To find general information about a subject
The Web is like a huge encyclopedia of information - in some ways it's even better. The volume of information you'll find on the Web is amazing. For every topic that you've ever wondered about, there's bound to be someone who's written a Web page about it. The Web offers many different perspectives on a single topic. For example, here is a selection of pages about Genetic Engineering:
In fact you can even find online encyclopedias. Many of these are now offering a subscription service which lets you search through the complete text of the encyclopedia. There are also many free ecyclopedias that may give you a cut-down version of what you would find in a complete encyclopedia.
To access information not easily available elsewhere
One of the great things about the Web is that it puts information into your hands that you might otherwise have to pay for or find out by less convenient means.
To correspond with faraway friends
Email offers a cheap and easy alternative to traditional methods of correspondence. It's faster and easier than writing snail mail and cheaper than using the telephone. Of course, there are disadvantages too. It's not as personal as a handwritten letter - and not as reliable either. If you spell the name of the street wrong in a conventional address, it's not too difficult for the post office to work out what you mean. However if you spell anything wrong in an email address, your mail won't be delivered (you might get it sent back to you or you might never realise).
To meet people
The Web is generally a very friendly place. People love getting email from strangers, and friendships are quick to form from casual correspondence. The "impersonal" aspect of email tends to encourage people to reveal surprisingly personal things about themselves. When you know you will never have to meet someone face-to-face, you may find it easier to tell them your darkest secrets. Cyber-friendships have often developed into real life ones too. Many people have even found love on the Net, and have gone on to marry their cyber-partner.
To discuss their interests with like-minded people
Did you think you were alone in your obsession with a singer, TV programme, author, hobby? Chances are there's and Internet group for people like you, discussing every little detail of your obsession right now.
To have fun
There's no doubt that the Internet is a fun place to be. There's plenty to keep you occupied on a rainy day.
To learn
Online distance education courses can give you an opportunity to gain a qualification over the Internet.
To read the news
To find software
The Internet contains a wealth of useful downloadable shareware. Some pieces of shareware are limited versions of the full piece of software, other are time limited trials (you should pay once the time limit is up). Other shareware is free for educational institutes, or for non-commercial purposes.
To buy things
The security of on-line shopping is still questionable, but as long as you are dealing with a reputable company or Web Site the risks are minimal.
Why do people put things on the Web?
To advertise a product
Most company Web sites start up as a big advertisement for their products and services. It may be hard to see why anyone would willingly visit a 10 page ad - but these advertisements are very useful to anyone genuinely interested in finding out about their products. Companies may also give away some information for free as an incentive for people to visit their pages.
To sell a product
Internet shopping (e-commerce) is still in its infancy - it takes a very good marketing strategy to actually make money out of selling items over the Web, but that doesn't stop lots of people from trying.
To make money
A popular way to make money out of the Web is from advertising revenue. Popular sites have banners at the t
Answered by Nz
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7:04 PM on June 27, 2008