Study Unit 14: The Internet, Intranet, and Extranet

The internet is a global network of computer networks facilitating communication and data sharing.
It offers vast information through various applications, services, and tools.
This unit covers the internet, its applications (WWW and e-mail), e-commerce, and its use as a research tool.
Intranets and extranets will also be discussed.

The internet connects millions of networks globally, encompassing academic, corporate, government, public, and private networks.
It's the world's largest network.

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides internet access to individuals and organizations (e.g., Cell C, MTN, Telkom, Vodacom).
ISPs are connected to the internet and provide access paths.
The internet uses the standard Internet Protocol (IP) technology to link different networks.
An IP is a communication standard defining how computers communicate and exchange data, enabling network connections.
An IP address is a unique number identifying computers on the internet.
The Domain Name System (DNS) allows the use of easier-to-remember domain names instead of IP addresses.
Domain names consist of words and letters, comprising two parts:
- The first part names the host computer or organization (second-level domain or SLD).
- The second part identifies the top-level domain (TLD).
TLDs identify the type or nature of the organization:
- .com: commerce organizations
- .gov: governments
- .org: non-profit organizations
- .ac or .edu: academic or educational institutions
- .net: networking organizations
- .int: international organizations
Country code TLDs exist to the right of the TLD:
- .za: South Africa
- .au: Australia
- .uk: The United Kingdom
- .us: The United States
A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is a unique address for each computer connected to the internet, identifying it to other hosts.
A URL consists of the scheme name (protocol) followed by a colon, and then a domain name or IP address.

The internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) are distinct; the WWW is one of many internet applications.
WWW and e-mail are examples of internet applications discussed.

The WWW, or the Web, is a service running on the internet, comprising interconnected documents and resources linked by hyperlinks and URLs.
A web browser is used to view websites.
Accessing a web page involves typing its URL into a web browser or following a hyperlink.
The web browser sends messages to retrieve and display the web page.
The web browser translates HTML for user readability.

E-mail (electronic mail) is a method for digital message exchange over computer networks.
E-mail is a service operating across the internet or other computer networks.
Documents can be attached to e-mail messages for file transfer.
Instant messaging (IM) is a faster method of text communication.
Users can send text messages via computer or mobile device and receive immediate responses if the recipient is online.
Advantages of IM include speed and fewer steps compared to e-mail.
WhatsApp is a well-known instant messaging provider.

The WWW can be likened to a library where users contribute documents; however, information retrieval is difficult without a classification system.
Search engines are web search tools that search the web using keywords.
Google is a popular internet search engine.
Information available for research includes journals, encyclopedias, dictionaries, government reports, calendars, indexes, statistical reports, research reports, books, manuals, manuscripts, video material, geographic maps, unpublished material, previously published textbooks, and interactive communication.

Organizations need to communicate effectively internally with employees and externally with partners and customers.
An intranet is an internal or private network controlled by a single organization.
Intranets use IP standards and tools like web browsers and file transfer applications, facilitating easier and cheaper internal communication.
Only users connected to the intranet can access the information.
Typical applications include electronic telephone directories, e-mail addresses, employee benefits information, and internal job openings.
Employees find organizational intranet surfing easier than internet surfing.
An extranet is a private network connecting multiple organizations, linking selected information and resources from an organization’s intranet with trusted customers, suppliers, or business partners.
The purpose is to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Example: An automobile manufacturer provides suppliers with access to car production schedules for timely parts delivery.
Secure intranet and extranet access requires firewalls, user authentication, message encryption, and VPNs.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the interconnection of computing devices embedded in everyday objects via the internet, enabling data exchange.
By 2030, there will be over one trillion connected devices, generating constant data via sensors.
IoT enhances data creation and access, increasing transparency.
IoT is a network of smart devices with inbuilt sensors and internet connectivity, collecting and transmitting data, significantly contributing to Big Data.
Making assets "smart" with sensors and internet connectivity can yield useful data for better business planning, resource allocation, process optimization, expenditure minimization, and early issue warnings.
Growth in IoT is driven by improvements in broadband connectivity and the development of 4G communication networks.
Next-generation 5G networks will further improve connectivity.
As people and businesses become comfortable with smart technology, IoT will continue to grow, becoming central to how we live and work.

The shift to Big Data relates to the amount of data which businesses must store and interrogate, which is increasing at an exponential rate, requiring new tools and techniques to utilize optimally. Leverage this resource for visualization, structure and support, as well as optimal decision-making, has become a commercialized privilege for many companies.
Data analytics is the process of collecting, organising and analysing large sets of data (Big Data) to discover patterns and other information which an organisation can use to inform future decisions.
The accounting and management accounting profession is no longer regarded as bean counters. It is now perceived as a strategic partner with influence in decision- making.

This unit covered the internet, its functionality, and applications like WWW and e-mail.
Concepts such as intranet, extranet, and Internet of Things were introduced.