The term Web 2.0 has gained much online controversy and notoriety. Since its declaration by Tim O’Reilly and subsequent inception in 2004, more and more people are becoming conscious of establishing their online presence under the flagship of Web 2.0 machinations and applications.
But what exactly is Web 2.0? Its fiercest critics say that Web 2.0 is a mere vague term for the evolution of the web in the twentieth century. They say that it is meaningless and useless to name all new changes to the web as Web 2.0. Still, a lot of people dig the concept of Web 2.0 and are tailoring their online operations to suit the Web 2.0 standards.
Superior Interaction
The websites that are under Web 2.0 standards are known for superior interaction between its web developers and the people who visit it. It is no longer a static avenue that users visit for unquestionable pieces of information. This is now an avenue where you can derive information and at the same time, have the ability to interact with the website maker. The applications of Web 2.0 removes the boundaries that keep Internet users from bridging the gap and really forming an authentic relationship with the maker of the website. From being a mere portal for research, the Web 2.0 applications have made it possible to merge different views together and keep the interaction alive and kicking in the page.
Social Networking
People who visit the Web 2.0 applications and websites tend to team up and make more meaningful ventures together in the future. While static traditional Web usage will not really allow for such tie-ups, the environment of Web 2.0 actually allows people with similar pursuits and interests to connect with each other and share more information that could be helpful to both of them.
Superb Customizable Quality
Another amazing thing about the Web 2.0 is that you will find it so easily customizable. It is not something generic. It unleashes each user’s individuality and uses those distinct characteristics to enhance what they have to offer. Being an owner of a Web 2.0 standard page is a real delight, since you will find more and more people really benefiting from your site and harnessing the power of the Internet to express themselves. It is a win-win situation for both the maker and the user.
Sharing
Sharing is very much encouraged in a Web 2.0 platform. You will find that more and more people will be drawn and inclined to share what they benefit so much from. There will be little need to advertise because the links shall naturally work for themselves as long as users are being satisfied and maintained in making use of the services in the famous Web 2.0 applications. Websites such as Wikipedia, thrive under this redefined way of using the Internet.
Simplicity
Most of the Web 2.0 sites are well-known for their simplicity. You will find that their functionality overrides the need to be fancy or impressive. The interface is friendly to cater to needs of users of all levels, ages and stages. You do not need to be a computer geek to be able to make use and take advantage of the Web 2.0 platforms because it is made as easy as possible for the users and as sophisticatedly simple and elegant for programmers.
Strength in Numbers
Web 2.0 designs thrive in numbers. You will find that the more famous a Web 2.0 site is, the more established and useful it becomes. It makes all people in the cycle of information dissemination grow. End users find themselves at an advantage with the variety of choices the Web 2.0 applications have provided them with. The makers of Web 2.0 experience a lot of support from their counterparts and their end users, and are perpetually motivated to be at their best.
These benefits make Web 2.0 so attractive for so many people. However, you will find that the term Web 2.0 can be quite vague. When will it stop? Will there be a Web 3.0 to continue the legacy of this summit? There are just so many questions being invited by this controversial issue. It is mainly due to the fact that the boundary lines for Web 2.0 and the traditional first version of the Web is just so blurred and not so clearly demarcated.
Google Maps has opened up the world to Web surfers, but not everyone is happy about the democratization of maps and satellite images of the entire world being only a click away. The US Department of Defense issued a warning to Google last week that street-view images of terrain and territory are not allowed on military installations and bases.
Google claims to be on a mission to organize information and resources and make them accessible to anyone worldwide, but the U. S. military takes exception to this noble cause when it comes to maintaining the security of its bases and other sites.
Google recently presented street view images showing a detailed layout of Fort Sam Houston located in San Antonio, Texas. The Department of Defense reacted quickly, issuing an official communiqué to Google informing them that they were violating United States law — the military’s version of a “cease and desist” letter.
A Google spokesperson said it was not the company’s policy to request access to private military installations or other sensitive facilities. Google emphasized that the policy of Google Maps is to stay on public roads, but that a driver working for the company had inadvertently violated that policy by venturing onto Fort Sam Houston.
Google has since removed the street-view pictures of the base, though satellite and map views continue to be available on Google Maps. Contradicting Google’s official line, a spokesperson for NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, said that that Google requested access to Fort Sam Houston. The Pentagon then issued a directive on February 28 requiring Google to remove any images from their database depicting US military sites. Lt. Commander Gerry Ross of NORAD said, “it has operational risks for force protection and the safety of personnel.”
Ross also pointed out that Google is not the only company who must adhere to the military’s “no images” directive. Other companies, particularly online mapping and information gathering services, must refrain from including sensitive installations and military bases on their web sites.
The US military is just one of many organizations concerned about Google Maps and Google Earth, the company’s worldwide satellite imaging service. The New York Times is reporting that the government’s of Russia, South Korea and India are among those that have expressed reservations about Google’s satellite image categorization of the planet.
Particularly, governments are concerned that the satellite images might reveal sensitive details about military bases, increasing the likelihood of terrorism. Google claims they have a very simple procedure to process official request to remove images, though many governments would like to see tighter self-regulation on Google’s part, to avoid making sensitive information available in the first place.
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A new Russian web site is offering millions of copyrighted music MP3s for free. Tagoo, a popular Russian start-up is attracting millions of Web surfers and providing a huge Variety of MP3 music tracks and full albums to its members.
Russia has long been known as a hotbed of Web piracy. Last summer, for example, authorities finally succeeded in shutting down the mega-popular AllofMP3.com, a pirated music side that charged in the range of one to two cents per MP3 download. The site failed to pay royalties to any of the artists and music labels involved, and after several years online were finally shut down on order of the Russian Ministry of Commerce.
Likewise, the Swedish MP3 download site known as “Pirate Bay” was finally thwarted. Swedish authorities have arrested four individuals in connection with the web site, though it is likely the men will only receive token jail sentence or perhaps even probation..
But just as soon as the authorities are able to close one free download site, 10 more seem to appear out of nowhere to replace them. Tagoo is just the latest example of this phenomena, and it’s growing popularity underlines the difficulty officials face in controlling copyrighted material online.
Recently, Tagoo was listed on the hot list of the social bookmarking web site Del.icio.us, bringing an even greater rush of Web traffic to the pirate download site. But on that day, the site was down — at least temporarily — presenting only an error page warning that the URL had “too many connections.”
You can be sure though, that Tagoo will be back online very soon, and it would appear that the only reason the site is on accessible at the moment is due to its staggering popularity.
Russian sites, along with a few Scandinavian and eastern European counterparts, are becoming the Napsters of the new millennium. There are many reasons why, including widespread public opinion in Europe — and elsewhere — that large American corporations, such as the major music labels, are corrupt and fueled by greed. Therefore, even many of the most law-abiding and mild-mannered Europeans see no harm in getting one over on the US recording industry.
Of course, it doesn’t help matters that the US’s public image is at an all-time low right now. Even US-friendly allies like Sweden and Norway find themselves having very little sympathy for anything American at the moment, and especially American-based global conglomerates.
It’s hard to imagine that simply downloading illegal MP3s could be a sign of the US’s tarnished image abroad, but the unbridled success of European pirating sites like Tagoo could be partially attributed to a strong cultural bias against the policies of the United States over the last few years.
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While using the Web the term “cookie” is often used. Many people don’t even realize this is a technical term and most people have no idea what it is. By definition, a cookie is a small amount of data which usually includes a unique number or string of characters to identify you. If the web site you are visiting uses cookies, their computers send this cookie to your browser which is saved on your computer’s hard drive. If you have you have configured your settings to allow web sites to send you cookies, each site can send, view or edit the cookie that they have placed on your hard drive. For privacy concerns, web sites are not allowed to view cookies placed on your hard drive by other web sites.
With the increase in the number of web sites that are using cookies, privacy advocates are concerned that these little amounts of data stored on their hard drive could pose concerns about their privacy. All Internet browsers give you the option to accept, reject or notify you each time a cookie is sent to your computer but if you simply choose to reject all cookies, you will not be able to use a lot of web sites including many of them that require you to log in like Google or Yahoo.
Advantages of Cookies
- Cookies help web sites customize their site for you. The information stored on that cookie communicates with the web site each time you come back. It can remember pages you have been to or on shopping sites, it can help you track a wish list so you can easily reference these items later.
- Many web sites give you options or preferences for their web site. You may be able to control what pops up when you first log in or simple things like the size of the font and color of the background. Cookies retain this information so you don’t have to change these preferences every time you go back to a web site.
- Since cookies retain information about some of the different pages you visit, the web site you are using can use this information to display advertisements that are directed more to you and your tastes. Instead of seeing advertisements that have nothing to do with you, you may see some advertisements that you find interesting.
- Many web sites also use the information on cookies to conduct research and help improve their web sites. Cookies can also be used to detect illegal activities on the web.
Disadvantages of Cookies
- The major disadvantage of allowing web sites to send your computer cookies is issues with privacy. Many people don’t want to be identified on the web and have their moves tracked.
- One of the advantages listed above had to do with advertisements being directed to you. Many people consider this a disadvantage because they don’t want marketers tracking their moves and pushing specific advertisements towards them.
- Your Internet browser which communicates with the web site’s computer may be giving up more information than you are aware of. Your browser and cookies can tell web sites what kind of computer you are using, what software and hardware you use, what link you used to find their site and possibly your e-mail address if it is listed within the options or cookie. Depending on your Internet Service Provider (ISP), some web sites will request your identity when you navigate to their page. Many firewalls currently block this request but if you are not protected, you may be freely giving this information away.
- The cookie contains a number that is specific to you, similar to a serial number. It’s unique and you are the only one using it. Because of this, each time you click on a link, the web site can identify that it was you and where you are going based on this unique number. Your hobbies and web habits could potentially be sold to advertising companies that will direct their efforts to your specific hobbies and bombard you with all kinds of unwanted advertising.
Cookies can make the web a more enjoyable experience but if you are concerned about your privacy and potential unwanted advertising, check your browser options to turn them off.
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