What is The Internet and the World Wide Web?
What is The Internet and the World Wide Web?
Network of Networks
The Internet and The World Wide Web: The Internet is a global
"network of networks" comprised of wires, machines, and software
offering a common communication format and procedures allowing
information and services to be shared among computer users
around the globe. The World Wide Web is a subnetwork of the
Internet that allows information in rich multimedia format to be
shared and disseminated quickly and easily among computers that
are part of the Internet.
Powerful Connections
The World Wide Web (WWW) uses hyperlinks--words that appear in bold type and indicate a
shortcut to other information--allowing network users to create
unique links among a virtually endless array of databases and
information sources. Links can be created to seamlessly connect
information on the same computer or on other WWW computers
around the globe. These easily-created links establish the
complex pathways that make the "Web." Today, because of its
power and ease-of-use, the Web continues to grow at an explosive
rate.
How is the World Wide Web Used?
Web Tools
In addition, the tools for disseminating and
accessing information on the Web continue to mature. As a
result, more and more organizations are finding new ways to take
advantage of the Web and its ability to deliver compelling
multimedia content. The Web has radically changed the way
organizations and information and service providers communicate
with existing and potential customers, and just about everybody
else.
Exciting New Applications
New media applications facilitated by the Web that are becoming increasingly popular and useful include on-line publishing, interactive shopping, and distance education. The Web also allows organizations to enhance their services through on-line marketing and sales and to reduce costs by distributing information to customers, employees, and partners more efficiently. In addition, new tools incorporating advanced security features have made electronic commerce, including on-line transactions, and the exchange of sensitive documents on the Web a reality. And in the future, as access and bandwidth limitations are overcome, the Web promises to become an even more important part of our daily lives.
The Advanced Manufacturing Education Network is an initiative of the Consortium for Advanced Manfucturing-International and the ATE Alliance, in cooperation with the National Science Foundation. Send questions or comments to AMEN project coordinator.
January 26, 1996
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