Some people think that web 2.0 means there has somehow been an upgrade to the internet…and that they were sadly left behind. Well, what is Web 2.0 really? Is it an upgrade, or is it an era in the way we use the web? Of the many different definitions that people have come up with, such as: the philosophy of relinquishing control, localizing things in a global sense, attitude not technology, the unnecessary need for data and metadata to go hand in hand, and setting data free, the actual definition of Web 2.0 is much simpler. It simply refers to the internet being a platform now, as compared with simply an information station as it was at its inception. With all of the varying definitions, how can you really know what this truly means? The following attempts to explain Web 2.0 with a little bit more clarity.
The first is AJAX (shorthand regarding asynchronous JavaScript as well as XHTML), which allows web applications to perform its works within the background without interfering with the display or behavior from the existing page. The usage of AJAX has resulted in an increase within interactive or powerful interfaces on webpages and better high quality of Web services because of the asynchronous (unsynchronized) setting. One example of the Ajax application may be the Google maps. Many softwares are written to make the most of Ajax and soon it is going to draw a slim line between internet application and pc. Some even believe web application may overtake PC softwares such as Microsoft. Ajax may be the forbearer of the meaning “Web 2. 0= Web like a platform”.
Second may be the user’s power. Online users have more energy now than prior to, they have the opportunity to control or set preferences for their internet experience. Just couple of years ago, or let say before Web 2 .. 0, a large amount of websites were quite autocratic to customers, subjecting them in order to annoying ads, asking them to register as well as spamming them along with unwanted emails. Websites nowadays tend to be more user-friendly. For site owners, the competition now could be to offer less expensive and easier options to users, providing user’s more options and freedom, providing them with a better user interface and more control over their experience, and giving their own users a voice and hearing them.
I personally think that Web 2.0 simply means that the internet, and the way in which we use it, has taken a step forward. In this step has come many new implements and technologies with which we can better our experience. The changes we are experiencing on the web right now are improvements based on what has not worked for people in the past. The internet is a work in progress, and probably always will be. It must keep up with the needs and wants of its users. It is simply an evolution in the way that we retrieve our information from the web.
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