The internet
The internet as it is known today has been around since 1991, but the first Electronic mail. A method for sending messages and files to other people. was sent in 1971. To begin with, the internet was text-only. The first photo was uploaded in 1992.
Today鈥檚 websites have audio, video and animation. A software program that allows a user to perform a specific task. run in the An application that displays web pages., eg A free, online set of applications. It includes word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software., and the level of The ability for a program to respond to what the user does, eg. by triggering an animation when you click a button. has increased dramatically. This is all possible because of A high-speed internet connection..
Once limited to computers, the internet is now accessible on a whole range of different devices. Some people consider internet access a basic Something that contributes to comfort and wellbeing..
Connecting to the Internet
To begin with, An outdated and slow method of connecting to the internet using a telephone line. was used to connect to the internet. It was slow and unreliable. Today鈥檚 broadband is much faster and far more reliable. Without it we wouldn鈥檛 be able to listen to music, watch videos or send and receive large files.
In the image below, 56 K represents a typical dial-up connection and the other values are all different speeds of broadband. The higher the number, the faster the connection speed. The image shows a comparison of the time taken to To copy a file from the internet onto your computer or device. one song at each connection speed.
Wireless internet access
Wi-Fi enables computers, mobile devices, games consoles and other devices to connect to the internet wirelessly. It makes it easier than ever to stay connected to the internet wherever you are, eg on a train or in a caf茅.
Downloading and accessing entertainment online
Physical media is not as popular as it once was, eg CDs and DVDs. Music, movies, books, magazines and games are all available to download directly to your computer.