Uses of the Internet
Technology has quickly evolved from landline telephones that became mobile phones with text messaging, to smartphones and androids that are available nowadays with new features and apps. Computers, laptops, mobile phones, E-readers and tablets can directly connect to the internet. Broadband gives nearly a constant unlimited access to online websites, social media and the streaming and downloading of content. People can even be connected while they are out and about via Mobile internet or Wifi -anytime and anywhere. Some public places such as cafes provide free Wifi for their customers.
Apps for phones, PC’s and tablets also mean that there is quicker and easier access to your favourite things directly. There are many paid and free apps that let people make phone calls, send txt messages, as well as video calls.
Photos, documents, files and videos can be stored and instantly shared through cloud storage, emails and social sharing. Music and other audio can be bought and downloaded instantly from the internet and then stored and played on MP3 players/iPods, laptops or even phones and then shared on with friends or co-workers. Movies, games, music, books and other content can be downloaded and/or streamed. Even copyrighted material can be shared for free but it is illegal and breaks copyright laws. ( see communications)
There is a huge amount of information available on the internet. If you don’t know something “Google it” has become a way of answering a problem. There are many websites such as Yahoo, ask.com and other forums, where users can provide information and discuss whatever they want. Blogs are very popular and easy to set up on any topic you want. News Stories, videos and images can go viral and be shared globally within minutes, which can be good, but a negative side to this is that information can be picked up wrong and shared, misinforming people. Only believe what’s read from a trusted source.
Businesses can reach a wider client or customer base, aswell as providing a source of info to people looking up the shop 24/7 hours a day. Companies are advertising their products in more creative ways that can help promote sales, but bloggers reviews or customer feedback means that people can read the truth about products and aren’t just looking at the company’s promoted images and videos. Airbrushed images can promote sales, but can also give people a fake beauty ideal that’s hard to live up to. Websites can also gain extra revenue from advertising products or links to other websites on their own pages. (e commerce)
Identity fraud is a growing problem. An identity fraudster could get your credit card details and use them to purchase over the internet or withdraw and move money from your account. By getting your address and bank details they could then borrow money.
Using social media and giving bank and credit card details for transactions with websites, are two ways how people share personal information without thinking about security.
Internet sites are collecting personal information from people through online forms, registrations, accounts, surveys and computer cookies. Organisations can potentially use your private information for commercial use. Legislation has been put in place to ensure that these people or data controllers can do with your information. Under the data protection acts 1988 and 2003, data controllers must register with the Data Protection Commissioner. They must collect and process data lawfully, keeping it accurate and up to date, securely for as long as it’s relevant. It cannot be used for anything else, can be requested to be seen by the data subject and can’t be disclosed without their consent. The controller should also make their identity known and their reason for holding their personal data.
The Freedom of Information Acts sets out statutory rights -A legal right for each person to access information held by public bodies and government departments, to have official information relating to themselves changed if it is incomplete, incorrect or misleading and a right of a reason for decisions regarding themselves.
Other acts such as the Health and Safety and Welfare at Work Act means that employers must monitor computer and technology use to ensure that there is no bullying or harassment going on or inappropriate content viewed. Copyright laws are in place to prevent the illegal sharing of material against the creators or authors wishes.
Technology has quickly evolved from landline telephones that became mobile phones with text messaging, to smartphones and androids that are available nowadays with new features and apps. Computers, laptops, mobile phones, E-readers and tablets can directly connect to the internet. Broadband gives nearly a constant unlimited access to online websites, social media and the streaming and downloading of content. People can even be connected while they are out and about via Mobile internet or Wifi -anytime and anywhere. Some public places such as cafes provide free Wifi for their customers.
Apps for phones, PC’s and tablets also mean that there is quicker and easier access to your favourite things directly. There are many paid and free apps that let people make phone calls, send txt messages, as well as video calls.
Photos, documents, files and videos can be stored and instantly shared through cloud storage, emails and social sharing. Music and other audio can be bought and downloaded instantly from the internet and then stored and played on MP3 players/iPods, laptops or even phones and then shared on with friends or co-workers. Movies, games, music, books and other content can be downloaded and/or streamed. Even copyrighted material can be shared for free but it is illegal and breaks copyright laws. ( see communications)
There is a huge amount of information available on the internet. If you don’t know something “Google it” has become a way of answering a problem. There are many websites such as Yahoo, ask.com and other forums, where users can provide information and discuss whatever they want. Blogs are very popular and easy to set up on any topic you want. News Stories, videos and images can go viral and be shared globally within minutes, which can be good, but a negative side to this is that information can be picked up wrong and shared, misinforming people. Only believe what’s read from a trusted source.
Businesses can reach a wider client or customer base, aswell as providing a source of info to people looking up the shop 24/7 hours a day. Companies are advertising their products in more creative ways that can help promote sales, but bloggers reviews or customer feedback means that people can read the truth about products and aren’t just looking at the company’s promoted images and videos. Airbrushed images can promote sales, but can also give people a fake beauty ideal that’s hard to live up to. Websites can also gain extra revenue from advertising products or links to other websites on their own pages. (e commerce)
Identity fraud is a growing problem. An identity fraudster could get your credit card details and use them to purchase over the internet or withdraw and move money from your account. By getting your address and bank details they could then borrow money.
Using social media and giving bank and credit card details for transactions with websites, are two ways how people share personal information without thinking about security.
Internet sites are collecting personal information from people through online forms, registrations, accounts, surveys and computer cookies. Organisations can potentially use your private information for commercial use. Legislation has been put in place to ensure that these people or data controllers can do with your information. Under the data protection acts 1988 and 2003, data controllers must register with the Data Protection Commissioner. They must collect and process data lawfully, keeping it accurate and up to date, securely for as long as it’s relevant. It cannot be used for anything else, can be requested to be seen by the data subject and can’t be disclosed without their consent. The controller should also make their identity known and their reason for holding their personal data.
The Freedom of Information Acts sets out statutory rights -A legal right for each person to access information held by public bodies and government departments, to have official information relating to themselves changed if it is incomplete, incorrect or misleading and a right of a reason for decisions regarding themselves.
Other acts such as the Health and Safety and Welfare at Work Act means that employers must monitor computer and technology use to ensure that there is no bullying or harassment going on or inappropriate content viewed. Copyright laws are in place to prevent the illegal sharing of material against the creators or authors wishes.