In Module 2 you covered a number of issues relating to the development of the Internet. Explain briefly, in your own words what a protocol is, including the difference between an open and a closed protocol giving an example of each. You should assume you are explaining this to a friend or colleague who is not familiar with the subject area.(250 words)
A protocol is a language that computers use to communicate with other computers.
Computers actually use many protocols in order to communicate effectively
with other devices, not just other computers but also printers, PDAs, modems,
routers, mobile phones and many other devices. An example of a protocol is
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), this protocol enables the exchange of
web pages on the World Wide Web [1]. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol) is another example, this protocol encompasses many protocols allowing
computers to share resources across a network.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is an example of an open protocol. This protocol enables a type of document format that involves embedded tags. It is an open protocol because its source code is available for improvement and alteration. No one owns the open protocols, they are free to be copied and developed further.
Closed protocols however, cannot be changed or altered. They are owned by individuals or companies who keep the source code secret. An example of a closed protocol is Microsoft's JVM (Java Virtual Machine) for Windows. This protocol allows a program written in Java to be interpreted at the client end, so the program can be run on literally any computer.
References
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