Chapter 16 - The internet and e-commerce

Chapter 16 - The internet and e-commerce

1. The Internet.

   • The internet is a worldwide network of computers that are connected together. To access the internet you will need a computer that is connected to a modem.
   • All pages on the internet have a special web filename which is individual to that page. This is known as a Unique Resource Locator (URL). The URL is made up of a domain name and filename. In front of this there is usually http:// witch stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
     • http:// DOMAIN NAME - www.pcsecurityreference.com/ FILE NAME - email-attachments.html

2. Research

   • The internet is a good way for businesses to access information about their customers and their needs and wants. They can look up market research done by other businesses or organisations, although they may have to pay to do so.
   • Research can look at their competitors' websites and find out what goods or survices they provide and the prices they charge.
     • The internet enables businesses to stay up to date with products that are available. They can also find out about conferences that are going on which may help them with running their business.
   • Another way the internet helps businesses is that it helps them keep up to date with laws that affect their business. When changes occur, the internet makes it quick and easy for the businesses to find out what the changes are and to obtain advice om how to implement them.

3. Communication

   • Businesses can use the internet to communicate with customers and suppliers, or internally, using EMAIL,SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES SUCH AS FACEBOOK AND BEBO, CHATROOMS,BLOGS.
     • Email is a method of sending a message from one computer to another without having to print anything. Pictures and photographs can be sent either in email or as an attachment.
       • Businesses can create enormous mailing lists of customers and send a copy of an email to all the people on the list. There is no postage costs and the message is usually recieved very quickly. Email can also be used to send information to employees or suppliers to keep in touch when they are away from the office.
       • ADVANTAGE - Emails can now be accssed on many mobile phones making it even simperler to keep in contact.
       • DISADVANTAGE - Errors can occur, and a message may not recieved.
         • DISADVANTAGE - Some people also recive hundres of emails a day and canot or do not read them all.

4. Obtaining Supplies

   • Businesses can look at a range of suppliers in the internet. Whatever they need it is pretty certain that they can find it on the internet. The internet makes it easy to compare prices and designs of goods.

5. E-COMMERCE

   • In e-commerce the 'e' is short for electronic, which means that the sale and purchase of goods is carried out using an electronic system, usually the internet. Some e-commerce is entirely electronic and no actual physical goods are handled.
     • E-commerce has lead to many new businesses setting up without purpose-built premises, for example, the many small businesses that only trade on eBay. More established large businesses, such as AMAZON are able to trade without having actual premises.
     • To sell goods using e-commerce a business needs first to have an internet connection on a computer. It needs to register a domain name, and have a website built at this domain name to contain the web shop.
       • The web shop will contain information and pictures about all the products and services for sale. Alongside this the business will need to buy a secure payment program that will process credit and debit cards.
   • Online booking
     • E-commerce is not restricted to shopping for goods, however, there are many other commercial activites that can be made online such as booking a train, cinema seats, package holidays. The internet allows the customers to check avalibilty and price before booking.
   • Online auctions
     • Businesses do not have to advertise the goods at a set price - they can choose to sell them through an online auction. The most well know one is eBay. As with any other e-commerce site, the customer can pay with credit or debit card. When selling through an online auction the seller can either buy it now or they can set a minimum amount they are prepared to sell for.

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