Information communication and technology

INTERNET AND EMAIL

 The internet is a global network of interconnected computers and

devices that allow users to access and share information, communicate
with others, and conduct various online activities.
 Email, or electronic mail, is a digital messaging system that allows
users to send and receive messages, documents, and other files
electronically.

FUNCTIONS AND BENEFITS OF THE INTERNET

1. Information access: The internet provides a vast amount of

information on virtually any topic, making it easy for users to research
and stay informed about various subjects.
2. Communication: The internet enables users to communicate with
others through email, instant messaging, social media, and other online
platforms, regardless of their physical location.
3. E-commerce: The internet has enabled businesses to sell products and
services online, providing a convenient and accessible means of
reaching customers and conducting transactions.
4. Online marketing: The internet has revolutionized the way businesses
market their products and services, with tools like search engine
optimization (SEO), social media advertising, and email marketing.
5. Collaboration and teamwork: The internet has made it easier for
teams to collaborate and work together, regardless of their physical
location. This has improved productivity and efficiency in many
industries.

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6. Entertainment and leisure: The internet has transformed the way

people consume and share entertainment, with streaming services,
social media platforms, and online gaming.
7. Education and learning: The internet has democratized access to
education and learning, with online courses, tutorials, and educational
resources available to anyone with an internet connection.

TERMINOLOGIES USED IN INTERNET

Here are some key terminologies and concepts commonly used in the context
of the internet:

1. World Wide Web (WWW): The World Wide Web is a system of

interlinked hypertext documents, which are accessed via the internet
using web browsers.
2. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML): HTML is a markup language
used to structure and format content on web pages, allowing users to
view and interact with web content.
3. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): HTTP is a protocol used to
transmit data and files over the internet, allowing users to access and
share web content.
4. Internet Protocol (IP): IP is a protocol used to identify and locate
devices on a network, allowing data to be transmitted between them.
5. Domain Name System (DNS): DNS is a system that translates domain
names into IP addresses, making it easier for users to access websites
using human-readable addresses.

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6. Internet Service Provider (ISP): An ISP is a company that provides

internet access to users, typically through a broadband or dial-up
connection.
7. Web browser: A web browser is a software application that allows
users to access and interact with web content by sending and receiving
HTTP requests and responses.
8. Search engine: A search engine is a software application that allows
users to search for information on the internet by entering keywords or
phrases.
9. E-commerce: E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods
and services online, typically through an online marketplace or website.
10.Social media: Social media refers to online platforms and applications
that allow users to create, share, and interact with content, such as
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

INTERNET SERVICES

A). Video conferencing

Video conferencing, also known as video calling or video chat, is a technology

that allows users to have real-time, face-to-face conversations with others
over the internet. Here are some key functions and benefits of video
conferencing:

 Communication: Video conferencing provides a means of

communication that allows users to see and hear each other, making
it feel more like an in-person conversation.

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 Remote collaboration: Video conferencing enables remote teams and

colleagues to collaborate and work together on projects, even if they
are located in different parts of the world.
 Cost-effective: Video conferencing can be a cost-effective
alternative to traditional travel and in-person meetings, as it
eliminates the need for physical transportation and related
expenses.
 Accessibility and flexibility: Video conferencing allows users to
participate in meetings and conversations from virtually any location
with an internet connection, making it a flexible and convenient
means of communication.
 Enhanced communication: Video conferencing provides a more
immersive and engaging means of communication than traditional
audio-only calls, allowing users to see non-verbal cues and body
language.

B). Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a protocol and software application that allows
users to communicate in real-time through a network of servers called IRC
servers. Here are some key functions and benefits of IRC:

 Real-time communication: IRC provides a means of real-time

communication that allows users to send and receive messages
instantly, making it suitable for applications such as chat, support,
and collaboration.

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 Channel-based communication: IRC allows users to join and

participate in channels, which are virtual rooms where multiple users
can communicate simultaneously.
 Customizable channels: IRC channels can be customized and
organized based on various criteria, such as topic, language, or
interest, allowing users to find and join communities that align with
their needs and preferences.
 File sharing: IRC provides a means of file sharing, allowing users to
upload and download files to and from other users or channels.
 Accessibility and flexibility: IRC can be accessed from virtually any
device with an internet connection, making it a flexible and
convenient means of communication.
 Cost-effective: IRC is a cost-effective means of communication, as
it eliminates the need for expensive hardware or infrastructure
typically required for other forms of real-time communication, such
as video conferencing.

ADVANTAGES OF USING E-MAIL

Email has become an essential means of communication in both personal and

professional settings. Its importance can be seen in several ways:

1. Speed and efficiency: Email allows for rapid communication, enabling

users to send and receive messages almost instantly, regardless of the
recipient’s location. This makes it a more efficient means of communication
compared to traditional mail, which can take days or even weeks to arrive.

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2. Cost-effectiveness: Email is a cost-effective way to communicate, as it

eliminates the need for physical postage, printing, and other expenses
associated with traditional mail. This makes it an attractive option for both
personal and business use, as it helps save time and money.

3. Versatility: Email offers a wide range of features and functionalities,

allowing users to send and receive various types of content, such as text,
images, videos, and attachments. This versatility makes email suitable for a
wide range of purposes, from personal correspondence to professional
communication and collaboration.

4. Organizational benefits: Email provides users with the ability to organize

and store messages, making it easier to keep track of important information,
appointments, and deadlines. This helps users stay organized and on top of
their tasks and responsibilities.

6. Professional communication: Email has become an essential tool for

professional communication in the modern workplace. It allows for quick and
efficient communication with colleagues, clients, and customers, making it an
essential skill for anyone working in a business environment.

7. Personal communication: Email has also become a popular means of

personal communication, allowing people to stay in touch with friends and
family members regardless of their location. It provides a convenient and
cost-effective way to share news, photos, and other updates, making it an
essential tool for maintaining relationships.

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Information communication and technology

DISADVANTAGES OF USING INTERNET

While the internet has revolutionized communication, collaboration, and

information access, there are some limitations to using the internet:

1. Accessibility and availability: Internet access may not be available or

reliable in all areas, particularly in remote or underserved regions.
2. Speed and bandwidth: Internet speeds and bandwidth can vary
depending on the user’s location, infrastructure, and service provider,
which can impact the quality and reliability of internet access.
3. Security and privacy: The internet can be vulnerable to security threats,
such as hacking, malware, and data breaches, which can compromise
user privacy and data security.
4. Content filtering and censorship: Some countries or organizations may
impose content filtering or censorship restrictions, limiting users’ access
to certain websites, content, or services.
5. Cost: Internet access can be expensive, particularly in some regions or
for high-speed or broadband connections.
6. Dependence on technology: The internet relies on various technologies
and infrastructure, such as servers, routers, and cables, which can be
prone to technical issues, outages, or failures.
7. Limited personal interaction: While the internet enables real-time
communication and collaboration, it may not fully replicate the personal
interaction and non-verbal cues that are present in face-to-face
meetings or other forms of in-person communication.

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Information communication and technology

REQUIREMENTS NEEDED TO CONNECT TO THE INTERNET

To connect to the internet, several requirements need to be met. These

requirements vary depending on the type of internet connection and the
device used to access the internet. Here are some of the common
requirements:

1. A computer or device: To connect to the internet, you need a

computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or any other device with an
internet browser and the ability to establish a network connection.
2. Internet service provider (ISP): You need to subscribe to an internet
service plan provided by an ISP. This plan determines the speed, data
limit, and other features of your internet connection.
3. A working internet connection: You need a stable and working
internet connection to access the internet. This can be achieved
through various methods, such as wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or mobile data.
4. A modem: If you are using a wired internet connection, you need a
modem to convert the digital signal from your ISP into an analog signal
that can be transmitted over telephone lines or coaxial cables.
5. A router: If you are using a wireless internet connection, you need a
router to transmit the wireless signal to your device. The router
connects to the modem and distributes the internet connection to
multiple devices within its range.
6. A secure network: It is essential to have a secure network to protect
your device and personal information from potential threats. This
includes using strong passwords, enabling firewalls, and keeping your
device’s software and security updates up to date.

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7. A stable power supply: To connect to the internet, you need a stable

power supply for your device and any necessary equipment, such as a
modem and router.
8. Compliance with legal requirements: Depending on your location,
there may be legal requirements related to internet usage, such as
copyright laws, online privacy regulations, and content restrictions.

WEB BROWSER

A web browser is a software application that allows users to access, view,

and interact with websites and other resources on the internet. It acts as an
interface between the user and the World Wide Web, enabling users to
navigate and search for information online. Some of the most popular web
browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple
Safari. These browsers support various features such as bookmarking,
password management, and extensions to enhance the browsing experience.

Features of a Web Browser

Web browsers offer a variety of features to enhance the browsing experience.

Some of the most common features include:

1. Address bar: Allows users to enter the URL or search for websites and
other resources on the internet.

2. Navigation buttons: Provides buttons for navigating to the previous page,

next page, home page, and bookmarked pages.

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3. Bookmarks: Enables users to save and organize links to frequently visited

websites or web pages.

4. History: Displays a list of recently visited websites, allowing users to easily

revisit them.

5. Cookies and cache: Stores data and files locally on the user’s device to
speed up page loading and provide a more personalized browsing experience.

6. Search bar: Allows users to search for information directly within the
browser, often using popular search engines like Google or Bing.

7. Pop-up blockers: Blocks unwanted pop-up windows, improving the

browsing experience and reducing distractions.

8. Privacy settings: Provides options for managing cookies, tracking, and

other privacy-related features.

9. Extensions and add-ons: Allows users to customize their browsing

experience by adding additional features, such as ad blockers, productivity
tools, or social media integrations.

10. Incognito or private browsing: Offers a mode where browsing history,

cookies, and other data are not saved, providing a more private browsing
experience.

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EMAIL ACCOUNT

An email account is a unique identifier associated with an email service

provider, such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or Outlook. It allows users to send and
receive emails, as well as access other features provided by the email service.
To create an email account, follow these steps:

a) Go to the website of the email service provider you wish to use, such as
Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or Outlook.
b) Click on the “Sign up” or “Create an account” button, usually located in
the top right corner of the screen. This will take you to the email
account sign-up page.
c) Fill out the sign-up form with the required information, which typically
includes your name, birthdate, phone number, and password. Some
email services may also ask for additional information, such as your
address or security questions.
d) Once you have completed the sign-up form, you will need to verify your
email account by clicking on a verification link sent to the email address
you provided. This helps ensure that you are the owner of the email
account and prevents spam.
e) After verifying your email account, you can start using your new email
account to send and receive emails, as well as access other features
provided by the email service.

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Information communication and technology

Features of an E-mail

Emails offer a variety of features to enhance the communication experience.

The most common features include:

1. Text: Allows users to send and receive messages composed of plain

text, images, and other multimedia content.
2. Attachments: Enables users to attach files, such as documents,
images, videos, and other media, to an email for sharing with others.
3. Formatting: Provides options for formatting text, including bold, italic,
underline, and different font sizes and colors.
4. Spelling and grammar checkers: Offers tools to help users identify
and correct spelling and grammar errors in their emails before sending
them.
5. Auto-correction: Automatically suggests and corrects common
misspellings and grammatical errors as users type.
6. Smart replies and suggestions: Offers intelligent suggestions for
responding to emails, based on the content of the message and the
user’s previous responses.
7. Undo send: Allows users to retract an email from the recipient’s inbox
if it is sent accidentally or if the user changes their mind about sending
the email.
8. Snooze: Provides an option to temporarily remove an email from the
inbox and notify the user when it is time to deal with the message.
9. Stars and flags: Enables users to mark important emails for easy
reference later or to flag emails for follow-up tasks.
10.Customizable appearance: Allows users to personalize the appearance
of their emails by changing the theme, font, and layout.

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11.Spam and junk mail filters: Helps users identify and block unwanted
emails, such as spam or promotional messages.
12.Smart folders: Automatically organizes emails into relevant folders
based on the content of the message, such as “Work,” “Personal,” or
“Newsletters.”

Components of an E-Mail

The structure of an email typically includes the following components:

1. Header: This section contains the sender’s and recipient’s email

addresses, as well as any routing information necessary for the
email to reach the recipient’s inbox. It also includes the subject line,
which provides a brief summary of the email’s content.
2. From: Displays the sender’s email address and name, allowing the
recipient to identify who sent the email.
3. To: Lists the recipient’s email address and name, indicating who the
email is intended for.
4. Cc (carbon copy) and Bcc (blind carbon copy): These fields allow
the sender to include additional recipients who should receive a copy
of the email (Cc) or who should not be visible to the other recipients
(Bcc).
5. Subject: brief summary of the email’s content, helping the recipient
understand the purpose of the email.
6. Body: The main body of the email contains the message,
information, or attachment the sender wants to convey to the
recipient. It can include text, images, videos, and other multimedia

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content, as well as any formatting options, such as bold, italic, or

underline.
7. Sign-off: Typically includes a polite closing, such as “Best regards”
or “Sincerely,” followed by the sender’s name and contact
information, if desired.
8. Attachments: If the email includes any attachments, such as
documents, images, or videos, they are listed in this section, along
with a brief description of each attachment.
9. Footer: May include additional information, such as links to the
sender’s social media profiles, contact information, or a small
message or disclaimer.

The structure of an email is designed to provide a clear and organized format

for communicating information and ideas to others. Following a standard
structure helps ensure that the email is easy to read and understand, making
it more effective in conveying the intended message.

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