Internet Services (Grade 12 NSC Matric Computer Application Technology): Revision Notes

Internet Services

Introduction to internet services

When you connect to the internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), you gain access to a wide range of services designed to help you communicate, share information, and accomplish various tasks online. These internet services have revolutionised how we work, learn, and interact with others around the world.

Communication services

Instant messaging

Instant messaging (often called IM) refers to online chat programmes that enable you to send real-time messages over the internet. This includes text messages as well as multimedia content like pictures, voice notes, and videos. While most instant messages happen between two people, you can also participate in group discussions with multiple users.

Advantages of instant messaging:

• Enables real-time chat with anyone who has an IM client, regardless of their location
• Messages are delivered immediately when the recipient is online and connected
• You can see when your message has been read by the other person
• Connects people worldwide without geographical limitations
• Allows group conversations where multiple people can share ideas and reach conclusions together

Disadvantages of instant messaging:

• Messages are sent immediately, giving you no time to reflect or review before sending (unlike email where you can check drafts)
• Messages are not always saved permanently
• Removes the personal, face-to-face experience of speaking with someone in person

Popular instant messaging services include:

• WhatsApp - widely used on smartphones and computers
• Facebook Messenger - integrated into Facebook's social media platform
• iMessage - Apple's built-in messaging service for iOS devices

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP)

If you've travelled overseas, you've probably discovered that international phone calls can be very expensive. VoIP technology solves this problem by allowing you to make voice calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines.

Advantages of VoIP:

• Saves significant money when calling other countries for meetings or personal conversations
• Allows sharing of both audio and video information during calls
• Strengthens relationships between colleagues who work remotely or far from each other
• Much cheaper than traditional telephone calls

Disadvantages of VoIP:

• Expensive to set up and maintain the necessary equipment and software
• Requires an active internet connection to function
• Power failures can interrupt your communications completely

Examples of VoIP services:

• Google Hangouts - standard VoIP service provided by Google, now integrated into Android devices
• WhatsApp - allows both standard messaging and video calls over the internet
• Discord - popular among gamers for voice and text communication
• TeamSpeak - primarily used by gamers for team communication
• Skype - one of the most established VoIP services for voice, video, and instant messaging

File management services

File transfer protocol (FTP)

FTP is a standard network protocol that enables you to transfer files between your computer and a network server, typically over the internet. It establishes rules for how files can be uploaded to and downloaded from servers, sometimes requiring a username and password for secure access.

Advantages of using FTP:

• Easy to use once you receive proper training
• Can send multiple file directories simultaneously
• File transfer progress continues even if your connection temporarily fails
• File transfers can be scheduled for times that suit your needs best

Disadvantages of using FTP:

• Data, usernames, and passwords are shared as plain text, making it vulnerable to hackers
• Requires training to use effectively
• Difficult to monitor mishandled data and track the source of problems
• Not all FTP services encrypt your data, leaving it vulnerable to attacks

Cloud-based file sharing

The technology industry has moved away from local storage towards remote, server-based storage and processing - known as cloud computing. Cloud-based file sharing services help you store and share files, documents, photos, and videos online.

Advantages of cloud-based file sharing:

• Very easy to use - simply drag and drop files between your computer and the service
• Saves data and bandwidth since you can share files with multiple people without emailing copies to each person individually
• Access your files from any device connected to the internet
• Reduces time and effort needed to share information with multiple people

Disadvantages of cloud-based file sharing:

• Files might not be completely secure since multiple people can access them
• Risk of people accidentally misplacing or deleting files
• Requires internet connection to access your files
• Some services require you to download special software before accessing files

These services provide seamless access to all your important data - Word documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, photos, and other digital files - from wherever you are. You no longer need to sit at your work computer to access work files. With cloud syncing, you can access them from your smartphone on the train, your tablet at home, or your laptop in a hotel room.

Computing services

Grid computing and cloud computing

As technology advances, our computing requirements grow beyond what single personal computers can handle. Alternative solutions have emerged in the form of cloud-based and grid computing systems.

Advantages of grid computing:

• Helps solve larger, more complex problems in much shorter time periods
• You don't need to purchase more powerful hardware since you can make better use of existing equipment
• If one computer fails, other computers take over the work, making the system very reliable

Disadvantages of grid computing:

• Requires training to make full use of grid computing capabilities
• May need multiple people working together for the grid system to function properly

Advantages of cloud computing:

• Since the cloud platform is managed and updated professionally, it's much more reliable than personal systems
• Can be used from any device capable of connecting to the internet

Disadvantages of cloud computing:

• You may experience downtime if the cloud server undergoes maintenance
• Despite security measures to protect your data, there's always some risk of files being compromised
• You don't have complete control over the platform since it's owned and managed by the service provider

Examples of cloud and grid computing:

Cloud Computing	Grid Computing
Amazon Web Services (AWS)	Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing
Microsoft Azure	Advanced Resource Connector
Google Cloud Platform	g-EclipseTechnology Project

In an ideal grid computing system, every resource is shared, transforming a computer network into a powerful supercomputer. With proper user interfaces, accessing a grid computing system would feel no different from using a local computer, but you'd have access to enormous processing power and storage capacity.

Entertainment services

Streaming

Traditional broadcast, cable, and satellite television have supplied news and entertainment to households for many years. However, internet advances have created more diverse entertainment options through streaming services.

Streaming allows you to view live events, series, movies, and sporting events over the internet. This includes streaming to your smartphone, smart television, or computer.

Advantages of streaming:

• You control what you watch and when you want to watch it
• Streams can be paused, rewound, and resumed as you please
• Doesn't require storing shows on your computer, saving storage space

Disadvantages of streaming:

• Requires an active (and fast) internet connection to stream content
• Streaming uses significant amounts of data
• Easy to spend many uninterrupted hours watching series and shows, which can lead to health problems

Government internet services

Government institutions traditionally had long queues where you might wait for hours. Thanks to the internet, many government institutions now offer quick and convenient online solutions. Government internet services allow you to skip queues by using government websites from your home to conduct business, pay bills, and obtain information.

Paying your television licence: You can pay your TV licence online using credit card details, through your online banking website or app using TV licence account details, or visit the EasyPay website for a virtual payment solution.

Electoral information: Living in a democratic country gives you the right to vote for the people you want in charge of your city and country. To participate, you need to know:

• Who the people and parties running for office are
• Whether you're registered to vote
• Where to go to cast your vote
• What the election results were

This information can be obtained from various government websites accessible through the internet, such as the "Elections" website (www.elections.org.za), which you can use to confirm your voter registration.

Submitting tax returns: Tax season can be stressful, especially when SARS offices have long queues. SARS has developed e-filing as a solution.

Smart ID and passport applications: Rather than standing in long queues at Home Affairs offices, you can complete online applications, upload supporting documents, make payments, and schedule collection times from a Home Affairs-enabled bank through the eHomeAffairs website.

Online tertiary applications: The Department of Higher Education and Training operates an online Central Applications Clearing House (CACH), open in January and February each year. Students who haven't secured places at tertiary institutions can submit online applications through CACH to receive assistance finding suitable institutions.