Table of Contents
The term “INTERNET” is an abbreviation for International Network, commonly known as NET. It encompasses all computers worldwide interconnected to share resources and information, regardless of distance or geographical location.
Overview
The Internet serves as a global communication medium, enabling people worldwide to exchange, retrieve, disseminate, and store information, effectively transforming the world into a global village. Its usage unifies users, including government, military, educational, and commercial institutions globally. No single individual, company, government, or country can claim sole ownership of the Internet. The connection of computers within the Internet occurs through communication equipment such as wired or wireless telephone lines and satellites.
The Internet, or International Network, is an electronic communication means through a computer network, providing people worldwide with instant access to information. This rapid and reliable data and information transfer system facilitates global connectivity and communication.
Internet serves as a worldwide communication medium where individuals and organizations can exchange, retrieve, disseminate, and store information collectively. Ownership of the Internet belongs to telecommunication companies rather than any specific entity.
E-mail, short for electronic mail, represents a widely used resource on the Internet. It serves as a common tool for sending and receiving electronic messages, becoming essential for both business and personal communication. E-mail is a swift and efficient means of communication, allowing messages to be sent and received globally within seconds. The process involves composing the message on a computer and transmitting it through the same medium.
Users must have their unique e-mail addresses (e.g., adeoleganoloaniyi@yahoo.com) for effective use of e-mail facilities, as in traditional letter writing where the sender and recipient addresses are necessary.
The World Wide Web (www) is a comprehensive package designed to present detailed information about organizations, products, and services. Also known as the web, it constitutes a global collection of multimedia documents and files stored on computers connected to the Internet.
Websites, specific sites with unique features or information, are maintained by owners and are akin to collections of files containing information about various activities. Each site has a unique address called a UNIFORM RESOURCE LOCATOR (URL), comprising three parts: protocol (e.g., Http://), the name of the computer where the information is located (e.g., www.lycos.com), and the path and filename of the file to be retrieved (e.g., Index).
A search engine is a software program or script accessible via the Internet that scans documents and files for specific keywords, providing results containing those keywords. It serves as a website on the World Wide Web (WWW) for searching other websites, surpassing the capabilities of a web directory. This tool explores the web based on the provided keyword, making it a potent resource.
Numerous search engines are available, each with unique capabilities. Archie, considered the first search engine, focused on FTP files, while Veronica was the initial text-based search engine.
Presently, Google stands out as the most popular and widely recognized search engine, with others like AOL, Ask.com, Baidu, Bing, and Yahoo also gaining popularity. Search engines possess extensive databases of internet resources, facilitating the location of information on the World Wide Web.
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Typically, a search engine comprises three fundamental components:
Also known as a spider or bot, this software component navigates the web to gather information.
All web information is stored in a database, constituting vast web resources.
This component acts as an interface between the user and the database, aiding the user in searching through the information.
Search Engine Overview
Search engines play a pivotal role in navigating the vast expanse of information on the internet. They serve as digital gateways, helping users discover relevant content with just a few keystrokes. Here’s an expanded look at some prominent search engines:
Originally named BackRub, Google has evolved into the world’s most widely used search engine. Renowned for its accuracy and efficiency, Google employs complex algorithms to deliver precise search results. Beyond search, Google offers a myriad of services ranging from email (Gmail) to cloud storage (Google Drive).
Launched in 2009 by Microsoft, Bing stands as one of the newer players in the search engine arena. It distinguishes itself by incorporating Yahoo’s search results, providing users with a diverse range of outcomes. Bing also emphasizes visually appealing homepage backgrounds and integrates features like image and video search seamlessly.
Formerly known as Ask Jeeves, Ask has a unique approach to search queries. It supports various types of questions, including match, dictionary, and conversational queries. The interface often features a user-friendly design, making it accessible for those seeking answers conversationally.
Launched in 1995 by Digital Equipment Corporation, AltaVista once stood as a pioneer in search technology. Though now powered by Yahoo since 2003, AltaVista’s early contributions to the internet landscape are noteworthy. It played a crucial role in shaping the way users interact with search engines.
While AOL Search is powered by Google, it still retains a distinctive user base. AOL, a longstanding player in the online space, leverages Google’s search prowess to deliver results to its users. This collaboration showcases the interconnected nature of search engines within the digital ecosystem.
Positioned as a top internet portal and the 13th largest online property according to Media Matrix, LYCOS has established itself as a multifaceted platform. Offering not only search capabilities but also a range of internet services, LYCOS contributes to the diverse landscape of online information.
Operating as a subsidiary of Amazon, Alexa specializes in providing website traffic information. Beyond being a search engine, Alexa has expanded into the realm of smart devices, exemplifying the integration of search technology into various facets of our digital lives.
In essence, these search engines collectively shape the online experience, each contributing its unique features and capabilities to cater to the diverse needs of users in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Search engines serve various purposes, including:
The Digital Divide denotes the global split between those who possess internet access and those who do not. Essentially, it represents the unequal availability of information and communication technology within society.
The term “global digital divide” specifically points to variations in technological development and access among different countries or continents.
In the era of technological advancement, the Digital Divide manifests as the gap between individuals with access to technology tools and those without.
The primary factors influencing the digital divide include:
The traditional economy is primarily centered around subsistence farming and relies on barter trade, commonly associated with underdeveloped or developing nations.
The new economy represents the transition of developed nations from an industrialized manufacturing-centric wealth creation model to a service sector-oriented economy. As the new economy emerges, the old economy gradually diminishes.
In the dynamic shift from the Old Economy to the New Economy, profound transformations have reshaped the business landscape. Gone are the days of high operational costs; the New Economy embraces efficiency with cost-effectiveness at its core. This evolution is marked by the transition from a manual processing era to an era characterized by automated workflows, where cutting-edge technologies play a pivotal role in streamlining tasks and enhancing productivity.
The Old Economy, once reliant on mechanical systems, has given way to the New Economy, where technology takes the driver’s seat. The shift towards a technology-driven paradigm reflects a broader embrace of innovation, digitalization, and connectivity. Processes that were once mechanically driven have now become intricately woven with advanced technological solutions, propelling businesses into an era of unprecedented possibilities.
One of the most striking differentiators is the remarkable increase in processing speed. The Old Economy grappled with slow and time-consuming processes, whereas the New Economy thrives on swift and agile operations. The advent of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning has catalyzed a paradigm shift, enabling businesses to execute tasks at unprecedented speeds and respond rapidly to market dynamics.
The demand for a significant labor force, a hallmark of the Old Economy, has evolved into a requirement for a lean and skilled workforce in the New Economy. Automation and technological integration have not only expedited processes but have also reduced the dependency on extensive manual labor. Businesses now leverage the capabilities of a few skilled professionals to navigate the complexities of the contemporary market.
In essence, the transformation from the Old Economy to the New Economy represents a seismic shift in the way businesses operate and thrive. It’s a journey marked by the relentless pursuit of efficiency, innovation, and adaptability, where the integration of technology acts as a catalyst for progress, reshaping the foundations of the economic landscape.
The digital term pertains to electronic technology that generates, stores, and processes data using binary states, namely positive or negative, 0 or 1. In contrast, literacy involves the capacity to read and write or employ language for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Digital literacy, on the other hand, denotes an individual’s proficiency in comprehending, organizing, locating, analyzing, and assessing information through digital technologies.
This encompasses tasks like crafting papers, producing multimedia presentations, and sharing information online, reflecting an individual’s awareness, attitude, and proficiency in using digital tools for various purposes.
Digital literacy is the adept use of information and communication technologies to discover, assess, create, and communicate information.
This proficiency extends to employing digital devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop PCs for communication, expression, collaboration, and advocacy.
Originally centered on digital skills and computer use, the focus has shifted to encompass network devices, including the internet and social media.
Digital literacy remains distinct from computer literacy and digital skills, with the former being about the use of computers and the latter confined to practical abilities with digital devices.
In the realm of education, digital literacy extends beyond mere familiarity with computer usage, software functions, and hardware operations.
It involves leveraging this knowledge to effectively facilitate the learning process. Educators often need certification in digital literacy to teach specific software and, more importantly, to curb plagiarism among students.
Within society, digital literacy plays a crucial role in communication and staying abreast of societal trends. Proficiency in social network services and websites enables individuals to stay connected, share timely information, and engage in the buying and selling of goods and services.
In the workforce, economic security is more attainable for those with digital literacy skills. Many jobs now necessitate a foundational understanding of computers and the internet for basic tasks.
Digital composition, a burgeoning form of expression, revolves around the impact of technology on the writing environment. The objective of digital composition is to enhance the ability to generate relevant, high-quality products rather than conventional paperwork.
Regarding social media, digital literacy empowers individuals to have a significant online presence across various platforms.
The advantages of digital literacy are manifold. It has led to a substantial increase in easily accessible information. Digital competence opens doors to new opportunities, contributing to an improved quality of life.
Moreover, it streamlines processes, saving time and money in tasks such as bill payments, job applications, and other online transactions. Computer owners with digital literacy are more likely to seamlessly integrate the internet into their daily routines.
A database is an application utilized for the organized storage of information, presenting a structured collection of records or data.
This structured repository facilitates the storage of diverse record types with appropriate interconnections, offering an efficient mechanism for managing, storing, and retrieving information. The fundamental operational unit of a database is the table.
The concept of a database emerged from the manual filing systems prevalent in the absence of computers, where redundancy and time wastage were common issues. The database addresses these challenges by providing an organized and computerized means of handling data.
Advantages of using a database include the facilitation of file or document sharing, ensuring data consistency, time savings, absence of data redundancy, and enabling full file access. However, drawbacks include the expenses associated with maintenance, the need for an experienced database administrator, and the requirement for sophisticated software.
In the realm of database terminologies, a table serves as the basic unit, containing related data about a specific subject and organized into rows and columns.
Each piece of individual data, such as student ID, is assigned to a field, while a record comprises a group of related fields representing one item in the database. The key field, or primary key, uniquely identifies each record, and a file is a collection of related records. Working with a computer involves interacting with files in the context of databases.
There are various ways to establish a database, which encompass:
Operational Database:
Distributed Database:
End User Database:
Consideration of these various database forms allows organizations to choose the most suitable model based on their specific needs and requirements.
Spreadsheets mimic lined paper organized into columns, where the sheet consists of vertical columns and horizontal rows, forming cells. Essentially, a spreadsheet is the digital counterpart of a paper ledger sheet.
Defined as a fusion of rows and columns for performing arithmetic calculations, the spreadsheet emerged in 1979, evolving into a prominent software product in the 1980s. Its widespread use spans disciplines such as mathematics, engineering, science, medicine, the arts, social science, accounting, and education.
The electronic spreadsheet, a key component in accounting, statistics, financial, and inventory control, is a software package facilitating numerical data manipulation and automated calculations.
These packages address a spectrum of tasks, including accounting challenges, financial analysis, budgeting, charting, graphing, scientific applications, and statistical data management. As numbers are input, the program swiftly organizes them into orderly columns, enabling rapid computation of totals, subtotals, and percentages displayed on the screen.
Various spreadsheet applications, such as Lotus 1-2-3, Supercal, Visicalc, Microsoft Excel, Corel Quattro, and StatView, have been developed. Microsoft Excel stands out due to its user-friendly interface, flexibility, and incorporation of advanced features.
Spreadsheets find utility in diverse applications, including the calculation of large figures, entry of text, numerical values, and formulas into electronic worksheets, visualization of data through formats like pie charts and graphs, collection and analysis of records, budget preparation, and processing examination results.
A cell refers to a space in a worksheet formed by the intersection of a row and a column. An active cell is the one currently being worked on, such as cell G7 in the diagram above.
ROW: Defined as the horizontal space extending across the window, each row is assigned a numerical designation indicating its location.
COLUMN: Defined as the vertical space running up and down the window, each column is designated by a letter indicating its location.
FORMULAS: Formulas empower spreadsheet users to perform calculations with numerical data. The inclusion of formulas distinguishes the application. Formulas consist of characters entered to instruct the spreadsheet package in performing calculations on the data. For instance, entering “C4= A4+F5” would calculate and display the sum of cell A4 and cell F5 in cell C4.
RANGES: Spreadsheet packages feature a crucial element called ranges, which are blocks of cells. Formulas can act on a single cell or be directed to a range of cells. For example, A4:E4 includes cells A4, B4, C4, D4, and E4. Any calculation performed in A4 will also apply to the other cells in the range.
FUNCTIONS: Functions serve as shortcuts for mathematical calculations in spreadsheets. These pre-programmed formulas enhance the power and flexibility of spreadsheet calculations. Examples include AVERAGE, SUM, MAX, MIN, etc.
Initiating a Worksheet in Microsoft Excel
Loading involves opening a program for use. To load Microsoft Excel, follow these steps:
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