Gone are the days of door-to-door Encyclopedia salesmen. Gone are the days where parents have to save and buy individual books of an encyclopedia with the hopes of one day being able to purchase a complete set before the information becomes outdated. Our society has transformed into a place where Wikipedia, a free online encyclopedia, has become a household name. How did this happen?
Today, kids and adults alike have a wealth of research and information available at the touch of a button. This evolution is thanks to some new software, a concept known as Wiki, and its role as part of the Web 2.0 culture.
Continuing with the in-depth look of Web 2.0, this week’s focus will be on Wikis: what they are, how they work, and how they can benefit businesses.
Let's Review: What is Web 2.0?
Web 2.0 is the new conventional wisdom of the Internet. Web 2.0 is defined as websites that build on community or offer a service. Rather than offering simply static information, Web 2.0 allows for interactive viewing of the net. The function of Web 2.0 sites is to use community to maintain content.
What is Wiki and how does it work?
A Wiki is a type of website that allows the visitors themselves to easily add, remove, and otherwise edit and change some available content, sometimes without the need for registration. It can also be referred to as server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. This ease of interaction and operation makes a Wiki an effective tool for collaborative authoring. Wikipedia is the most popular example of one such site.
Who invented it and how was it named?
Wikis were invented by Ward Cunningham. He started programming the software WikiWikiWeb in 1994 and installed it on the website of his software consultancy firm. Wiki Wiki is the Hawaiian word for quick or fast. Wiki became the shortened word.
What makes Wikis unique?
Wikis allow everyday users to create and edit any page in a Web site. Wikis promote content composition by non-technical users. Wikis do not require users to know html. What makes the wiki technology unique is the ease with which pages can be created and updated. Generally, there is no review before modifications are accepted. Most Wikis are open to the general public without the need to register any user account.
How can Wikis benefit businesses?
By removing barriers, Wikis allow people to work as a group and produce innovative information. Communities on the web are able to come together and collaborate on proposals, projects, tasks, etc. It allows web business owners to have their content contributed by experts in the field and edit content live. It reduces time in research and work by categorizing current information in an easy to find method.
Are there any negative uses with Wikis?
With the ability for any web user to edit or add text, sites need to have some way of approving additions or at least monitoring entries. This can be done by making your Wiki private, just for your business, or by hiring someone to perform this task.
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