The Advantages of the Internet

Before the 1990's, if we wanted to learn more about a company that we were interested in doing business with or we wanted to contact a close friend or a family member, we used the telephone or we dropped in for a visit. If we needed to transfer funds from one bank account to another or monitor one of our credit cards, we would have to contact the business during normal working hours and schedule an appointment or wait on the phone for the first available customer service representative. I can go on and on about how we use to interact with the world around us....that is, before the creation of the Internet.

Before the Internet, our only options for communicating with someone was to call them on the telephone, send them a letter in the mail, send them a fax, or see them in person.. But today in 2007, things have changed! A person can "reach out and touch you" without leaving the comfort of their homes and I like that. I'm a busy person and I'm always looking for ways to make it easier for me to accomplish everything that I have to do. The Internet is a time saver for me and it offers me the world at my hands.

Access to the Internet, in my eyes, is a great thing to have. There are many Internet Service Providers out there who provide Internet access at a reasonable cost. For those of you who may think that the Internet is not worth having, I want to introduce you to the power of the "information superhighway". The Internet is a "rapidly growing computer network of millions of businesses, educational and governmental networks connecting hundreds of millions of computers and their users in over 200 countries". In 2002, it was estimated that there are over 600 million Internet users. Imagine how many people are on-line now! Like everything in the world, the Internet has advantages and disadvantages.

The superhighway has many advantages for both businesses and individuals. Companies have gained another form of advertising and an inexpensive one at that. The Internet has created another major target market for companies to advertise their products and services. Companies can create informational websites that allow the customer to learn about their organization; they can also design their websites to allow customers to view, select, and order their products and services and pay for them online. Many, if not all, major chains and franchises have a website that their customers can view for information. Nowadays, if you do not have a website, you are missing out on a large number of potential clients and customers.

However, in addition to being a great way to connect with potential customers, the Internet can also help the business internally as well. Companies can connect with their suppliers, remote offices, current and prospective customers, business partners, and their company headquarters all through the Internet. Businesses have also been given another way to generate more revenue by selling their products online. E-commerce is proving to be quite a successful business strategy for most businesses. They can also attract new customers by advertising their business on their own custom websites, by purchasing banners on other websites, and through contacting potential clients and customers through their e-mail.

Businesses can also create an intranet which is accessed by the Internet. An intranet is a "network inside an organization that uses Internet technologies to provide an Internet-like environment within the business for sharing information, communicating with one another, collaborating, and the daily support of business operations". In other words, it allows the employee to be out in the field and still have the same access to company information as if they were sitting at their desk. This saves a business time and money because now the employee in the field can take the order, submit it for processing, and follow up with out having to make a trip back to the office.

The benefits and advantages of the Internet do not just apply to businesses but also apply to individuals as well! We have gained a great tool to stay in contact with each other. Parents can check in with their children who are away at college and families who have become spread out over time can talk to each other as if they lived down the street. Web cams are great because they allow you to see the person who you are chatting with on-line. E-mail is wonderful and is taking the place of "snail mail". It allows you to send messages back and forth to one another and it is instantaneous. You don't have to wait for processing, travel, etc., etc. Once you click on "send", your letter is on the way and will arrive in the recipient's inbox within a matter of seconds. Brothers and sisters who live in different states can talk to one another without having to pick up the phone through instant messaging. While they are fixing their family dinner in Detroit, they can be instant messaging their sister in Colorado. It's instantaneous. Once you hit "send", your message is sent and the person can respond within a matter of seconds if they are on-line.

Another site that is a wonderful tool for families to remain in touch with one another is the online photo album. These websites allow you to post your family pictures on-line and others can look at them without you having to go to Wal-Mart, make duplicates, go to the post office, and wait for your family member to get them. They can just log in to the site, provide the required information, and there are your pictures! This saves you time and money.

The Internet can also be used as a networking tool. People can meet other people who are interested in dating and making friends. There are several "dating" websites that require you to submit information about yourself and they will match you with compatible people who are registered in their database. You can meet others who have the same interests and hobbies as you and you can also consult with others who are in your profession.

Another great use of the Internet is that it allows us to do research on anything without leaving our home and spending time in the library or out making visits. We can research companies, schools, restaurants, jobs, policies, and people all in the confines of our home. Anything you need, you can find it on the Internet. My most favorite thing about the Internet is that it allows me to manage my bills and our bank accounts. I can check balances, review due dates, send messages, and make payments all from my couch. I can transfer money from one bank account to the other without having to step one foot in the bank. .

Now, I know that I have painted a rosy picture about the Internet but let me remind you of one thing... "all that glitters is not gold". The Internet is a wonderful way of communicating with other people but that also means that anyone can get in touch with you. Be aware of Internet scams and submitting your personal information. There are fraudulent businesses and people online who are waiting to steal from you. Also there are sites out there that are not appropriate for young eyes. Parents should monitor their children's Internet access and use software programs that allow them to block certain sites. So my only advice to you is to take advantage of the wealth of good information that is at your fingertips but be careful and use good judgment.