Google reports that it hosts about 40,000 searches  every second.  This means  about 3.5 billion searches per day and about 1.2 trillion annually  worldwide.  Websites respond to all these searches.

The figures are beyond understanding when searches made outside of Google are added.

What is a Website?

Wikipedia defines a website as “….  a collection of related web pages, … Websites can be the work of an individual, a business or other organization, and are typically dedicated to a particular topic or purpose…. “

The trillions of internet searches made annually access those topics.

Learning

Internet searches are made to find information.

Education has adopted the internet as a primary tool for learning.  A post on the “Educational Technology and Mobile Learning” website states,

“Using websites is one of the easiest and less stressful ways of integrating technology into the classroom. There is a plethora of constantly expanding collection of resources on the web , at a variety of levels and covering an amazing array of topics.”

MOZ.com reports that there are 3 basic reasons for internet searches. People search to:

• Do …… search to buy, help, give, etc.
• Know ….. search to know a sports stat, state history, etc.
• Go ….. search to find a subject on the internet.

The creators of websites do their best to attract people to their site so content is read.   Educational sites try to be interactive and exciting.  How do you build excitement in children about world history?  How does a website create enough interest for a visitor to stop, look and read.   Websites that inform need to:

• be easy to navigate.
• be fun and interesting.
• build confidence.
• be related to life.
• be easy to find.
• be informative and correct.

What do you want in a website?  What causes you to stop, look and read?

Earning

It is difficult to judge how many websites, of the billion plus that exist, are related to business.  “Business” can mean many things on the internet.

Today, January 20, 2017, the “Pittsburgh Post Gazette” reports that  “…. the U.S. Small Business Administration, released figures last week showing only 51 percent of small businesses have websites, despite the fact that 97 percent of consumers search for products and services online.”

The business potential of being on the internet is not yet recognized by everyone. Its estimated that $ 1 1/2 million is spent on the internet every 30 seconds.

As a consumer on the internet, I want several things.

*  Security

*  Honesty

*  Quality Products and Services

*  Ease of Site Navigation

 

Fifteen years ago, my son announced that he was going to be spending the summer selling things on the internet.  I was upset.  I told him that very few people would buy anything on the internet.  I also said that someone who hid on the internet to sell things was probably dishonest.

What did I know?

People search for websites that will inform them.  People search for websites that will make purchasing easier.  I just searched for handmade clothing in China.  In about 1 second, I was looking at the Chinese Custom Tailor Shop in Hong Kong.  Amazing!!

Questions about Websites?

The quality and quantity of information offered through websites is impressive.  The variety of products and services found on websites is boundless.  But, I have questions about websites that make up the internet.

Security

Who are we inviting into our computers as we explore websites?  Is our personal information safe.  Can a virus destroy out ability to access our saved information?  Can someone watch as we research?  Is a site trying to trick us into parting with some of our money?

In 2016, we saw computer hacks on the U.S. Department of Justice, the IRS, Premier Healthcare, several universities, Oracle, Yahoo and on and on.  If these institutions, with their security measures, are at risk, the average computer owner is very vulnerable.

Choosing a good security program is important.  As well, knowing what we are opening or viewing is equally as important.  When a website is secure, threats can be moderated.

With precautions, the value of the internet far outweighs any security risks.

Content

Every parent is worried about the content of the websites their children visit. What values are promoted? What is the attitude toward diversity?

There are about a billion active websites world wide.  Its almost impossible to know how many promote radicalization of some kind.

Recently, the proliferation of false news stories has been the topic of national news.  There is a great deal of reading on the internet, but very little verifying of content.

Most people no difficulty telling the difference between a news article in “Time” magazine and the story about a space baby in a tabloid.  Yet, the same people believe anything they read online.

Websites are valuable because of their content. But, content needs to be evaluated and verified.

Relationships

Sites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube have changed the way we relate.  People separated by thousands of miles can see each other daily. We can watch a meal being eaten spoonful by spoonful.

This is both good and bad.  Many people limit their relationships to those they have on devices. Some people falsify who they are living virtual lives. But, friendships are rekindled.  Like minded people can easily share ideas.  Families, separated by miles, can be together.

Websites can build and strengthen relationships.  Its necessary to make sure those relationships are based on reality and honesty.

Recreation

In 1970, I played “Pong” on a TV for the first time.  A little white spot moved back and forth between two lines on either side of the screen.  It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen.  Today, I need to scrutinize a screen to see if its computer generated or a real video.

Educational games combine fun and learning. They reinforce what kids learn in the classroom.  Computer games can be played individually or against other people online.

The “Urban Dictionary defines “Gamers” as  “….  one who consistently spends time playing PC and/or console games, at least three to four times per week.

Online gaming can also take the form of gambling with the same fun and pitfalls of any casino game.

Online fun can take over a life.  It can also promote harmful ideas and practices.  Computer games are amazingly fun.  But content needs to be monitored.

Developing a Website

With a variety of web hosting sites, anyone can create a website.  A personal cause can be outlined to the world.  A store site can be built.  Website development is limited only by imagination.

If you have an interest in promoting an idea, creating a discussion, offering a game or selling a product, why not develop a website?  As you choose a program to build your website, think about:

• cost
• training
• format
• tech support

Look at Go Daddy, Host Gator, Site Builder and any other sites you find.

Then click the link below and compare Wealthy Affiliate.

The site “IT Business Edge” projects that the internet will

“Quadruple in Size in Next Four Years”

We need to be aware of the problems presented by access to websites. We need to take advantage of easy access to the entire world.

Take a moment to share your thoughts in the comment section below. How important is the internet in your life?  Do you have a website? How do you use the internet?

Click on any link on image for more information.