Web 2.o is a new and advanced version of the internet, that can be described by Tim O'Reilly as, "The business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the Internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform." There are so many ways to define this new and creative version of the World Wibe Web that the best way to describe it is by using ten verbs. For each verb I will explain how it pertains to Web 2.o, and I will then give examples of applications that you can find on the web that relate to that verb.The 10 Verbs of Web 2.0
1) Sharing- Sharing information on the internet these days is as easy as one, two, three. According to Wikipedia file sharing takes place by, "A computer file can be e-mailed to customers, colleagues and friends as an attachment. It can be uploaded to a website or FTP server for easy download by others. It can be put into a "shared location" or onto a file server for instant use by colleagues. The load of bulk downloads to many users can be eased by the use of "mirror" servers or peer-to-peer networks." These file transfers can take place as videos, news, photography, and even music. Now I will be sharing some applications that best demonstrate it:
Flickr- A digital photography and media file sharing site. http://www.flickr.com/
2) Blogging- Blog websites are where you people can go and create your own type of online diary. You can also write about a particular subject. It's really all up to you! "A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic"(wikipedia.org). There are also blogs that focus on art, videos, sketching, photographs, and even music. Here are some examples:
3) Downloading- Downloading is used as a way to recieve data from the internet to your computer. Most of the time the data can be saved to your computer, but sometimes there are restrictions placed on the data so that you can not save it. Some examples of downloading are:
iTunes- One of the most popular places to download music and videos. http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
Symantec- Download virus protection and other software to keep your computer safe. http://www.symantec.com/downloads/
4) Shopping- One of my favorite things to do on the internet is to shop. It just seems like there are better deal at the online stores, although most of the time you do have to pay for shipping fees and handling. Here are some great stores to check out:
eBay- One of my favorites! If you don't like the whole bidding process, they do have a Buy It Now section so you don't have to worry about being outbid. http://www.ebay.com/
Amazon- This is also a very popular site where you can find everything you need (you can even rent movies!). They also have free shipping offers on various items. http://www.amazon.com/
PayPal- This website helps you make safe payments over the internet. I suggest it for anyone who uses their debit or credit card to do their online shopping. http://www.paypal.com/
5) Social Networking- Social networking websites are designed as sort of a virtual community. It is a place where you can go to meet new people from all over the world, or it's an easy way to stay connected to old friends from high school. Examples:
FaceBook- An easy way to stay connected with friends. Moslty used by college students and alumni. www.facebook.com
6) Collaborating (also known as wiki'ing)- There are many sites where poeple come together to create information for everyone else. Collaborating on the internet is very helpful and easy to do. Here are some great examples:
Wikipedia- A very well known site, and loved by all who use it.
7) Uploading- Uploading can be described as just the opposite as downloading. You are actually sending data, instead of recieving. Examples:
RockYou- Upload pictures from your digital camera and display them here using a slide show. www.rockyou.com
YouTube- Upload videos that you made and show them here for all to see. www.youtube.com
8) Gaming- There are many website devoted to games on the internet, and the best part is that most of them are free. From old school tetris, to 3-D virtual worlds the possibilities are endless! Here are some great examples:
Second Life- An online virtual world created by it's residents. www.secondlife.com
9) Podcasting- Podcasting is best defined as broadcasting over the internet. You can subscribe to someone elses podcasts or even make your own that others can subscribe to. Here are some examples:
itunes- iTunes dominates the podcasting world so that you can listen or even watch on your ipod. www.itunes.com
Zune Marketplace- Another great podcasting site that is intended to be used Microsoft's version of the ipod called the Zune. www.zunemarketplace.com
10) Mapping- One of my favorite Web 2.0 verbs that has come in handy all the time is mapping. Without this great technology I would literally be lost.
MapQuest- Easy access to directions, maps, and even traffic conditions. www.mapquest.com
Yahoo!Maps- Another website that provides you with easy access to directions, maps, and traffic conditions. www.maps.yahoo.com
Works Cited
Wikipedia.org: Sharing. Retrieved April 25, from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/sharing
Wikipedia.org: Blogging. Retrieved April 25, from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
