Category: Internet

The internet these days isn’t just a luxury but an absolute necessity, with many countries around the world declaring it a utility. Well over 90 percent of people in developed countries use the internet on a daily basis, many of whom do it for work or school purposes with countless others using it as a form of receiving news or consuming entertainment. Simply put, it’s hard to imagine life without the internet these days.

There are plenty of things that a majority of the world uses today that we know the history of, including automobiles and airplanes. However, there aren’t too many people who are privy to the history of the internet and how it became a utility. Let’s take a look at that history today, which is truly a fascinating development that happened incredibly quickly.

Early Developments

By the time the 1950s came along, communication had been done almost exclusively through telephone, radio, or telegraph. Sure, there were computing systems, but there weren’t standard desktop computers like we see today. Still, the idea came along that the massive supercomputers could somehow be connected to one another. In the late 1950s, it seemed like a pipedream, but one that had been researched by professors around the globe.

Christopher Strachey was one of the godfathers of what would become the Internet as he filed a patent for the time-sharing of central processing units prior to his time at Oxford University. Throughout the 1960s, this idea was expanded upon to the point it became a priority for the United States military. With that, the next big development was made and changed computer communications forever.

The ARPANET Project

ARPANET was founded in 1969 thanks to massive funding and allowed resource sharing between computers across the United States as well as the United Kingdom and Norway. The first message ever sent on ARPANET between two computers happened between Menlo Park and Los Angeles, California. They were able to type the word “LOG” to each other before the system crashed, but it was a monumental message.

While ARPANET was obviously limited at first, the technology improved to the point where it became a reliable system for communication. By the end of the 1970s, there were more than 200 hosts on ARPANET. The 1980s saw more uses for the internet, including CSNET between universities as well as TCP and IP suites, opening the door for the internet to make its way into homes around the world.

Emergence of ISPs

In the middle of the 1980s, the first domain was established on the internet and the public started to gain access through NSFNET. While private internet service providers were non-existent by the end of the 1980s, that would change when The World became the first internet service provider in 1991.

This was the same year in which CERN developed HTML technology that’s still in use today and began the World Wide Web. At first, it seemed like a phase to some, but over the course of the next few years, access to the internet became easier and we saw the emergence of internet providers including AOL and CompuServe.

Search Engines and Social Media

The rest of the 1990s saw an explosion in public internet usage as many were able to do things that they could never do before including shopping online, sending instant messages, and much more. Sites like eBay and MSN became staples for households that had the internet, and things really kicked off when search engines made things much easier to find instead of simply typing the website’s name into a browser.

Google and Yahoo were in stiff competition during the early days of search engines, with Ask Jeeves, Lycos, and AltaVista not far behind. Google emerged as the clear winner in the war, becoming perhaps the most important website in internet history. During the 2000s, the internet saw the first foray into social media, and websites including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter all dominated peoples’ time and attention.

Future of the Internet

The internet has seen a lot of changes over the years, and it seemed to all happen very fast. We went from being able to type one word to each other in the same state and calling it “revolutionary” to being able to play realistic video games in virtual reality with someone around the globe while typing as much as humanly possible. With that said, what will the internet look like in the next half-century or so?

Some have theorized that information will process so quickly on the internet in the future that typing won’t even be a necessity. Others have said that your brain will be able to connect to the internet through a microchip that can process all of your thoughts to help you access information at the speed of light. While nothing is certain, one thing is for sure, and it’s that the future will likely be startling for some.

The dark web is a mysterious and often misunderstood part of the internet. It has become synonymous with illegal activities, anonymity, and danger. However, these perceptions are not entirely accurate. Understanding the dark web and separating fact from fiction is crucial for anyone who wants to explore it safely and responsibly.

Today we will debunk some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding the dark web and provide an overview of what you can find on it. We will also discuss the role of cryptocurrency and provide tips for staying safe while exploring the dark web.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a subset of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires specific software or configurations to access. It is often used to host websites and services that are not available on the surface web, such as illegal marketplaces, forums, and communication channels.

Myths vs. Reality

One of the most common misconceptions about the dark web is that it is all about illegal activities. While it is true that the dark web hosts illegal marketplaces and other services, it is not entirely true that everything on the dark web is illegal. There are also legitimate uses for the dark web, such as hosting whistleblower websites, providing secure communication channels for activists and journalists, and hosting anonymous forums for sensitive discussions.

Another common myth about the dark web is that it is inaccessible. While it is true that accessing the dark web requires specific software and configurations, it is not difficult to do so. The most popular way to access the dark web is through the Tor browser, which is free and easy to download.

Finally, the dark web is often thought of as entirely anonymous. While it is true that the dark web provides a high degree of anonymity, it is not entirely anonymous. Law enforcement agencies and other actors have developed techniques to deanonymize dark web users, and users who are not careful can still reveal their identities.

What You Can Find on the Dark Web

The dark web hosts a variety of products and services, some of which are illegal, and others that are not. Some of the most popular illegal products and services include drugs, stolen data and personal information, weapons, and counterfeit currency. However, the dark web also hosts legitimate products and services, such as books, music, and software.

Dangers of Engaging in Transactions on the Dark Web

Engaging in transactions on the dark web can be dangerous, even if you are only buying legal products and services. Scammers and hackers frequent dark web marketplaces, and there is a risk that you could become a victim of fraud or identity theft. Additionally, engaging in transactions on the dark web could expose you to law enforcement action, which could result in fines or even criminal charges.

The Role of Cryptocurrency on the Dark Web

Cryptocurrency is the preferred payment method on the dark web because it provides a high degree of anonymity and is difficult to trace. Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency used on the dark web, but other cryptocurrencies, such as Monero and Zcash, are also used. However, using cryptocurrency on the dark web can be risky, as transactions are irreversible and could expose you to financial losses.

Staying Safe on the Dark Web

If you are interested in exploring the dark web, there are several steps you can take to stay safe. First, use a reputable VPN to protect your identity and location. Next, use a reputable dark web browser, such as the Tor browser, and be cautious when engaging in transactions. Finally, use a reputable escrow service to protect yourself from fraud.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other objects embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity, enabling them to connect and exchange data. IoT is one of the most significant technological advancements of the 21st century, revolutionizing the way we interact with technology and changing the world as we know it.

The concept of IoT has been around for decades, with the first IoT device, a Coca-Cola vending machine that reported its inventory and temperature over the internet, being developed in 1982. Since then, IoT has evolved significantly, with more devices than ever before being connected to the internet, resulting in an explosion of data that is being generated, collected, and analyzed.

How IoT Works

IoT works by connecting devices and objects to the internet, allowing them to communicate with each other and share data. This is achieved through the use of sensors and communication protocols that enable devices to transmit and receive data over the Internet. The data is then processed and analyzed using advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to extract valuable insights and information.

Applications of IoT

IoT has numerous applications across different industries, including smart homes and cities, healthcare, transportation, and industrial IoT. In smart homes, IoT devices can be used to automate various tasks, such as turning on lights, adjusting the thermostat, and even watering plants. In smart cities, IoT can be used to monitor and optimize energy usage, traffic flow, and public safety.

In healthcare, IoT has the potential to transform patient care by enabling remote monitoring, improving drug adherence, and reducing hospital readmissions. In transportation, IoT can be used to optimize logistics, improve safety, and reduce fuel consumption. In industrial IoT, IoT can be used to improve efficiency, optimize production, and reduce downtime.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IoT

IoT offers numerous advantages, including improved efficiency and productivity, better decision-making, and cost savings. For instance, in the industrial sector, IoT can be used to monitor equipment performance and predict maintenance needs, enabling proactive maintenance that reduces downtime and saves money. In healthcare, IoT can be used to remotely monitor patients, reducing the need for hospital readmissions and improving patient outcomes.

However, IoT also presents some disadvantages, including security and privacy concerns, dependence on technology, and data overload. With more devices being connected to the internet, the risk of cyberattacks increases, and the privacy of individuals can be compromised. Additionally, with more data being generated, organizations need to have the resources and expertise to analyze and interpret the data to derive valuable insights.

Future of IoT

The future of IoT is bright, with emerging trends and technologies set to transform society in new and exciting ways. Some of the emerging trends in IoT include the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze and interpret data, the integration of blockchain technology for enhanced security, and the adoption of 5G networks for faster and more reliable connectivity.

IoT has the potential to transform society in numerous ways, from smart homes and cities to healthcare and transportation. However, the adoption and growth of IoT also present challenges, including security and privacy concerns, dependence on technology, and data overload. Despite these challenges, the benefits of IoT are vast and varied, and as the technology continues to evolve, the potential for improving people’s lives will only grow.

The internet was introduced at the end of the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that a large portion of the world really had access to it. These days, almost everyone in developed countries has internet access, and it has changed a lot since those early days of the 1990s and early 2000s. Let’s take a look at internet history, get a little bit nostalgic, and talk about five things that we miss about those glory days of the world wide web.

Anonymity 

In today’s world, online anonymity is a luxury. It’s difficult to keep all of your personal information out of view. While there are still forums like Reddit where you can remain anonymous, there are plenty of others that require you to sign up using your Google or Facebook accounts that have your real name. Because of this, anonymity has been taken away for a lot of people, and that doesn’t even count the number of people being ‘doxxed’ online.

Let’s say you’re a content creator that rubs one viewer the wrong way. That person is likely to attempt to track down your personal information, including your full name and address. It’s scary to think about what people can do with that info, and it wasn’t really something that we saw in the early days of the internet.

Simplicity of Emotes

On every Android and Apple device, you’ll find a variety of emotes to accompany any and all of your messages, comments, and posts. Typically when you’re chatting on the phone, or in person, you can easily read each other’s emotions, sarcasm, and mannerisms. Emojis add a personal touch that you can’t really achieve through plain text. 

Back in the glory days of the internet, you had to get creative and make use of the buttons on your keyboard to form simple, yet effective, emotes. Though that era has come and gone, we will never forget the fun we had coming up with the OG emotes. 

Social Media Not Being Weaponized

Just about everyone on Earth uses some form of social media. With easily accessible apps, like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and various dating apps, there’s an array of alternative forms of communication. Compared to the few select methods of communication available back in the day, like calling someone’s landline, talking in person, posting in online forums, or sending emails. 

The problem with social media today is that the more popular it becomes, the higher the chances of coming across internet trolls with bad intentions. Of course, there are always going to be some bad eggs in the bunch, but today’s social media has given more of them a platform to go about their bullying and abuse. 

Safe From Being Turned Into a Meme

Memes have officially taken over internet culture. There’s a meme for just about every occasion, that’s happy, sad, funny, or dark. In most instances, memes are harmless fun and provide the masses with laughter. Though, that’s not always the case. Memes have often been weaponized for abuse and bullying toward unknowing targets. 

Memes are seemingly harmless, but when an abusive meme gains traction and attention, it can ruin lives. That’s why we miss the good ol’ days of the internet when your misfortune wouldn’t become a meme. Part of that was how few people had cameras rolling 24 hours a day and the amount of time it took to upload a video or make a gif. Now, just about anyone can do it within seconds.

Lack of Advertising/Subscriptions

In the early days of the Internet, almost everything was confined to message boards and instant messaging services. Even when you went to major websites, you didn’t see a whole lot of advertising outside of some affiliate links. While those major websites still have affiliate links that aren’t pervasive, almost everything else is sponsored content. This is especially true when it comes to video and streaming services.

These days, it’s impossible to watch a YouTube video without getting an advertisement, and even the best adblockers can’t stop ads on streaming websites. Plus, almost every big website and streaming service has a subscription service, leading to users getting nickeled and dimed each month on top of paying for the internet.

RSS (Rich Site Summary) feeds have been around since the late 1990s, but their use and relevance have been a topic of debate in recent years. Some people swear by RSS feeds, while others question whether they are still relevant in the age of social media and personalized news apps. Let’s explore what RSS feeds are, how they work, and whether you should be using them.

What Are RSS Feeds?

RSS feeds are a type of web feed that allows users to access updates from websites and blogs in a standardized format. RSS feeds are typically created by website owners or bloggers, and they contain a summary of the latest content published on their site. RSS feeds are designed to be read by feed readers, which are apps or software programs that collect and display the latest updates from multiple RSS feeds in one place.

How Do RSS Feeds Work?

To use an RSS feed, you need a feed reader. There are many different feed readers available, including web-based readers, desktop apps, and mobile apps. Once you’ve selected a feed reader, you can add RSS feeds by entering the feed’s URL into the reader. The reader will then collect the latest updates from that feed and display them in a list or other format.

Why Use RSS Feeds?

There are several reasons why you might want to use RSS feeds. Here are a few:

1. Stay up-to-date on your favorite sites: By using an RSS feed, you can easily keep track of new content from your favorite websites and blogs without having to visit each site individually.
2. Save time: RSS feeds allow you to quickly scan the latest updates from multiple sites in one place, saving you time and effort.
3. Filter content: Some feed readers allow you to filter content based on keywords, so you can easily find updates on specific topics.
4. Privacy: Unlike social media and other personalized news apps, RSS feeds don’t track your activity or collect your data.

Should You Be Using RSS Feeds?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you enjoy reading blogs and websites and want to stay up-to-date on the latest content, RSS feeds can be a useful tool. They allow you to easily access updates from multiple sites in one place, and they save you time and effort.

However, if you prefer to get your news and updates from social media or personalized news apps, you may find that RSS feeds are less relevant. These platforms offer a more personalized experience, and they often use algorithms to show you content that is tailored to your interests.

Additionally, some websites and blogs have stopped offering RSS feeds in recent years, which can make it more difficult to use this tool. However, many sites still offer RSS feeds, and there are plenty of feed readers available to choose from.

In conclusion, whether you should be using RSS feeds depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you enjoy reading blogs and websites and want to stay up-to-date on the latest content, RSS feeds can be a useful tool. However, if you prefer a more personalized experience, you may find that social media and personalized news apps are more relevant. Ultimately, the decision to use RSS feeds is up to you.

The internet is a complex network of interconnected devices and systems that allow us to access information and communicate with people all over the world. To navigate this network, we use a series of protocols and technologies, including IP addresses and DNS. Today, we’ll explore the basics of these two essential components of the internet. 

IP Addresses 

Every device that connects to the internet, whether it’s a computer, smartphone, or smart speaker, has a unique identifier called an IP address. This address is a numerical label that allows devices to communicate with each other over the internet. It consists of four numbers, separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.1. 

When you type a website address into your browser, your computer sends a request to the website’s server, asking it to send the website’s content to your device. To do this, the server needs to know where to send the data. This is where IP addresses come in. Your device sends its IP address to the server, which then sends the data back to your device. 

IP addresses can be assigned dynamically or statically. Dynamic IP addresses are assigned by your internet service provider (ISP) and can change each time you connect to the internet. Static IP addresses, on the other hand, are assigned by a network administrator and remain the same until they are manually changed. 

DNS 

While IP addresses are essential for internet communication, they are not user-friendly. It’s much easier to remember a website address like www.google.com than it is to remember an IP address like 172.217.10.174. This is where DNS comes in. 

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a system that translates user-friendly domain names (like www.google.com) into IP addresses that computers can understand. When you enter a website address into your browser, your device sends a request to a DNS server, asking it to translate the domain name into an IP address. 

The DNS server then searches a database of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. Once it finds the correct IP address, it sends it back to your device. Your device then uses the IP address to connect to the website’s server and request the website content. 

Benefits of IP Addresses and DNS 

Understanding the basics of IP addresses and DNS can be beneficial in several ways. Here are a few examples: 

1. Improved Security: For example, if you notice that an unknown IP address is trying to access your network, you can take steps to block it and prevent unauthorized access. 
2. Improved Performance: If your DNS server is slow or unreliable, it can cause delays or errors when you try to access websites. By choosing a fast and reliable DNS server, you can improve your internet browsing speed and reduce the likelihood of errors. 
3. Network Management: By monitoring IP addresses and DNS requests, they can identify potential issues and troubleshoot problems more quickly. 
4. Internet Connectivity: If you’re having trouble connecting to a website, for example, you can use tools like ping or traceroute to determine if the issue is with the website’s server or your own network. 
5. Internet Protocol: Understanding IP addresses and DNS is also important for those who work with internet protocols, such as TCP/IP or HTTP. These protocols rely on IP addresses and DNS to function correctly, so a good understanding of these concepts is essential for anyone working in this field. 

In conclusion, IP addresses and DNS are essential components of the internet. IP addresses allow devices to communicate with each other over the internet, while DNS translates user-friendly domain names into IP addresses. Understanding these concepts can improve your internet browsing experience, help you identify potential security risks, and enable you to troubleshoot internet connectivity issues. It is also essential for those working in internet protocol-related fields.

One of the great things about wireless Internet connectivity is that, with the right equipment, you can achieve stable, high-speed coverage from virtually any location in your home. Do you have a home office that you spend a lot of time in during the day? You won’t have to worry about dropouts or other connectivity issues. Do you want to be able to enjoy a good book on your patio as you relax one evening after work? You can easily do that, too.

Having said that, technology is inherently fragile and regardless of how expensive your equipment is, it’s still possible to run into issues with your Wi-Fi from time to time. This is especially true if you’ve already embraced the concept of the "smart home" or the Internet of Things, as you probably have dozens of devices that are all actively utilizing your network’s bandwidth. Thankfully, all hope is not lost. If you want to fix whatever issue you’re having with your router, there are a number of important things to keep in mind.

Troubleshooting Your Router: An Overview

If you’re having issues with the Wi-Fi in your home or office, the first step you should take always involves rebooting the router that is maintaining your connection. Although this may sound overly simplistic, it’s actually quite effective for a few reasons.

for starters, just like a computer, sometimes a router will need to be rebooted to clear any issues that are being stored in its internal memory. Secondly, doing this will disconnect all devices from your network temporarily and will allow them to essentially "start fresh" once the router comes back online. In a lot of situations, this can fix the lion’s share of issues that you’re dealing with.

Some routers have dedicated apps that can allow you to go through this reboot process. Netgear’s Orbi routers, for example, can allow you to reboot the hardware even if you’re away from the home. It will then automatically start back up again. But in most situations, all you have to do is unplug the router for about 30 seconds and plug it back in to achieve the same effect.

Likewise, you’ll want to carefully consider the placement of your router if you’re experiencing connectivity issues. That is to say, if your router is on one side of your house and most of the devices that are experiencing issues are on the opposite end, it may simply be a matter of the signal not being able to reach everything you’re trying to use. For the best results, your router should always be in a centralized location in your home. The farther you get away from the router, the more issues you’re likely to run into.

Finally, always make sure that your router’s firmware is up-to-date. If your router has a dedicated app (as was true in the Orbi example), go to the "Administrator" screen and select an option that will no doubt be labeled some variation of the phrase "Check for Updates." Otherwise, type your IP address into a web browser, log into your router’s configuration screen (your username and password will be listed on the router itself) and check for updates that way. This, too, can solve a significant amount of the problems you’re likely experiencing.