Study Guide: The Internet, the Web, and Electronic Commerce

The Internet, the Web, and Electronic Commerce

Overview of Chapter Contents

• Origins of the Internet and the Web.

• Methods for accessing the Web, including providers and browsers.

• Discussion of Web utilities: plug-ins, filters, file transfer utilities, and Internet security suites.

• Internet communications: e-mail, instant messaging, social networking.

• Search tools, including search engines and specialized search engines.

• Evaluation of information accuracy on the Web.

• Overview of electronic commerce types: B2C, C2C, B2B, and related security issues.

The Internet and the Web

• Definition of the Internet:

  • Often referred to as the Information Superhighway, the Internet connects millions of people globally.

  • It differs from a typical highway as it primarily moves ideas, data, and information through networks.

• Definition of the Web:

  • Provides an easy-to-use, intuitive multimedia interface to connect users to the Internet.

  • Competent end users must be aware of the resources available on the Internet and the Web.

• Origins:

  • The Internet is the largest global network, formed by connecting smaller networks worldwide.

  • Launch Date: 1969; it originated from a national computer network funded by the US called ARPANET (Advanced Research Project Agency Network).

  • World Wide Web (WWW): Introduced in 1991.

  • Key distinction: The Internet is the physical infrastructure; the Web is the multimedia interface to resources available on the Internet.

Evolution of the Web

• Web Generations:

  • Web 1.0:

  • First generation focused on linking existing information.

  • Search programs were developed to provide links to websites based on specific words or phrases.

  • Web 2.0:

  • Marked by dynamic content creation; example: Facebook is widely used in this era.

  • Web 3.0:

  • Current generation characterized by personalized content creation; examples include Siri and Google Assistant.

Internet Access and Browsers

• Access Method:

  • Common method includes using a Commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP) that connects individuals to the Internet via various technologies: telephone lines, cable, and wireless connections (e.g., DSL, Cable, Wireless).

• Browsers:

  • Software programs that allow users to access and surf the Internet.

  • Popular web browsers include:

  • Mozilla Firefox

  • Apple Safari

  • Microsoft Edge

  • Google Chrome

• URL (Uniform Resource Locator):

  • Defines the location or address of a resource on the Web, consisting of:

  • Protocol: Rules for data exchange (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS).

  • Domain Name: The specific location of the resource.

  • Top-Level Domain (TLD): Identifies the type of organization associated with the URL.

Web Protocols: HTTP vs. HTTPS

• HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol):

  • Translates a URL into the IP address of the host where the requested web page is stored and facilitates transferring that page to the user's computer.

• HTTPS (Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol):

  • Secure version of HTTP; communication between the user's browser and the web server is encrypted, indicated by an 'S' in HTTPS, ensuring data security during transmission.

HTML and Interactive Features

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language):

  • The markup language for displaying web pages, structured within documents including hyperlinks to connect users to different web pages.

• Interactive Features:

  • Enhancements in web pages provided by programming languages such as:

  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

  • JavaScript

  • AJAX

  • Applets

Web Utilities

• Definition:

  • Specialized utility programs that enhance user experience and security online.

• Categories of Utilities:

  • Plug-Ins:

  • Automatic applications that operate within browsers to empower an enhanced experience with multimedia formats.

  • Examples include Adobe Reader (for PDFs) and Silverlight (for videos).

  • Filters:

  • Software to block access to specific websites or content, monitor internet usage, often used by parents or organizations.

  • File Transfer Utilities:

  • Programs for uploading and downloading files, examples include Google Drive, Dropbox, and One Drive.

  • Internet Security Suites:

  • Utility collections to maintain security and privacy while online. Examples include:

    • Kaspersky

    • Norton

    • Bitdefender

    • McAfee

Internet Communications

• Forms of Internet Communication include:

  • E-Mail:

  • Transmission of electronic messages over the Internet, examples include Outlook and Gmail.

  • Instant Messaging:

  • Direct, live communication systems, which may include video conferencing and file sharing.

  • Popular platforms: WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger.

  • Social Networking:

  • Platforms connecting individuals sharing common interests.

  • Example sites: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn.

Search Tools and Information Evaluation

• Search Engines:

  • Specialized programs for locating information online. They typically offer:

  • Keyword Search: Searching based on specified terms.

  • Directory Search: Finding content through categorized listings.

• Information Evaluation:

  • Not all information on the Web is accurate; evaluation criteria include:

  • Authority: Source must be credible and knowledgeable in the subject matter.

  • Accuracy: Information must be precise and reliable.

  • Objectivity: Content should be evaluated for any potential biases or agendas.

  • Currency: Information should be current and up-to-date.

Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce)

• Definition and Overview:

  • Often referred to as e-commerce; entails buying and selling goods over the Internet.

  • Types of e-commerce models include:

  • B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Direct sales from businesses to the public.

  • C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Sales between consumers.

  • B2B (Business-to-Business): Sales between businesses.

• Key E-Commerce Technologies:

  • Incorporates mobile commerce, electronic funds transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data collection systems.

Advantages of E-Commerce

• Benefits include:

  • Faster purchasing process.

  • Global shopping access anytime, anywhere.

  • 24/7 availability of services.

  • Simplified store and product listing creation.

  • Flexible and varied customer interactions.

  • Efficient product and price comparisons.

  • Quicker seller responses.

  • Logistics tracking capabilities.

Disadvantages of E-Commerce

• Concerns include:

  • Inability to physically examine products before purchase.

  • Potential security threats associated with online transactions.

  • Uncertainty surrounding product quality.

Types of E-Commerce Models

• Various models based on the transaction parties include:

  • B2B (Business-to-Business):

  • Largest segment, involving transactions between businesses (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe).

  • B2C (Business-to-Consumer):

  • Fastest growing segment; sites like Zalora, Foodpanda, Netflix exemplify this model.

  • B2G (Business-to-Government):

  • Business transactions with government agencies.

  • C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer):

  • Platforms for individuals selling to each other (e.g., auctions).

  • C2B (Consumer-to-Business) and C2G (Consumer-to-Government):

  • Consumers offering services and making payments for obligations, respectively.

Payment Methods in E-Commerce

• Key payment options include:

  • Credit/Debit cards

  • E-wallets / QR codes

  • Online banking

  • Cash

Class Activity Guidelines

• In groups (4-5 people): Select TWO e-commerce websites; discuss:

  1. Brief description and transaction types (C2C, B2C, etc.).

  2. Personalization or customization offered.

  3. Global reach and implementation methods.

  4. Social networking features for sharing opinions.

  5. Discuss how the Internet and Web enable e-commerce through four supporting features or services.