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Cloud computing: A type of computing that factors in its widespread adoption and success.
involves using a network of remote servers to Efficiency refers to the ability of the internet
store, manage, and process data. to deliver data and services quickly and reli-
ably. The internet is designed to facilitate the
Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting rapid transfer of data between computers and
computer systems, networks, and sensitive devices, which has enabled real-time commu-
information from unauthorised access, theft, nication, collaboration, and access to informa-
or damage. tion. This efficiency is due to the underlying

Encryption: The process of converting data technology, including high-speed data connec-
into a secret code or language to protect it from tions, fiber optic cables, and advanced routing
unauthorised access. protocols.

Firewall: A security system that monitors Economy refers to the cost-effectiveness
and controls incoming and outgoing network of using the internet to access information
traffic to protect against unauthorised access. and services. The internet has significantly
reduced the cost of communication and infor-
HTML: Hypertext Markup Language, the mation-sharing, making it accessible to a wider
standard language used to create web pages audience. For instance, sending an email is
and web applications. much cheaper than sending a traditional letter,
and accessing online resources is often less
JavaScript: A scripting language used to expensive than buying physical copies. Addi-
create dynamic and interactive web content.
tionally, online shopping has made it possible
Operating system: The software that man- to find products at lower prices than traditional
ages and controls computer hardware and soft- brick-and-mortar stores.
ware resources.
Moreover, the internet has enabled new
Server: A computer system that provides business models that leverage economies of
data or services to other computers or devices scale and scope, reducing costs and increas-
on a network. ing efficiencies. For instance, cloud comput-
ing allows businesses to access computing
Virtual reality: A computer-generated envi- resources on-demand, eliminating the need
ronment that simulates a physical environment to invest in expensive hardware and software
or experience. infrastructure.

These are just a few of the many techni- Thus, the internet’s efficiency and economy
cal terms commonly used in ICT. As technol- have made it an indispensable tool for com-
ogy continues to evolve and new innovations munication, business, education, and entertain-
emerge, new terms and concepts will continue ment. Its ability to deliver data quickly and at
to be introduced. low cost has enabled new models of collabora-

4.2.5 The Internet: Aspects of Effi- tion and innovation that have transformed the
way we live and work.
ciency and Economy
The internet has revolutionised the way we 4�2�6 Applying Social Media for
communicate, work, and access information. Language Enhancement
Its efficiency and economy have been critical Social media has transformed the way

164 SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication