WK1 Discussion and Replies

W1 Discussion Instructions: Where it all Started

In 250 word, answer the questions below with 4 evidence base scholarly articles in APA format. 

1. Discuss what you find interesting about the origin of the internet covered in Chapters 7 and 8 of the PDF.

Book: Comer, D. E. (2018). The Internet Book: Everything You Need to Know about Computer Networking and How the Internet Works (Vol. 5th)

2. What do you feel they got right, wrong, and still has room for improvement. 

In 800 word total, replying to the 4 post below. Each reply must be 200 word. 

Kendrick Post #1

The origin of the internet is really interesting, especially how it changed from a military project into a worldwide communication network. The internet started in the late 1960s with ARPANET, which was a project supported by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). ARPANET was created to help researchers share information over long distances and to build a network that could withstand disruptions, like possible attacks during the Cold War. The main goal of decentralization was definitely one of the important things they nailed, since it set up the basis for the strong and reliable global network we have today (Leiner et al., 1997).

But, there were a few mistakes. In the beginning, developers didn’t focus much on security, and this has resulted in ongoing problems such as data breaches, cyberattacks, and the continuous need for improvements in cybersecurity. The initial lack of focus on accessibility really held back how quickly the internet was adopted, particularly for users with disabilities.

There’s definitely still some work to do, especially when it comes to closing the gap in global digital access. Even though billions of people are online, there are still millions who don’t have access to dependable internet connections. It’s super important to expand internet access to areas that don’t have it. This way, everyone can have equal chances in education, jobs, and staying connected. Additionally, better privacy protections and clearer information about how data is collected and used are needed to tackle ongoing worries about user rights and corporate ethics (Cerf, 2009).

The origin of the internet shows how creative humans can be, but its future growth relies on tackling these challenges to build a more inclusive and safe digital world.

References

Cerf, V. G. (2009). Internet Governance Is Our Shared Responsibility. Communications of the ACM, 52(2), 47-49.

Leiner, B. M., et al. (1997). A Brief History of the Internet. Internet Society.

Jesus Post #2:

 

The internet has changed the world! That is an undeniable statement. When I first learned about the internet, or more precisely, computers, it was in the early 1990s. One of my best friends in high school had one at home that his dad gifted him. It was not connected to the internet, but it was functioning, and he used to play games on it. I fell in love with that magical box. However, as we have learned by now, the internet has been a project longer than I have been alive. In the 1960s, interest from the Department of Defense in computer networks sparked a new project that pushed the imagination of many brilliant scientists and engineers to devise new ways to connect the few computers available at the time (Comer, 2018). By encouraging vendors to use an open standard, DARPA’s project opened the doors for everyone in the world to have an opportunity to be part of the project (Comer, 2018). The TCP/IP language protocols allowed data to traverse multiple networks and ensure the data was received correctly (Comer, 2018).

No one imagined the Internet would be received with such enthusiasm and appreciation worldwide (Comer, 2018). Yes, there are differing views on whether the internet was a good or bad invention, but it can’t be denied that it indeed changed the world. The world became exponentially smaller. Anyone with internet access can now communicate with anyone else around the globe (Aperture, 2019). News travels much faster, in seconds or less, and we can see firsthand events that otherwise would have taken at least a day to reach our eyes (Aperture, 2019). Information, events, education, and any other communication can be shared by anyone and accessed by anyone connected (Aperture, 2019). This is positive and negative, especially now that anyone can post fake news (Aperture, 2019). Not only do the mass media networks share news, but anyone with a smartphone in hand (Aperture, 2019). Now, anyone can say whatever they desire, good or bad, with little precaution. But the internet also connects us to other countries, cultures, and ideas. Anyone can now get an education online (i.e., YouTube, Udemy, AMU, etc. ) or communicate via Facebook or one of the many available apps (TikTok, WhatsApp, etc.). Anyone can trade in the stock market, watch streaming videos, have an e-commerce business, or fight a war, all from the comfort of their desks (Aperture, 2019). I love that anyone can have access to a new world of creativity, learn any task, communicate with anyone in the world in seconds, and share ideas much faster. That has helped the world grow both technologically and as a society. We are no longer a bunch of countries but are becoming one world.

References

Aperture. (2019, February 8). How The Internet Changed Everything. 
YouTube. Retrieved from

Comer, D. E. (2018). 
The Internet Book: Everything You Need to Know about Computer Networking and How the Internet Works (Vol. 5th ).

Jennifer Post #3: