The World Wide Web

Desktop VS Mobile: In today’s modern world there are many ways to access the World Wide Web (or WWW). At first, the only way to use the web were computers. For decades desktop computers were the highest generator of website traffic. However, since the invention of cell phones and other mobile devices, computers have been steadily losing its relevance. In recent years, a large majority of individuals access the web using their mobile devices instead of their desktops. According to Imed Bouchrika of Research.com, “Mobile phones generated over 60% of website traffic in 2022, with desktops and tablets only generating about 39%.”

The Control & The Make-up of the WWW: In short, no one person nor company controls the entirety of the World Wide Web. That being said, everyone who uses the web controls the content that exists on the web (whether it be by adding to it or having something removed). The World Wide Web consists of three components that help the internet go round, URL’s, HTTP’s, and HTML’s. Uniform Resource Locator (URL for short) is a system of resources on the web. HyperText Transfer Protocol, otherwise known as HTTP, helps browsers and servers to communicate effectively. Lastly Hyper Text Markup Language, or HTML, outlines the content, organization and the makeup of a webpage.

CMS | 9/26/23

A Content management system, otherwise known as a CMS, is computer software application that allows for one or multiple contributors to create, edit and publish content on the web. As previously stated in an earlier blog post, no technical knowledge to operate is needed when using a CMS. CMS’s manage digital assets in various marketing channels like email campaigns, online stores and blogs. Content Management Systems are not solely used for websites. Some of the more widely known examples of Content Management Systems are WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix.

Another way to create your own website without a CMS would be to code your site by hand using HTML/CSS. Though, this would obviously take more time, effort, and requires technical skill. Having said that, HTML does give you more say in what your site looks like. According to the organization ‘Geeks-forGeeks’, and I quote, “HTML might be the best option for you if you want total control over the look and feel of your website-”, end quote. Using a Content Management System is quicker and more accessible but limits your control over the website’s display. Meanwhile using HTML/CSS gives you more power over the layout/presentation of your site but calls for prior coding knowledge. Currently, the best option for creators now-and-days is to use a CMS. 

The main reason why Content Management Systems are the best option for web creation is because the web is so saturated with many tough competitors. This is largely due to the existence of CMS’s in the first place. In the past the only individuals who could create something on the internet were those who had coding experience. Even then it took a certain amount of talent and expertise in order to make your site actually look appealing. However, since the creation of Content Management Systems, it has never been easier to make a good looking website. As a result, many fear that web developers will soon become obsolete. Luckily this is false, as stated by the web blog ‘Ramotion’, “-no one can replace human beings when creating web applications oriented at other human beings.”, end quote.

What is SEO & What is it Important?: SEO, otherwise known as Search Engine Optimization is the process of improving the quality of your website in order to increase your sites web-traffic. The more efficient and relevant your website is the more likely you are to be visible on the front pages of search engines like google. Visibility is incredibly important because it’s a cost free and easy way to boost your websites popularity as well as its credibility.

RWB & It’s Importance: RWD, or Responsive Website Design, is a design approach that actively takes into account different online behaviors of users, their wants/needs as well as the different devices that people may use to enter the World Wide Web. RWD considers the orientation & size of various devices along with the individuals wants/needs and utilizes that information to create a easily accessible & user-friendly website layout.

Blogs & Their Function: Created in and existing on the world wide web, blogs are  regularly updated, websites used to share information & stories regarding specialized topics communities usually in the form of open discussions. Blogs not only help people find specific information, but they also help people find connection. Since Blogs typically involve groups of individuals who share a common interests or goal, It’s easy for users to feel a sense of belonging.

Website Legitimacy

To test the legitimacy of sites on Google I searched How to make a lens flare effect in Photoshop’ and selected the top three available search results. Here were my findings.

  • Hermans, Joris. “How to Add Lens Flare in Photoshop (Easy Step by Step!).” ExpertPhotography, expertphotography.com/lens-flare-in-photoshop/.  Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.      This website was made/updated fairly recently and the information, from what I can tell, is up to date. This article from “Expert Photography” was written by Joris Hermans and Chad Verzosa. I know they are authorities on the matter because the link on their names lead to respective sites listing their credentials. The website is consistently updated and edited. Additionally, the information within the article is slightly long winded, but easy to follow. Overall, I would definitely use this tutorial if needed.
  • “How to Add a Natural-Looking Lens Flare in Photoshop.” Giggster, 10 June 2019, giggster.com/guide/retouching/add-lens-flare/. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.                  This Article was apparently written about 4 years ago and has not been updated since. While the information is still accurate, the website is still slightly out of date. What’s more is that this site does not have a author or a editor listed anywhere. Though the steps and information are clear & easy to follow, I would not use this site due to its lack of credibility.
  • “How to Add Lens Flare in Photoshop: 2 Methods | Boris FX.” Borisfx.com, borisfx.com/blog/how-to-add-lens-flare-in-photoshop-2-methods/. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.                                                  This website was recently created in September of 2023 by author Bojan Veselinovikj. Although I’m not sure on where or not Veselinovikj is an ‘authority’ on the subject per say, I do know he is knowledge in the topic do to the information in the tutorial itself. The steps within the tutorial are detailed yet simple enough to understand. I would absolutely use this source if needed because of its depth and credibility.

Who is Tim Berners-Lee?: Born in London on June 8th, 1955, Sir Tim Berners-Lee is an English computer scientist and a graduate of Oxford University. Berners-Lee is best known for inventing the World Wide Web in 1989.  Additionally, Berners-Lee founded a Web standards organization known as the World Wide Web Consortium in 1994. According to the official World Wide Web Consortium webpage, the organization, I quote, “develops interoperable technologies (specifications, guidelines, software, & tools) to lead the Web to its full potential.” 

Dynamic Content: Dynamic Content is media on the Web that changes depending on how the user interacts on the page.  Like Responsive Website Design, Dynamic Content takes user data and alters their website accordingly. However, unlike Dynamic Content, RWD only changes the layout of the site using prior user interactions meanwhile Dynamic Content varies the content of the site itself by typically using the personal data of all past users who’ve requested the page.

Content Management Systems: A content management system is computer software that allows people with no technical knowledge to manage, modify, and create content effortlessly. Canvas, the site we use to complete our college work, is a form of Content Management System.

YouTube: YouTube channels are sites within YouTube that users use to upload videos. Once uploaded these videos are shared to the website for all to see. Anyone looking to get famous or  simply share their hobbies, knowledge, or skills with the world might want to start a channel.

Cloud Services

Google Drive:  Google Drive is a cloud-based storage service that allows users to store and share files online. As a service, Google Drive would still operate/perform as is if disconnected from the cloud. However, the system as a whole would become less accessible and, as a result, less efficient. Because Google Drive’s connection to the global network allows users to access files remotely using disparate devices (tablets, PCs, and mobile devices), removing this connection would affect the system’s accessibility & security.

Many advantages come with Google Drive being on a distributed network. One main advantage is the ability to create, edit, and share files across varying devices. This feature allows users to get to their presentations, spreadsheets, slideshows, and other documents from nearly anywhere. Google Drive is relatively secure. According to a Cloudwards article by Jason Stagnitto, “Google Drive is considered one of the most secure cloud storage systems” due to its AES 256-bit encryption and TLS/SSL protocols. However, that said, the service does carry the risk of data leaks. In general, I find Google Drive to be a pretty safe bet in terms of storage services.

Netflix: Netflix is a popular streaming service that provides entertainment using the AWS cloud. Without the help of cloud computing, Netflix would’ve diminished its performance. While the service used to operate without the AWS cloud, it would be incapable of switching back to physical data warehouses with the current size of the platform. Between how vulnerable the system would be to cyber-attacks and the scale of data they’d have to handle manually, Netflix would go bankrupt. The cost of maintaining a site of that size would be unsustainable. Additionally, the application would only be accessible on the Desktop if removed from the cloud.

Netflix being on a distributed network has proven to be incredibly beneficial (both for the users and the site itself). For example, because the system is cloud-based, users can stream their favorite movies and TV shows on various devices (Tablet, Mobile, TV, etc). Additionally, the AWS cloud also allows for higher user security and data privacy. While Netflix has experienced major data corruption in the past, that incident had been before they joined the AWS cloud. Since becoming a cloud-based site, Netflix has introduced digital rights management technology (DRM for short) to encrypt content and prevent access to unauthorized users. With its new preventative technology, I don’t have any concerns with Netflix regarding security and user privacy.

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