Category - Internet
Topic - Web 2.0 explained
Issue - Improving people's web browsing experience
Tiptoid -
Ever been stuck going to the same web sites over and over again? Bored with checking email? Just looking for something else to do online? We've been there, but Tyler and I escaped from the prison that is online boredom, and we're here to help you do the same.
Web 2.0 is used to describe the next generation of the World Wide Web. It's not a tangible thing, it's more of a concept of being able to collaborate and share information more easily. Web 2.0 creates and provides tools meant to make people's browsing more dynamic, and to organize information faster and easier.
There are many applications and new ideas that go along with Web 2.0. Some of these are: Podcasting, Blogs, community-based web services, and wikis (Wikipedia). Over time, Web 2.0 has been more of a marketing tool than a computer science term. In short, it is used to share information more efficiently, and make your web browsing experience simpler.
If this piques your interest, good. We will give you more information on how to be involved with this new concept. By using the applications and learning about the concept, you can become a full fledged Web 2.0 techie.
First, you'll have to use the applications that are based around Web 2.0. RSS, or Rich Site Summary, is a format for showing rapidly changing web content, such as that found on blogs or news sites. They are sort of like bookmarks that constantly update with new information. Download Firefox here http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/. It's the latest and best web browser for using RSS feeds and almost everything else.
© Apple Computer
iPod image courtesy of www.apple.com
Podcasting is a relatively new term that emerged with the rise of the iPod. Podcasts are MP3s that are downloaded when a new one comes out. You can use iTunes (www.itunes.com ) to download ones listed on the application, or you can use several different websites (listed below) to download whichever podcast you want.
There are several new websites and applications in the Web 2.0 realm that are designed to share new information and improve your experience. Some are:
If you want to make a splash in Web 2.0, be creative, be innovative, and keep your audience in mind. And visit those websites and read other blogs and sites to learn more about this growing phenomenon.
Glossary -
Ajax - web technology that allows you to view a new page without having to reload the entire page
Blogs - web logs, often personal, but also often on topics related to music, technology, politics, etc.
Podcast - an mp3 that is automatically downloaded to your computer, often in a radio-type show format
RSS Feeds - a widget on a website that allows you to view new entries
Web 2.0 - new generation of websites and browsing
Find Out More - www.web2.wsj2.com
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Submitted by - Ian Mills and Tyler Townsend
Site Manager - Chris Ricci
January 2007