • First GUI Operating System:
    • Launched in 1973.
    • Designed to support systems using a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
    • Cost:
    • Initial cost was in the tens of thousands of dollars—prohibitive for personal use.
    • Usage:
    • About 1,000 units utilized in Xerox labs and around 500 in universities by late 1970s.
    • Impact on Computing:
    • Demonstrated that GUI was the future direction of computing.

Licensing of GUI

  • Steve Jobs and Xerox:
    • In 1979, Apple Computer (Steve Jobs) obtained a license to utilize the GUI technology from Xerox.
    • In return, Xerox gained stock options in Apple

Introduction of Apple Computers

  • Apple LISA:

    • Launched in 1983 as the first Apple personal computer with GUI.
    • Marketed towards individual business users.
    • Sales Performance:
    • Poor due to high price, low performance, and unreliable floppy disk reader.

  • Macintosh (Mac):

    • Debut:
    • Released in 1984, marked as the first mass-marketed PC with interactive GUI and mouse.
    • Market Reach:
    • Initially high-priced, it later became popular in educational and business sectors.
    • Brand Development:
    • In 1998, branded as 'Mac', leading to a series of Apple PCs.
    • Operating Systems:
    • Apple developed exclusive operating systems for its computers, limiting compatibility with other software.

Understanding Computer Language and Internet

  • Binary Code:

    • Fundamental representation of data in computers and networks.
    • Functions:
    • Encodes instructions and defines text.
    • Binary System:
    • Composed of two digits: 0 and 1.
    • Bit String:
    • Typically consists of eight binary digits (bits), allowing for 256 different values (computed as 28=2562^8 = 256).
    • Telecommunication Applications:
    • Used for encrypting and encoding data.

  • Binary Code Types:

    • Fixed Width Binary Code:
    • Each character is represented by a string of the same length.
    • Variable Width Binary Code:
    • Maps symbols to a variable number of bits, allowing for compression or decompression without loss (lossless data compression).

WYSIWYG Systems

  • Definition:
    • What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG):
    • Editing system that displays content closely aligned with its final appearance.
    • Features:
    • Enables direct manipulation and editing of document layouts without the need for code.

Evolution of the Web: Web 1.0 vs. Web 2.0

  • Web 1.0:

    • Characteristics:
    • Users could view information mostly in a one-way interaction model.
    • Ecommerce websites primarily exemplified this phase, allowing businesses to showcase products without user interaction.
    • Enabled international sales by providing global exposure to businesses.

  • Web 2.0:

    • Definition:
    • Referred to as the Read-Write Web.
    • User Interaction:
    • Users can contribute content and interact with one another, moving beyond simple viewing.
    • Examples:
    • Websites allowing user-generated content, such as social media platforms.
    • Important Note:
    • Web 2.0 is not merely a technological upgrade but signifies a shift in web page development and usage paradigms.

Upcoming Content

  • Next Section:
    • Module 4.2 will explore the transformation of the Internet through blogs and wikis.