The Internet, The Web and Electronic Commerce

Javascript

Javascript is the computer language that the Internet is written in, and it is the most popular scripting language on the Internet. It is used to add interactivity to one's page. Javascripts can be set to activate when specific events happen, as well as read and change the content of a HTML element. It also detects the user's browser so that it is able to load pages designed specifically for the browser, and lastly it can create cookies, working to store and retrieve information on the visitor's computer.

Applets

Any small application that stands alone and performs one specific task is an applet, sometimes running within the context of a program that is larger. Applets allow most of the functions of a Java application but removes the need for separate downloading and installation. What applets usually do is add small, interactive components or enhancements on a webpage. The amazing portability of Java applets is what makes it ideal for use on the World Wide Web, as it can run on many different operating systems and browsers.

Filters

An Internet filter is a software tool that helps monitor web content viewed on a particular computer or network.When we think of filters, we think of an item that prevents certain things from passing through, and that is somewhat similar to what Internet filters do. Internet filters search for certain features within the content of a webpage and instructs the system to act with regards to the content. It can block out the page entirely or certain features on the page. Business, educational institutes and even parents can apply filters to block websites or programs that they do not want their employees, students, or children to gain access to.

Plug-ins

A software module that adds to the functionality of an application are called plug-ins. Applications such as Photoshop, Firefox, and Internet Explorer are examples of applications that use plug-ins. Plug-ins create capabilities which extends an application's functionality for third-party developers, support new features, reducing the size of applications, as well as separate source codes from an application because of incompatible software licenses.

Internet Security Suite

As the name implies, an Internet Security Suite is basically the security system of the internet. Firewalls, antivirus programs, antispyware programs are examples of Internet Security Suites. What these do is to block the user from accessing content that may be harmful to the computer. It is also able to detect harmful objects in the computer and eliminate them to keep the computer functioning at optimum levels.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

For storage and transfer of files over the internet, FTP is needed. FTP is an important part of everyday life for people whose business involve large numbers of files to transfer over the internet and find e-mail or the web unable to handle their needs.

Wiki

To easily create and edit any number of interlinked webpages via a web browser using a simplified a simplified mark-up language or a WYSIWYG text editor, one can use a wiki, which is a website that allows this. Wikis are sites that is a collection of information easily edited by the community.

URL

A Uniform Resource Locator, otherwise known as the URL, is the unique address of a file that is accessible through the Internet. It is exclusive to itself as no 2 web pages share the same URL.

Careers in IT

     Today, in the quickly advancing world of Information Technology (IT), many new job opportunities are emerging. Among the list of new career paths in IT are webmasters, computer support specialists, technical writers, software engineers, netowrk administartors, system analysts, programmers, and so on. In this post we hope to explore these jobs briefly on what they do.

Webmaster

A webmaster is one who builds and maintains websites, constantly seeking to improve the performance of a website. The webmaster is always striving to keep the availability of the website at 100% and to prevent crashes so that viewers are able to obtain the information they seek. Webmasters also calculate the time needed for a page to load and they try to optimize it, so that viewers do not get impatient and leave. In short, webmasters are multifold as they have to build websites, maintain them, and also prevent loss of data to hackers, therefore securing the page for their viewers.

Computer Support Specialist    

The computer support specialists help people with computer problems. Also known as help-desk technicians, they make phone calls and send e-mails for people who are having problems with their hardware or software. The computer support specialist then tries to duplicate the problem by repeating it on his or her computer to determine if it is a user error or a technical error with the software or hardware. Once the problem has been determined, the computer support specialist then walks the user through the required steps to fixing the problem.

Technical Writer    

Ever find yourself facing difficult technical problems that you cannot seem to understand? The technical writer is the one who explains in simple language scientific and technical ideas that are difficult for the average user to understand. Many of them are former scientists or technicians, hence technical writers write articles and reports on current trends in the field of science and engineering. However, technical writers also write on non-scientific fields, such as banking and shipping. They may also produce instruction manuals, press releases, and even promotional materials for companies offering products or services.

Software Engineer    

Software engineers are responsible for writing the detailed instructions that a computer follows. These instructions and commands, when put into computer language, is translated into computer programs and software. They also develop software for everything from handling bank accounts to computer gaming. They design software and customize it according to the client's needs with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. They may also analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Network  Administrator

The duty of a network administrator is to oversee computer networks to ensure that they function smoothly. They are in charge of the maintenance of a company's internal systems, as well as configure new server systems required internally for the company's activities. They are also in charge of security and firewall administration . Network administrators forecast any improvements that may be needed, making budgets for any changes needed and implementing those changes.

System Analyst

The system analyst is responsible for operating system and associated subsystems. They also identify alternatives for optimizing computer resources. System analysts are required to collect information to analyze and evaluate existing or proposed systems, as well as research, plan, install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade operating systems inclusive of hardware and software interfaces associated with the operating system.

Programmer

Computer programmers are the ones that write the step-by-step commands that direct computers to process information. These commands. or programs, tell the computer what to do in a series of logical steps. Programmers work on a wide range of projects, and the kind of work a programmer does depends on the employer. They work in manufacturing, industry, engineering, government offices, hospitals, and also educational institutions. Programmers strive to develop new applications from beginning to end, and to maintain existing applications. They innovate data visualization and presentation techniques, create codes that meet system standards, and also analyze methods to efficiently address software system requirements.