Basics of Internet, Intranet, and Email
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A network is a collection of computers and devices connected by communication channels that facilitate communication and allows sharing of resources and information. The scale and accessibility of these networks dictate whether they are classified as an Intranet or the Internet.
1. Internet vs. Intranet
- The Internet: A global, public system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP). It is a "network of networks" accessible to anyone.
- An Intranet: A private network contained within an enterprise (like a university campus or a corporate office) that is used to securely share company information and computing resources among employees. It is restricted and requires authentication.
- An Extranet: An intranet that can be partially accessed by authorized outside users (such as vendors or remote students).
2. Anatomy of an E-mail
Electronic mail (email) is a method of exchanging messages between people using electronic devices. Understanding the standard fields of an email is crucial:
| Field | Full Name | Function / Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| To: | Recipient | The primary recipient(s) of the email. Visible to all other recipients. |
| CC: | Carbon Copy | Used to send a copy of the email to someone who is not the primary recipient, usually "for their information." Visible to all other recipients. |
| BCC: | Blind Carbon Copy | Used to send a copy to someone securely. Crucially, addresses in the BCC field are hidden from all other recipients in the To and CC fields. |
| Subject: | Subject Line | A brief summary of the email's content. |
💡 Examiner's Note
Examinations frequently test the privacy mechanics of BCC. Remember: The 'To' and 'CC' recipients cannot see who is in the 'BCC' field.
3. Audio and Video-Conferencing
Conferencing technologies allow two or more locations to communicate via simultaneous two-way video and audio transmissions.
- VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): The technology that delivers voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, replacing traditional telephone lines.
- Synchronous Communication: Audio/Video conferencing represents synchronous communication because all parties are present and interacting in real-time (unlike email, which is asynchronous).
Academic References
- Castells, M. (2011). The rise of the network society (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.