Using the WWW
The difference between the World Wide Web and the Internet
The Internet, created by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, is a network of connected computers linked by cables to enable information to be shared with computers all over the world.
The World Wide Web is the program that exists in virtual space to allow the the transfer and exchange of data.
The information on the Web is available to anyone with an internet connection transferred by t transmission control protocols (information sent by telephonic communication) and Internet protocols (one network to another).
The transfer and exchange of data and files is known as HTTP (hyper text transmission protocols). Information on the web is stored in HTML (the behind the scenes language structure) and the viewing of information is commonly known as ‘surfing’ where the user is directed to information via hyper links.
Identifying the type of resource on the web is done by considering the domain name system conventions or the DNS conventions.
A Web address includes these conventions and is typed into the Web address field which then directs the user to a certain location.
- www. is located in front of an IP address, also known as a Web address.
- .com; .org; .net; are international domain names located at the end of a Web address.
- .au; .nz; .ca; are abbreviations located after the domain name which define the country where the information was produced. NB: Web addresses don’t always contain the countries domain name.
Tools that are needed to access the Web include:
A computer, a modem, software for internet connection (stored on the users computer to allow a type of access, eg. dial up - a connection with reduced speed connected via a telephone socket or broadband, – a faster connection speed connected via a cable linked to the telephone exchange), a phone line, a Web browser and a search engine allowing the user to locate information.
Web Browsers
A Web browser is a program that acts as a user interface for viewing information on the Web. Some of the different types include Internet Explorer, MyIE, Netscape and Firefox.
Browsers allow the user to perform different functions whilst viewing Web pages. Some of these include searching, navigating and capturing pictures for later use.
Tools for navigation can include tab browsing, allowing multiple pages to be open in the same browser without closing the current page. Buttons, which allow the user to go backwards and forwards between pages, a button returning the user to the home page and the history button which allows the user to view the pages recently visited.
Also, key board shortcuts can allow more efficient Web browsing. For example, Ctrl + s = save, Ctrl + p = print, Ctrl + h = history etc. To discover shortcuts, browse the Web for lists or practice trial combinations.
Consider the websites Haggis Hunt and Molossia;
How have they attempted to appear authentic?
Haggis Hunt has made attempts to appear authentic with it's use of sponsors, images of real life locations, featured facts and pictures. Logos of legitimate sponsors appear on the homepage and as a prize, a stay at the Gleneagles hotel is given, giving support to a site which clearly is not authentic. The use of real life locations for the "Haggis Cams" influence the audience in assuming the site is valid. Where as fictional locations would raise suspicions immediately. Also facts such as the scientific name, history and habits for a Haggis and the depth of information appear to give the site credibility.
The Molossia homepage claims it's self as an 'Official Website' and employs writing which looks to be in another language. Images such as a photo of a real person, an emblem, national flag add in depth information and official headings such as 'Government Agencies' all give the impression of an authentic website.
Give four clues that exposes these sites as spoofs.
The 'Hunt from your computer' instruction on the Haggis website raised suspicions as to whether it was a legitimate animal as this is not how hunting usually takes place. Words used in the Haggisclopedia don't exist, such as Drumnadrochit and Meuran. A 'Haggis Fact' found on the homepage suggested the natural enemy of the Haggis is "anything with teeth" as well as the presented fact of "Haggis fur is waterproof but not shower proof" is presented as fact but causes confusion as it is illogical.
The information contained on the Molossia website establishes it as a hoax. For example, fictishous language and stories are used. The word "dastardly" and the "Dead Dog War" are intended for comical relief. The picture which accompanies Dead Dog story is accompanied by a photo which is supposed to depict a war hero but features what is the stereotypical geek. Another clue that the site is a hoax is the size of the country Molossia. It's listed to be 2-5 hectares long which is a country at all. The ridiculousness of the content contained in this is intended to illicit humor.
Consider the Martin Luther King Website;
What are you initial expectations?
The URL of this site gives the impression it is an official website which would contain information similar to information found in an encyclopedia. A URL featuring the full name of a person is generally associated with official websites. Unofficial websites URL's are more likely to be a derivative of a subjects name. With an official looking URL the expectation is that the site will factual and unbiased.
What are your first impressions?
First impressions of this website are the photo's of Martin Luther King, which appear authentic. Secondly the links on the right hand side of the page give them impression of official information. After a first glance though, seen underneath the centre photo is a link to 'rap lyrics.' Then, is a link to the new 'MLK' video titled "The Brothas' Be PeacefulIn Da' Hood." These two links then start to raise questions about official this site is.
After looking at some of the articles, what is your impression now?
The articles are heavily biased and very critical. This site seeks to destroy any credibility of the actions of Martin Luther King and seeks to manipulate the audience into agreeing with the authors. Spotted at the end of the page is the host of the website. Clicking on the link 'Stormfront' the audience is then directed to a site that contains the motto "White pride world wide." As the creator of a site about a coloured man, the author claims them self to be racists. This raises serious concerns about objectivity and is likely that author of this site is completely biased.
Week 7 Reading
History of the World Wide Web
This article is a well documented account of the development of the World Wide Web. It employs large amounts of computer jargon which may be a useful for computer science students but is not likely to be as valuable for the everyday user. With yearly and monthly updates this article covers the basics of who? Tim Berners-Lee. What? Interconnected computers coined the World Wide Web. When? The 1980’s. Where? America, and why? For the purpose of sharing research information. Some facts listed include the first media interest in 1993 to the first surfing experience for the general public in 1995 .
History of the WWWAn in depth look at the evolution of technology with a focus on the origins of computers. This site explains clearly the process of how the Internet was created. Also explained is the reasons why how the Internet developed with all information plainly put for the ease of the majority of audiences. It describes the Internet as a “system for allowing computers to communicate with each other”, and continues to inform the audience on the functioning which allows computers to communicate with each other and how the World Wide Web came into being. With the knowledge this site provides the audience is able to gain a fairly strong understanding of the existence of the online environment.
Search engine watch tutorials
Search Engine Watch Tutorial offers step-by-step easy to use instructions in the basics of effective Web searching. It covers the use of symbols (search engine math), ways to refine searches in order to limit results, as well as ways to extend a search. Instructions are given on how to find related words, how to extend words and how to find pages on similar information. The site also offers a long list of links to other sites with information on search engines and has provided simple summaries on each to enable the viewer to better seek out information. This site is thorough in its intent to provide information to the audience when maximizing their web searching.
1 comment:
Greetings.
In reply to your blog, "The picture which accompanies Dead Dog story is accompanied by a photo which is supposed to depict a war hero but features what is the stereotypical geek."
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. In this case, the hero of the story (which also happens to be true) is my son. He is anything but a geek. That picture is several years old, when he was 13. He is now 21 and in the US Army, a combat veteran serving in Iraq. He is every bit a soldier, and he most certainly is my hero. Be nice when you are referring to real people in your blog, as feelings might get hurt.
"Another clue that the site is a hoax is the size of the country Molossia. It's listed to be 2-5 hectares long which is a country at all."
Are you aware of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta? They actually possess a land area of 6000 square meters, are recognized by 44 nations and have observer status at the UN. It is certainly possible for a country to be that small and be real - hardly a disqualifier. Do your research and be careful what you say, in the future.
President Kevin Baugh,
Republic of Molossia
Post a Comment