1. Electronic Communication and the Internet
Chapter 4
Electronic Communication and the Internet

2. Electronic communication
Electronic communication: exchanging info using through network connections or modems
Modem: device that transmits data over telephones or cable lines from computer to another

3. Internet (Net) Worldwide network that connects millions of computers
Started as a government project for researchers to communicate, ARPANET
No one organization or government “controls” the Internet, although some governments censor what their citizens can access 3

4. Key Internet Organizations
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Allocates domain names, settles domain disputes
Assigns Internet protocol numbers needed by each computer to be “seen” by the network 4

5. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Companies that provide access for a fee
Levels of service
Dial-up
High-speed
Digital subscriber line (DSL) over telephone wires
Cable or fiber optic
Satellite
Wireless 5

6. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
E.G.
AOL, MSN, EarthLink, Comcast 6

7. Internet Services and Resources
Instant messaging (IM)
Chat software
File transfer
Database searches
Online libraries
Remote log-on
Discussion and news groups
weblog

8. E-mail (Electronic Mail)
Use of computers to transmit text messages to one or more persons with almost instant delivery
May transport other file types to the (attachment files)
Can be sent anywhere in the world as long as the person has an address

9. Address
Based on user name and “domain name” (organization or company that provides the individual with an account)
Suggests at least 23 individuals with the same first initial and last name (J. Doe) at this facility
“edu” is a domain name indicating an educational facility

10. E-mail Header Email application Viruses
Lists who sent the message, when, to whom, and the address to which a reply should be directed
application
Computer program that assists the users to send/receive messages
Viruses
Not through itself but through attachments

11. Email Encryption: uses mathematical formulas to code the message.
Message recipient decode the message with an encryption key
Public key infrastructure: methods to validate author identity
Unique code for each user embedded into a storage device
Digital Signature: unique identifier issued to the sender

12. Instant Messaging (IM)
Interactive, real-time, text discussion that may occur via computers, cell phones, or other mobile devices
Relies on many abbreviations for expeditious communication
Popular among adolescents and young adults
Sometimes used in work settings

13. File Transfer
A means to move files from one location to another over a network that is separate from
File transfer protocol controls transfer of data
Useful for files that exceed allowable size limits imposed by providers

14. Database Searches
These allow users access to databases, such as literature databases, through libraries or other organizations or via private subscription.
Searches can be done in a fraction of the time required to manually search through paper resources.

15. Remote Log-on
Allows users to access computer facilities from a separate location
May be used to view files at work or access remote databases at libraries
Require users to establish an account that permits access

16. Discussion and News Groups
Similar in content and diversity
Differ in method of access
Discussion (Listserv or Mailing) groups
Individuals subscribe.
Mass s are sent to all subscribers.
News (Usenet) groups
Users “read” and contribute to discussion selectively; no mass s.

17. E-mail Concerns HIPAA compliance
Improper use—no etiquette (netiquette)
Forwards, inappropriate or lengthy messages
Potential to carry viruses, worms, spyware

18. E-mail Concerns Commercial uses, overwhelming volume
Spam—unsolicited sales messages
Phishing—dubious requests for private information

19. Questions?