II Uses of the Internet
Companies,individuals,and institutions use the Internet in many ways.Companies use the Internet for electronic commerce,also called e-commerce,including advertising,selling,buying,distributing products,and providing customer service.In addition,companies use the Internet for business-to-business transactions,such as exchanging financial information and accessing complex databases.Businesses and institutions use the Internet for voice and video conferencing and other forms of communication that enable people to telecommute (work away from the office using a computer).The use of e-mail speeds communication between companies,among coworkers,and among other individuals.Media and entertainment companies run online news and weather services over the Internet,distribute music and movies,and actually broadcast audio and video,including live radio and television programs.File sharing services let individuals swap music,movies,photos,and applications,provided they do not violate copyright protections.Online chat allows people to carry on discussions using written text.Instant messaging enables people to exchange text messages; share digital photo,video,and audio files; and play games in real time.Scientists and scholars use the Internet to communicate with colleagues,perform research,distribute lecture notes and course materials to students,and publish papers and articles.Individuals use the Internet for communication,entertainment,finding information,and buying and selling goods and services.