World wide web

Definition

The World Wide Web is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet, allowing users to view and navigate web pages that contain text, images, videos, and other multimedia. This technology revolutionized how information is shared and consumed, leading to significant changes in communication, commerce, and culture, particularly with the rise of personal computing and the transformation of the telecommunications industry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The World Wide Web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 while he was working at CERN, with the first website going live in 1991.
2. The introduction of web browsers like Mosaic in the early 1990s made it easier for people to access and navigate the World Wide Web, significantly increasing its popularity.
3. The Web operates on a client-server model, where web browsers (clients) request data from web servers that store websites and deliver content to users.
4. The development of technologies like HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) allowed for more sophisticated web design and user experiences.
5. E-commerce emerged as a major application of the World Wide Web, with businesses able to sell products and services online, transforming retail and marketing.

Review Questions

• How did the invention of the World Wide Web impact communication and information sharing in society?
  • The invention of the World Wide Web dramatically changed how people communicate and share information. It enabled instant access to a vast array of information, breaking geographical barriers and allowing for global interaction. Social media platforms, blogs, and forums emerged as new means for individuals to express themselves, connect with others, and share ideas in real-time.
• In what ways did the rise of personal computing contribute to the widespread adoption of the World Wide Web?
  • The rise of personal computing played a crucial role in making the World Wide Web accessible to a broader audience. As computers became more affordable and user-friendly during the late 20th century, more people gained access to the Internet. This increased usage created a demand for web content and services, driving innovation in web technologies and platforms that catered to personal users.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the World Wide Web on the telecommunications industry and society as a whole.
  • The long-term effects of the World Wide Web on the telecommunications industry include a fundamental shift from traditional communication methods to digital platforms. It led to increased investment in broadband infrastructure and mobile technologies as users demanded faster access to online content. Societally, this transformation has changed how people interact, shop, learn, and engage with information, creating both opportunities and challenges related to privacy, security, and misinformation.

Related terms

Internet: A global network of interconnected computers that communicate through standardized protocols, forming the backbone for the World Wide Web.

HTTP: HyperText Transfer Protocol, the protocol used for transferring hypertext documents on the World Wide Web.

Browser: A software application used to access and display content on the World Wide Web, allowing users to navigate between different web pages.