Internet

Alternatively referred to as the net or the web, the Internet was initially developed by the IPTO with the intention of helping to develop the progress of computing technology by linking the work being done by all the best academic computer centers. The Internet as we know it today first started being developed in the late 1960's and transmitted its first message on Friday, October 29, 1969. In 1993, the Internet experienced one of its largest growths to date and today is accessible by people everywhere in the world.

The Internet contains billions of web pages created by people and companies from around the world, making it a limitless location to locate information and entertainment. The Internet also has thousands of services that help make life more convenient. For example, many financial institutions offer online banking that enables a user to manage and view their account online. The picture is a representation and map of the Internet done by The Opte Project.

The Internet basics

• The Internet utilizes the TCP/IP protocol and is accessed using a computer modem, broadband, 3G or network that is connected through an ISP.
• The Internet is explored, which is more commonly referred to as surfing, using a computer browser.
• Finding information on the Internet is achieved by using a search engine.
• Users browse web pages by following hyperlinks.
• Files, pictures, songs, and video can be shared by uploading and downloading.
• The Internet is also used for communicating with others through social networks, forums, chat, e-mails, and IM.

Command Line

Sometimes referred to as the command screen or a text interface, the command line is a user interface that is navigated by typing commands at prompts, as opposed to using the mouse to perform a command. For example, the root MS-DOS command line prompt is C:\> (as shown in the picture) and in Unix or Linux may be % or >. Unlike a GUI operating system, a command line only uses a keyboard to navigate by entering commands and does not utilize a mouse.

Because a command line interface requires unique commands, this interface is often more difficult to learn because of the need to memorize dozens of different commands. However, a command line operating system can be a very valuable resource and should not be ignored. For example, users who have Microsoft Windows may find trivial tasks such as renaming 100+ files in a folder a very difficult task; however, this is something that can be done in a matter of seconds through a simple command at the command line.

Text interface with menus

A text interface can be made easier to navigate with menus created with text and extended ASCII extended characters. For example, many command line text editors have some type of interface with menus and shortcut keys that make navigating the file being edited easier. In the example below, is a picture of the MS-DOS Editor used to edit files while at the MS-DOS or Windows command line.

Although a text interface with menus has a lot more visual appeal than the command line, this interface is still considered a text interface and not a graphical interface.

Operating system

An operating system or OS is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless. The picture is an example of Microsoft Windows XP, a popular operating system and what the box may look like if you were to visit a local retail store to purchase it.

When computers were first introduced the user interacted with them using a command line interface, which required the user to perform a series of commands in order to interact with the computer and its hardware and software. Today, almost every computer is using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) operating system that is much easier to use and operate.

Examples of computer operating systems

Microsoft Windows 7 - PC and IBM compatible operating system. Microsoft Windows is the most commonly found and used operating system.
Apple MacOS - Apple computer operating system. The only Apple computer operating system.
Ubuntu Linux - A popular variant of Linux used with PC and IBM compatible computers.
Google Android - operating system used with Android compatible phones.
iOS - Operating system used with the Apple iPhone.