Tech Term Tuesday, Issue 4

Term: Web 2.0

What is Web 2.0?

Web 2.0 is a term used to describe a new generation of Web services and applications with an increasing emphasis on human collaboration. Initially gaining popularity from 2004, web 2.0 related content provides a level of user interaction that was not readily available online.

Are there any examples?

There are many examples of web 2.0 that are currently in use of which many of us are familiar with. Some of these include:

  • Blogs: This is a journal that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Readers have the ability to make comments thereby engaging in online conversation.
  • Wikis: A type of website that allows the visitors themselves to easily add, remove and otherwise edit and change some available content.
  • Video-Sharing sites: Online Sites that allow for one to upload video files for others to view and have commenting capabilities.
  • Social-networking sites: Allows users to build on-line profiles, share information, pictures, blog entries, music clips, etc.

How do I use Web 2.0?

As previously mentioned, most persons may already be familiar with and use many web 2.0 applications. Some of the well known applications include:

Facebook,  a very popular social-networking service, heavily utilizes web 2.0 technology. I can spend an entire blog post elaborating on the capabilities and features of Facebook. However, to summarize,  Facebook service allows one to create an online account and accompanying profile which is the basis for meeting other people who utilize the service . These persons can be added to a listing of friends who can be used to collaborate with on various activities including photo-sharing, file-sharing, games, comments or rants.

Any interesting facts?

  • As popular as it is, Web 2.0 is already beginning to be phased out in favor or web 3.0 which features the semantic web (the meaning of data), personalization (e.g. iGoogle), intelligent search and behavioral advertising