por The Internet is currently used for activities as common as searching for information, traveling and finding places, talking via messaging, viewing photos on social networks, shopping, sending money or watching movies.
The technological progress of this digital and electronic age has made the reach of the internet easier for people and saves them time.
Having at least one computer with an Internet connection is no longer a privilege or a luxury, but rather a necessity. Sometimes also called simply “The Web”, it is a worldwide system of computer networks sharing access to a lot of information.
The Internet is the network of networks. All equipment connected to this system allows users to search and access all this information with the necessary permissions. The information sent and received on the web can be found in texts, graphics, sound, voice, video, programs, applications, etc.
The logical-electronic-digital site where all this information exists is called cyberspace. It is the environment or space without real physical structure, where the interconnections between humans and computers occur. It is also called as virtual world.
Most common uses of the Internet
1- Search for information
Previously, people looked for information in specialized facilities or services depending on what they needed; Libraries, consumer help centers, bookstores, customer service telephone numbers, companies, stores, organizations, among others.
All that was left in the past with the development of the internet. People now only have to type what they need to find in their preferred browser search engine.
The engine will return a considerable list of links to web pages where you can possibly find what you are looking for.
It is fast, cheap and very comfortable. The information can be read online or downloaded to the computer (or mobile device). In this way you can obtain books, magazines, articles, programs, among others.
There are also online systems and consumer service applications where the information is still provided by another human being from another computer, through online text messaging or internet calls.
2- Direct communication
Another of the things that can be easily done with the Internet is communication between people regardless of the distance. The possibilities go beyond a simple audio call or text messaging platforms (SMS, email, chat).
Video calls were possible thanks to the internet and the transmission of much more than text through written communication platforms such as document files, audio, video, image, contacts, GPS locations, among others.
Even companies or organizations offer their own communication platforms with their customers over the internet; putting the person in contact directly with a specialized operator to assist him.
3- Contact on social networks
A social network mainly united the two functions already described, communicating and informing, in a single platform in order to create a virtual community of people.
But currently, social networks have expanded the concept of community on the Internet much more. The need to interact with other human beings and to be part of a society was no different in the world of cyberspace.
Through social networks, people can share everything they want about their lives and thus stay active or connected with friends and family.
Social networks have connected people only for their tastes, for specific needs, for commercial transactions, for events, news and much more.
Any organization that intends to emerge in modernity also uses these platforms to keep its services and products within the reach of the eyes and interests of the people.
The best-known social networks currently in the West are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
4- Research
This use of the Internet is when people need to search for information for more medium or long term purposes. At the level of academic papers and business reports, the Internet also offers many possibilities.
Many university institutes and companies strive to make information public and free within everyone’s reach.
It is quite easy to find pages with institutional and academic credentials where valid, legitimate and reliable information is found.
5- Education
Similarly to the previous point, the Internet makes many tools available to support modern educational systems.
From tutorials, classes and online courses, complete distance studies, academic assistance, to programs and applications specially designed to teach or develop knowledge.
6- Financial transactions
Trading in a variety of currencies has been made easier and faster thanks to the internet. From the convenience of a computer or mobile device, people now have access and management of their banking functions and operations.
Paying bills and bills, transferring funds, depositing money, managing cards, etc. are now possible without going anywhere.
Additionally, the evolution of cyberspace has led to the creation of forms of commercial exchange with electronic currencies.
7- Commercial transactions
The Internet now allows people and organizations to offer and sell their goods and services. Online purchases are very common today and there are many platforms that display catalogs of products on offer online.
This ease of internet, together with the ability to manage banking operations, make the perfect duo so that people do not have to go to a store to make purchases.
Additionally, many of these services offer delivery of the product directly to your home.
8- Labor market
Not only is it possible to search for a job through the Internet, but now it is also possible to work from home with the computer and not have to go to an office, fulfilling all the tasks and functions from a distance.
In this sense, the Internet is allowing people to work, receive their salary and make purchases with that same money from the comfort of a computer at home.
9- Entertainment and leisure
The web offers a large number of options and activities to pass the time in a fun way or simply pass the time without a specific purpose.
From downloadable games, online games, watching images, videos, music, reading news, movies, series, and much more.
10- Monitoring
Thanks to monitoring, it is possible to detect defective components, in poor condition or that do not go at the appropriate speed. Once the problem is located, then network administrators are informed through platforms such as email or pagers.
It is also used to detect external threats or «intruders», that is, to warn of unauthorized access to a network.
11- Connect devices
Today there are many smart devices that can be connected to each other via the Internet. From computers with home alarms, to weight scales with mobile devices.
This connection allows the constant exchange of information, which can always be carried digitally without the need to resort to physical storage units.