The Internet began in the Eighties. Today it has grown to become a major
means of communication. Websites and emails, things that were unheard of just
two decades ago, are quickly gaining in popularity and usage. Via a computer,
a person can access the Internet and the numerous websites in it. There are
websites on just about anything anyone can think of. Information, files,
photographs, video clips, computer software, games etc can often be obtained
free or for a fee from some websites. Online shopping, banking and other
services make it a cinch for an ordinary
person to perform regular chores from the comfort of home or office. A very
popular feature of the Internet is the use of email. Using email, persons at any
part of the world can communicate with one other in an instant. The cost of
sending an email is almost nothing. On top of that, files and pictures can be
attached and sent together with the email. Despite its obvious usefulness,
negative things are also present on the Internet. Viruses, worms, Trojan horses
and other harmful programs wait to strike at the unwary user. Accessing the
Internet without the protection of an anti-virus program or firewall is a sure
way of getting infected. The result of infection varies from a simple obscene
message on the screen to the complete erasure of the files and records in the
computer. Then there are sites that promote pornography, anarchy, terrorism,
Satanism, black magic and other threats to the well-being of our world. Using
the Internet is no different from dealing with our daily living in the physical
world. We sue it but we take precautions to avoid the obvious dangers and
negative elements in it. |