Internet (thing)

The Internet was first developed by the US military as a way of decentralising data systems for security reasons. It made it possible for all types of computers to communicate with each other and has grown into the biggest network in the world, connecting millions of computers and sending data back and forth across the world at any given time.

The Internet has drastically changed the way information is accessed, with information not needing to be on your own computer, or even a computer nearby, but on any file server in the world just so long as it is connected to the internet. The “Information Superhighway” is an appropriate name for the internet, as the way data travels in networks around the world is comparable to the way cars travel; constantly, and in different directions and speeds; and with only one objective; to get to it’s destination.

Most universities and educational institutions in the first world have adopted use of the internet as an important part of the information process and also publish catalogues of information as well as massive e-libraries such as those found at the University of Pennsylvania (http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/ ) and University of Texas(http://www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/PCL/Etext.html) As you can imagine, these are fantastic resources for librarians.

There are many social, ethical and moral issues surrounding the use of the internet. Because its use is widespread throughout the world a breach of local law might be made while accessing content from another place on the globe where it is legal to do so. Privacy is another key issue, especially if personal information is published in directories that can be accessed by anyone. Internet fraud is becoming less common but still exists, as was demonstrated recently after the September 11 World Trade Centre attacks, with fake Red Cross banners popping up asking for donations by credit card. Privacy and anti-virus programs need to be updated constantly to keep up with internet pirates and virus writers. The US government estimates the damage to government and business systems caused by hacks and viruses to run into the billions, and even wants a new network independent of the internet to keep confidential government information secure. Regulation and censorship of the internet is a difficult task that just gets more difficult; as privacy software gets better, invaders of privacy get smarter. The internet is a tool that is utilised by many different people for many different purposes. The reasons for use are as varied as the users themselves: communication, education, recreation, information, exploitation, the list goes on.