Practical Word Assignment - The Differences between the Traditional Web and Web 2.0 - Essay Example

Web 2.0 is a term given to the next generation ‘World Wide Web’ based on the concept of facilitating communication, data sharing and interoperability in the internet industry. Its meaning actually implies the transition of simple web pages to a dynamic development of web applications for users. This new concept is misunderstood by the internet users. Web 2.0 is often considered to be a continuation of the traditional web rather than an enhanced and modern model of it however the idea of Web 2.

0 does not refer to a technical development; it is actually an expansion of the way in which the traditional web was previously utilized. Web 2.0 differs with the traditional web in a number of ways. Many web applications now come under the heading of Web 2.0, these include. Flickr, Google adsense, Wikipedia, blogging, Bit torrent, Napster and search engine optimization. (Web 2.0)One of the most important features of the Web 2.0 which differentiates it from the traditional web is the ‘Ajax’ which actually means the shaping of the new web-based applications to work in friendlier and easier desktop-based applications.

These applications form a major part of this web and a new wave of such applications have entered the internet market. Companies like Microsoft are now focused on developing such internet applications but it was Google which made a head start, beginning with its popular Google maps. From then, a number of web applications have been created including Google earth.The next distinguishing feature of the Web 2.0 is the way of sharing and collaborating information. Web 2.0 proposes democracy in which anyone can say or post whatever he wills.

This has been done in practice by the introduction of blogging sites like blogspot.com and social networking sites like facebook. Traditional web did not provide a platform to promote voice of the people but with the concept of Web 2.0, people can actually write and post their views with adequate ease. Another part is the easy access to information and Wikipedia is the living example of it. Users are able to access huge encyclopedias of information without making payments, registering themselves or subscribing to newsletters.

(OReilly, 2005)Another important feature of the Web 2.0 is fair treatment of the users. In the traditional web, the sites were really strict in their handling of the users, subjecting them to frequent registrations and quite unnecessary ads. Many of the famous sites based on the traditional web system are loaded with conspicuous and obtrusive branding which slows down the loading and makes it tiresome for users to access it. The traditional system involved giving something for something while the Web 2.

0 is more of giving something for free. The best example of the old system is ‘salon.com’ which asks the user to watch a movie in order to get the read the full story! Serving web pages in Web 2.0 is either really cheap or free of cost. Maltreatment of users is another reason which promoted Web 2.0 as compared to the traditional web. (Web 2.0)There are many differences between the traditional web and the Web 2.0 as mentioned above. These differences have actually termed the Web 2.0 as a revolution which would soon engulf the traditional web system.

Works Cited(n.d.). Retrieved November 2005, from Web 2.0: http://www.paulgraham.com/web20.htmlOReilly, T. (2005, November 30). What Is Web 2.0. Retrieved May 23, 2009, from OREILLY: http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.htmlWeb 2.0. (n.d.). Retrieved May 23, 2009, from Webopedia computer dictionary: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/Web_2_point_0.html