Lesson Proper

Brief History of the Internet

The internet has evolved from a conceptual research project to a completely developed
commercial electronic communication network. The growth of Internet can be discussed in three
steps, as follows:

• Internetworking Protocol—Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in

1970s
• Usenet groups and Electronic mail in 1980s
• World Wide Web in 1990s

The networking of computers has its origin at the US Department of Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

• During 1970’s DARPA developed the ARPANET as a WAN to connect different computers
and later to connect computers on different networks (Internetworking). Internetworking
became the focus of research at ARPA and led to the emergence of Internet. During their
research, DARPA set up design goals for themselves, which included—(1) the ability to
interconnect different types of network, (2) to connect through alternate paths if some path
gets destroyed, and (3) to support applications of various types like audio, video, text etc.
• Based on the design goals, a protocol named Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) was developed for computer communication (Protocol is a network term
used to indicate the set of rules used by a network for communication). TCP/IP has become
the protocol for Internet.
• In late 1970s, the US National Science Foundation (NSF) designed a successor to ARPANET,
called NSFNET, which was open for use to all university research groups, libraries and
museums. This allowed scientists across the country to share data and interact with each
other for their research projects. Internet grew exponentially when ARPANET was
interconnected with NSFNET.
• In 1980s, many Internet applications like electronic mail, newsgroups, file transfer facility
and remote login were developed. The Electronic mail facility allowed users to compose,
send, and receive messages. Users having common interests could exchange messages using
forums like Newsgroups. The Telnet command allowed users to login to a remote computer.
The File Transfer Protocol program was used to copy files from one computer to another on
the Internet.
• In the early 1990s, a new application World Wide Web (WWW) changed the way in which
Internet was used. WWW is a system of creating, organizing, and linking documents, and
was created by British scientist Tim Berners Lee. A protocol based on hypertext was
developed that allowed the documents and content on WWW to be connected via hyperlink.
• In 1993, Marc Andreessen at the University of Illinois developed the Mosaic browser. The
WWW along with the browser made it possible to set up number of web pages that may
consist of text, pictures or sound, and with link to other pages.

Internet and WWW which are interconnection of networks, and interconnection of

documents and resources, respectively, has wired the whole world together.
Uses of Internet
1. Electronic Mail (email)
Email is the first major use of the internet. People thronged to Email to instantly share
information, data files, photos, videos, business communications, and any other files with others.
This had enabled people to communicate more quickly and improved business efficiency. Email
significantly reduced paper use and lowered the load on physical mail systems.

2. FTP File Transfer

It is the second major use case for the early days of the internet. FTP is the file transfer
protocol that allows secure exchange of data between two stakeholders over internet media. The
exchange of data can take place between two business clients, and vice versa. Normally email limits
the size of a file that can be shared and confidential data through public networks is not protected
either. Even today, FTP concept is still used for downloading files in mobile apps.

3. Search Engines
These engines locate the information one seeks, available in whichever server across the
globe (world wide web). Google, Yahoo, and MSN are the renowned search engines in use today.
One can search on anything in this site and the search question can be in any format. In fact, People
have started using the word Google as a generic verb synonymous to search.

4. E-Commerce
The internet allows for the online sale of goods and services. There are many vendors of e-
commerce platforms like Amazon, Ola, that aggregate several products/services available on the
market and sell them to customers through their portal.

Items are produced by platform vendors, stored in their warehouses, packaged into their own
brand and sold by them. Customers get a decent discount and do not need to go to physical stores.

5. Online Banking
Called as Net Banking, it makes it easy to do banking transactions at home or on a mobile
phone. Footfalls in the branches of the banks have come down appreciably with almost all facilities
available 24/7 in net banking. Any amount of money via this facility can be transferred instantly. E-
Banking supports electricity bills, telephone bills, and payment of other services.

6. Cashless Transactions
Bill Payment through debit cards, credit cards and UPI gateways at merchandise outlets is
on the increase. Cash circulation in the system is reduced to the extent that those transactions are
growing. Each year it is rising by more than 50 percent and is expected to grow 10 ties over the
next 5 years.

7. Education
The Internet offers a wealth of educational material with standardized navigation and search
facilities on every subject. Anyone can search for any reading material an the internet can get it from any
website in any part of the world for them so people don’t need to go to libraries to go through the books.
Those who cannot attend physical (face to face) class can take an online course where
they get connected to the teacher, in the other part of the world, in video mode and get taught on
the subject backed up other audiovisual tools.

8. Collaboration
Online chat apps such as email, Skype, and other applications for video conferencing help
people connect 24/7 and have trouble-free business and personal discussions. It prevents people
from moving unnecessary, and saves time for constructive use. The internet also enabled work
seamless access to the workplace from home and avoided routine commuting.

9. Social Networking
The internet connects people online and helps them to form groups in society. It exchanges
information, ideas, opinions and opinions on any social/political issues. The political and social
organization makes use of this platform to advance their public interest.

Types of Internet Connections

Internet connections are of different types depending upon the cost, speed, availability, etc. which type of
internet connection is most beneficial for you? It depends upon many factors.

Internet connections are categorized according to their uses like at home, offices, organization, etc.

So, after going through this article you will definitely recognize which internet connection will be best for
you?
Different Types of Internet Connections

Let us discuss the top 10 general types of internet connections:

1. Dial-up

In the past, the internet is connected by the dial-up lines. The dial-up line uses PSTN (Public Switched
Telephone Network). PSTN may be of the telephone line, fiber optic, Microwave transmission or
communications satellite. Dial-up internet connections are connected through a telephone line. For
accessing the internet, you have to dial a specific number, and your ISP will open the internet line for
you. Here is the same line for internet and telephone, so at a time only one task can take place either you
can run internet or talk on the telephone. It is the main disadvantage of a Dial-up connection. It is the
most inexpensive form of the internet connection, apart from it, its speed is also very slow from 28 Kbps
to 56 Kbps. It has a very high ping (Latency) speed so we cannot watch online movies and play online
games.

2. ISDN
ISDN stands for Integrated Service Digital Network. This connection is nearly similar to the DSL. ISDN
is a set of international communication standards designed in 1980 and improved in the 1990s. It is a
digital network to transmit voice, image, video, and text over the existing circuit-switched PSTN
telephone network. Different types of devices, such as analog phone, a fax machine, or a computer, are
connected to an ISDN terminal adaptor, which converts different types of data into ISDN format so that
they can share the same digital PSTN network.

3. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

In a DSL internet connection, both voice and internet data can flow over the same telephone line at the
same time. It has a DSL modem which filters the voice and data. DSL represents a high-speed
connection, much fast than the ancient dial-up connection, but it is not as fast as a cable connection. So
due to DSL modem, you can go on the internet and talk on the phone at the same time (Modem convert
analog signal to digital signal). Speed of DSL varies; depending upon the place where you live, but on an
average, download speed varies from 5Mbps to 100 Mbps.

Types of DSL internet:

1. ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line): In this internet connection downloading speed is
considerably faster than the uploading speed.

t is mostly used at home because at home we download more as compare to upload. Moreover, it is the
cheapest form of DSL.

2. SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line): In SDSL connection, Download and upload speed are
equal. It is typically used in businesses.

3. VDSL (Very high bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line): it is the fastest form of the DSL. It is fast
because, in its line, copper wire is used. Due to copper, it is only installed for limited distances.

On an average VDSL is 3 times faster than the ADSL.

4. Cable Internet Connection

Broadband Cable is typically provided by the same provider that provides cable television to its
customers. Here we use cable modem/wifi router combo. Because of the connection of your neighbors
and you are on the same cable line so during the peak hours you have experienced slow speed. The reason
behind is that your neighbors are also using at the same time.

5. Fiber

A fiber internet connection provides the fastest internet speed today. It can provide download and upload
speed of up to 1000 Mbps. It uses light to transfer the data through the optical fiber cable. In other forms
of internet, connection data is transferred in electrical form, so signal get weaker and weaker at large
distances because singles in the copper cable can be affected by electromagnetic interference. But in the
fiber optic cable, signal transfers in the glass in the form of light, it can travel to long distances without
any losses. Fiber is more expensive than the DSL and cable.
6. Satellite

Satellite internet is the internet which uses the path of the outer space. Satellite internet signal travels
more than 46,000 miles (From ISP to user through satellite). In rural areas, high speed satellite internet is
the best option, it is faster option than dial-up.. Still, large-scale improvements are going on for making it
more usable and reliable in the field of infrastructure and technology. At many places, its speed is less
than the cable and DSL connection. Satellites are orbiting directly over the equator, means it is a
geostationary satellite.

7. Cellular

In this network, radio waves are used for transfer signal to and from the mobile phone. In cellular technology
geographic area is divided into hexagonal cells, with it each cell having its tower and frequency slot.
Generally, these cellular towers are connected through a wire or more specifically optical fiber cable. These
optical fiber cables are laid under the ground or ocean for providing national or international connectivity.
During the use of the internet; Smartphone transmits a signal in the form of electromagnetic waves. The
electromagnetic wave produces by your phone are picked up by the tower and system on the tower convert
them high-frequency light pulses. These light pulses are further transferred to the base
transceiver for the further signal transferring. After that signal transferred to the destination server, for
what you searched, after that reverse process takes place.

8. Hotspot

A hotspot is a fairly similar system to the Wifi. Hotspot provides users with internet connectivity over
WLAN to their location in the specific region. For illustration; router and modem are like hotspots that
transfer the data in the form of a radio frequency wave in its centralized position surrounding it. Like
Smartphone and mobile hotspots, here you can share your data with your friends. You can say that by the
help of a hotspot we can create wifi. They are of two types: protected passwords and free to use. But
beware of free hotspot being on the hackers target most of the time.

9. Wireless

The wireless network is designed using various hardware components such as wireless excess point or router,
and consumer devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc. that are fitted with the wifi adaptor. On the
other hand, a wireless router is connected to the internet via a physical connection i.e. with the fiber cable or
analog line which uses a telephone and modem, after that connected to the router. The wireless router is then
connected via radio waves to the computers, which has created an end-to-end nternet connection. A router
receives the data from the internet and converts it to a radio signal, sending it to the connected devices on the
wireless network. The same cycle happens in reverse, too.
10. Broadband

Broadband is also known as wideband because it uses and provides a wide range of frequencies during
communication. The wider a channel’s bandwidth, the greater will be the capacity to carry the information.
Here you can achieve speed up to 100 Mbps, it typically depends upon the cables we use like in case of coaxial
cable data transfer speed may vary but in optical fiber cables speed will be high. Generally, its speed in
Mbit/sec but it can be Gbit/sec. (Found during testing in optical fiber cable). ADSL broadband is used in
homes and offices. These are well-known types of internet connections, which generally people use.
References
Ambersariya, D. (2019)“Types of Internet Connection”.
Retrieved from https://inventionsky.com/types-of-internet-connections/
Goel, A. (2010). Computer Fundamentals. India:
Pearson IIT IIM Graduates(2020). “Uses of Internet”.
Retrieved from https://www.educba.com/uses-of-internet/

Algorithm
Algorithm is a finite, well defined, ambiguous sequence of instructions for
completing a task. Algorithm is an English depiction of the logic used to solve the problem.
This is a step-by-step method for solving a problem or a task. The measures are to be
ordered in number, unambiguous and finite.
Different algorithms can be written to accomplish one particular task. The different
algorithms differ as to their time and space requirements. The programmer selects the
algorithm best suited to solve the given problem.

Let’s now look at two simple algorithms to find the greatest among three numbers,
as follows:

ALGORITHM 1.

Step 1: Start
Step 2: Read the three numbers A, B, C
Step 3: Compare A and B. If A is greater perform step 4 else perform step 5.
Step 4: Compare A and C. If A is greater, output “A is greatest” else output “C is greatest”.
Perform step 6.
Step 5: Compare B and C. If B is greater, output “B is greatest” else output “C is greatest”.
Step 6: Stop

ALGORITHM 2.

Step 7: Start
Step 8: Read the three numbers A, B, C
Step 9: Compare A and B. If A is greater, store A in MAX, else store B in MAX.
Step 10: Compare MAX and C. If MAX is greater, output “MAX is greatest” else output “C is
greatest”.
Step 11: Stop

The algorithms both achieve the same goal, but in different ways. The programmer
selects the algorithm, based on each algorithm’s advantages and disadvantages. For
example, the first algorithm has more number of comparisons, whereas in the second
algorithm, an additional variable MAX is required.
FLOWCHART

Flowcharts are graphical representation of the solution to the problem. Flowcharting is a

common choice among programmers for algorithm presentation purposes. Using a
flowchart, the programme’s meaning is expressed even easier. Because flowchart is a
diagrammatic representation it forms a common communication medium.

Flowchart Symbols

A flowchart is drawn using symbols of various types. Symbols such as ovals,

rectangles, and diamonds are used in the flowchart, each denoting specific action and
purpose.

Symbol Name Shape Use Example

To set the start or stop
Terminal points; beginning or BEGIN
ending spots
To set the initial value
Initialization ctr= 0
of a variable/s
To receive input from Input age
user or display an
Input/Output (I/O)
output to the output
Display sum
screen

To set an execution of ctr = ctr + 1

a statement or
Process
operation; also called
temp = x % 2
the action symbol
To evaluate a
condition that will lead
Decision ctr > 0?
to either a True or a
False status
To link to a portion in
On-page the flowchart labeled
Connector accordingly and found A
within the same page
To link to a portion in
Off-Page the flowchart found on B
Connector another page

To set the direction

Flow lines and and flow of movement ctr > 0?
arrow heads from one statement to
another
Preparing a Flowchart

A flowchart may be simple or complex. The most common symbols that are used to
draw a flowchart are —Process, Decision, Data, Terminator, Connector and Flow lines.
While drawing a flowchart, some rules need to be followed

• A flowchart should have a start and end,

• The direction of flow in a flowchart must be from top to bottom and left to right, and
• The relevant symbols must be used while drawing a flowchart. While preparing the
flowchart, the sequence, selection or iterative structures may be used wherever
required.

Control Structures in Flowchart

We see that in a sequence, the steps are executed in linear order one after the other.
In a selection operation, the step to be executed next is based on a decision taken. If the
condition is true (yes) a different path is followed than if the condition evaluates to false
(no). In case of iterative operation, a condition is checked. Based upon the result of this
conditional check, true or false, different paths are followed. Either the next step in the
sequence is executed or the control goes back to one of the already executed steps to make a
loop.
Examples

• The first flowchart computes the product of any two numbers and gives the result.
The flowchart is a simple sequence of steps to be performed in a sequential order.
• The second flowchart compares three numbers and finds the maximum of the three
numbers. This flowchart uses selection. In this flowchart, decision is taken based
upon a condition, which decides the next path to be followed, i.e. If A is greater than
B then the true (Yes) path is followed else the false (No) path is followed. Another
decision is again made while comparing MAX with C.
• The third flowchart finds the sum of first 100 integers. Here, iteration (loop) is
performed so that some steps are executed repetitively until they fulfill some
condition to exit from the repetition. In the decision box, the value of I is compared
with 100. If it is false (No), a loop is created which breaks when the condition
becomes true (Yes).

Flowcharts have their own benefits; however, they have some limitations too. A
complex and long complex may run into multiple pages, which becomes difficult to
understand and follow. In addition, updating a flowchart with the changing
requirements is a challenging job.
Difference between Algorithm and Flowchart

If you compare a flowchart to a movie, then an algorithm is the story of that movie. In other
words the essence of a flowchart is an algorithm. In addition, there are many variations
between the algorithm and the flowchart in the field of computer programming about
different aspects, such as the precision, the way they show and how people feel about them.
Below is a table illustrating the differences between them in details.

Algorithm Flowchart
It is a procedure for solving problems. It is a graphic representation of a process.
The process is shown in step-by-step The process is shown in block-by-block
instruction. information diagram.
It is complex and difficult to understand. It is intuitive and easy to understand.
It is convenient to debug errors. It is hard to debug errors.
The solution is showcased in natural
The solution is showcased in pictorial format.
language.
It is somewhat easier to solve complex
It is hard to solve complex problem.
problem.
It costs more time to create an
It costs less time to create a flowchart.
algorithm.
Examples

1. Calculate the interest of a bank deposit.

Algorithm:

Step 1: Read amount

Step 2: Read years
Step 3: Read rate
Step 4: Calculate the interest with formula “Interest=Amount*Years*Rate/100
Step 5: Print interest

Flowchart
2. Determine whether a temperature is below or above the freezing point

Algorithm

Step 1: Input temperature,

Step 2: If it is less than 32, then print “below freezing point”, otherwise print “above
freezing point”

Flowchart
Flowchart Examples - Medical Services

This is a hospital flowchart example that shows how clinical cases shall be processed. This
flowchart uses decision shapes intensively in representing alternative flows.
Flowchart Example – Simple Algorithm

A flowchart can also be used in visualizing algorithms, regardless of its complexity. Here is
an example that shows how flowchart can be used in showing a simple summation process.

References

Lynch, A.(2020). “Examples of Algorithm Flowchart”.

Retrieved from https://www.edrawsoft.com/algorithm-flowchart-examples.html
https://www.edrawsoft.com/explain-algorithm-
flowchart.html#:~:text=Algorithm%20and%20flowchart%20are%20two,th e
%20process%20of%20a%20program.&text=An%20algorithm%20is%20a
%20step,program%20in%20a%20graphical%20way.
Mahdi, A.(2013). Algorithm and Flow Chart
Retrieved from https://faradars.org/wp-
content/uploads/2015/07/Algorithm-and-Flow-Chart.pdf
Programiz (2020). Flowchart in Programming
Retrieved from https://www.programiz.com/article/flowchart-programming