What is the Internet?

The Internet is a network of networks that is used to interlinked many different types of computers all over the world. 

In other words the internet(or internet) is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the internet protocol suite(IP) to communicate between networks and devices.

It is a worldwide network of computers that uses common communication standards to provide the physical backbone for a number of interesting applications.

The 5 uses of internet are given below:-

1. E-mail 

2. Sharing of files 

3. Watch movies and songs

4. Research purpose 

5. News

Advantages of internet:-

1. Collecting information 

2. E-commerce 

3. E-mail 

4. Communication

5. Entertainment 

Disadvantages of internet:-

1. Virus threat

2. Addiction and causes distractions

3. Misuse of personal data

4. Wrong information 

How does the internet works:-

Computers connect to each other and to the internet via wires, cables, radio, waves and other types of networking infrastructure. All data sent over the internet is translated over the pulses of light or electricity, also called “bits” and then interpreted by the receiving computer. The wires, cables, and radio waves conduct these bits at the speed of light.

The internet functions using a combination of hardware and software components-

1. Hardware component- 

• Servers- powerful computers that store websites, applications and data.

• Clients(user devices)- computers, smartphones, tablets that request and receive data from servers.

• Routers and switches- network devices that direct data to the correct destination.

• Cables and wireless signals- fiber-optic cables, satellites and mobile networks that carry data.

2. Software component- 

• TCP/IP protocols- define how data is transmitted over the internet.

• DNS(domain name system)- converts website names into IP addresses.

• Web browsers- Applications like chrome, firefox and edge that help users access websites.

The internet provides major services, including:-

• World wide web(WWW)- Accessing websites and information.

• Email- sending and receiving messages(e.g. Gmail, Outlook) 

• Social media- platforms like facebook, twitter, and instagram.

• E-commerce- online shopping websites like Amazon and Flipkarts.

What is Digital literacy?

Digital literacy is the ability to use, understand and create information through online tools.

In today's world it is very important for the students to be digitally literate. Digital literacy helps in education, communication, and many other areas of life.

For example- Many schools use computers and the internet for teaching.

Students can find a lot of information online to help with their studies. They can watch educational videos, read articles, and use online libraries. 

Secondly digital literacy helps in communication like people use smartphones, tablets and computers to stay in touch with family and friends. Social media platforms like facebook, Instagram, and whatsapp.

Moreover, digital literacy prepares students for the future.

Digital literacy includes-

1. Paytm 

2. SMS

3. UPI

4. Online safety 

5. Fake information 

6. Browser searching 

Importance of digital literacy:-

• Education- helps students and teachers access online resources and e-learning platforms.

• Employment- Most jobs require Digital skills, from basic computer use to advanced data analysis.

• Social interaction- enables people to connect through social media, image, and online forums.

• Online safety- protects users from cyber threats, fraud, and misinformation.

Explain Cyber security:-

Cyber security refers to every aspect of protecting an organisation and it's employees and assets against cyber threats. 

In other words cyber security refers to the protection of electronic gadgets like computers and mobile phones from hacking and stealing data through some malicious activities. It is always harmful to the users.

Seeing the increasing use of electronic gadgets nowadays, everyone needs to have proper cyber security.

Cyber security is important for those people who use electronic gadgets regularly and frequently. We usually keep our important data and documents in these gadgets. So keeping them secure is very important. 

Updating your system software regularly is the basic and most important step for it. 

In the current Digital world, cyber security is important for everyone. We all should keep our devices private and secured.

There are several ways of cybercrime-

1. Hacking

2. Identity theft

3. Phishing

4. Ransomware

5. Cyber stalking 

6. Online fraud 

7. Intellectual property theft

Need of cyber security-:

1. To protect private data.

2. To protect intellectual data.

3. To protect banking and financial data.

4. National security.

5. Global security.

6. Protect sensitive data.

How to protect against cyber threats -

1. Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication.

2. Keep software and systems updated.

3. Install reliable antivirus and firewall protection.

4. Avoid suspicious emails, links, and downloads.

5. Backup data regularly.

6. Educate employees and users about safe online behaviours.