What Is Web 2.0?

Wed Jul 19, 2006 6:59AM EDT

See Comments (39)

I had the same question when I first heard the term. To simplify things, Web 2.0 is what people consider "the second generation of services available on the World Wide Web that lets people collaborate and share information online." Ok, I took those exact words from Wikipedia, which is a good example of this new Web 2.0 era. In the past we had encyclopedias; these days we also have wikis or wikipedias, which are updated more frequently.

O'Reilly has a much more extensive review on the matter, and it is an excellent resource because the group pretty much coined the term during a brainstorming session. Unfortunately, O'Reilly Media is also in the process of registering the term Web 2.0 as a service mark, so it can continue to use this term for its annual conference. I'm sure this will cause a lot of confusion for everyone in the future if we choose to adopt this name; then again, we may already be too late.

Aside from being a buzzword, Web 2.0 also refers to this exciting exchange of ideas where everyone plays a part. Whether they choose to do it via social networking sites like MySpace, blogs, video/audio podcasts, social bookmarking, photo communities, and wikis, to name a few, users are encouraged to create, contribute, or participate in these online communities. With all these applications comes a new language we must learn and a new way of designing web sites.

Just take a look around the web, and you will notice a lot of great companies out there that offer easy ways to share video and bookmarks, create personal or business blogs, or even make phone calls over the Internet. You'll recognize Web 2.0 web sites by their tag clouds, rounded corners, gradients, and short punchy names with elements of English words—well, at least that's what Reddit's how-to-video says.

While many have a problem with the label of this new phase, there is no denying that the web has certainly changed in the last few years and will continue to do so. Believe it or not, the term Web 3.0 is already out there. Since I couldn't possibly explain Web 2.0 as a whole in this post, I will leave you with a few great links to help you learn more about it or just have fun with it.

So what does Web 2.0 mean to you?

Top 5 Posts

Comments on What Is Web 2.0?

Post a Comment

Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

  • 26 Posted by vze4grvc@verizon.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    [bff_lostcause] seems to make the most sense of this interesting discussion. So, from what I surmise from all of these posts the sublime of Web2.0 is: It's not just a visual makeover. ...it is a "trend",.. and the trend is: "the transformation of the web into a user-friendly utility whereby one does not have to download apps or install programs for optimal user experience". Am I correct? Sounds good to me. Though, cause and effect, this trend may expand the Webmaster/ IT guys's horizon to software writing. As well, it may lead programmer's to vendor specific products. Another aspect, as the retail versions become "built -in" into web sites why buy them? For an example, internet providers are offering their product with fully integrated PC security protection. What would Quicken and Turbo Tax do if banking and credit institutions started offering FREE comparable spreadsheets built into their websites? Quasibozo

  • 27 Posted by osteenchuck on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    just goes to show you how bad an effect the media has on the public with their lies and spin.

  • 28 Posted by polaris_eleven on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:16PM EDT Report Abuse

    Essentially people are taking advantage of new technology, but also using it in a more interactive and user friendly way. Along with that, has come a new era of web design. That would be the gist of it, but for a more in depth discussion, you would have to talk about RSS, blogging, video services (such as YouTube), bittorrent, Skype, etc. These comments? They are probably a good example of web 2.0, at least in my view. It's about the ability to interact more than ever. You're not just reading an article, you are talking with the writer, giving advice and having the writer talk back to you. Not through email, which can take forever depending on how often you check it, but through comments on the article itself. Gina probably gets a little notice somewhere saying that there is a new comment, so that she can read it promptly and either laugh at the comment, take it into consideration, or answer whatever question it has. On the other hand, she might not. Still, she probably has that ability and that's part of the "new" area of the web known as web 2.0.

  • 29 Posted by ausfahrtco on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    So basicly what you're saying in this is that Web 2.0 is our whole new society away from the real world and on computers. That makes more sense as to why I never cared enough to learn what it was.

  • 30 Posted by kerriezklozet@verizon.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    I guess RSS feeds are part of this 2.0 thing too? I hadn't seen anything about them until recently...and I really don't know much about them. This may not be related to RSS, but many websites I use frequently give me the option to get instant notifications that show up on my computer screen even if I don't have a browser open, I just have to have my modem on. Its probably a simple technology that makes that possible, but its amazing to me. I'll bet my house and car that we'll be at Web 5.0 by the time I'm about to croak. That's two (or three?) more radical changes or radical advancements on the Web in my future...I'll be ready.

  • 31 Posted by platinumgryphon on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    Web 2.0 is sorta' like advertisers of a company releasing a supposedly new product that was actually developed many years ago but no one claimed it to be a specific thing under their name. I bet that these few companies are naming it several terms for copy write purposes so they can scam most users that they provide a new and better service; in which, they honestly don't. The World Wide Web has changed in terms. We don't call it the Web anymore. For all of us modern users, its now simply, the Internet; an intercontinental informational Net work. In my personal beliefe, the only thing left on evolving the Internet now is actually having things physically appear from one end to another like a Sci Fi Novel's Teleporter. Everything they mention is already available. With the Wide Usage of connections such as WANs (which is simply a bigger version of a LAN), the intertnet is no longer specific; EVERYone can now host and share. Its automatic. Your Service provider is simply asking you to pay them for access to a massive Router; nothing else. People in my school make Websites on Word Pad all day; place them on our own Server that can host to the Web. It's so easy to get personal with the Web now; swapping files, sharing connections, ordering and shopping. The Net now even shares 3 Forms of physical senses, Sound, Sight and Touch. For thoughs who might ask why; some people practice sex safely by using items that transmit information of what one user is doing, to the other; acting as touch. Only thing thats left is Smell and Taste. What else would you really need? Why is everyone so hyped up about some thing that I've been using for years? If they act like what Microsoft and Apple did by changing programming codes SIMPLY for copywrite, then they are going to "f" up the Net rather than improving it. And yet again, another Geek War Fair of the more Nerdy Ego immerges simply for Corperate reasons. In my opinion, I would encourage users to attempt at their own creations and add their own influences and join the large number that already have. It will prevent the Corperate Sociaty from charging you to use a programming thats already in use just cause they said they named it.

  • 32 Posted by kerrjon on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    Web 2.0 is nothing but a great business idea by O'Reilly Media. They coined the term and are now going to sell books, generate conferences and find other ways to capitalize on this. Why do I think Web 2.0 is absolutely worthless... 1) O'Reilly says Web 2.0 is about users sharing info/data to build the content of the site - Well this has been around for a long time. Last time I checked, Ebay has been making millions and has been doing it all with user supplied data. This is simply a very good business model, not a new web or any thing in need of a fancy term. 2) AJAX and other new technologies are making the web more interactive - Wow, how quickly we forget how long it used to take images to load and how great animated gifs were. The web has been getting better and faster from day #1, why now do we need a term for it? We should really be on Web 17 or something! It is really easy for someone to come along and say this new technology is web 2.0 and this is web 2.0, where does it end? When does 3.0 start and who is determining this? Oh yeah, a book publisher is, so I guess when book sales on Web 2.0 content start to dry up we'll see Web 3.0 come to life!

  • 33 Posted by michaelstjohn0313 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    I read more posts trying to explain 2.0, thank you all who posted above. And still, uhhhhhhhh.....(insert blank stare again)

  • 35 Posted by mamazbk@verizon.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:04PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'm totally confused.can I create my own little site to sell my product? thanks -- CJ

  • 36 Posted by terrel.lecesne@prodigy.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    IMS is the platform that will change everthing. IMS combines all media platforms to be able to share resources. That along with IPTV and FTTN/FTTP will also help to "blur" what is possible. The funny thing is the friendlier we are on the web the crueler we are to one another in person. Search for 3G and IMS very cool stuff. also U-verse and Lightspeed.

  • 37 Posted by efdougherty on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:52PM EDT Report Abuse

    Web 2.0 is another way for mates to cheat and lie please talk to 125.14.203.230 @ port 29297. They are pesta very lonely and confused

  • 38 Posted by hossam_aboueissa on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:20PM EDT Report Abuse

    your article is great and helpful i sent it to my friend at akhbar elyom and alex library the majorty of your article is great and helpful.thank you so much hossam

  • 39 Posted by ssmediapteltd on Thu Feb 1, 2007 11:34PM EST Report Abuse

    Webinale 07 - A Conference For the Next Generation Web The Web is in motion! It's about conversations, interpersonal networking, personalization, and individualism. The need for immediacy, interactivity, and community, combined with new and light-weight technologies are changing the social structure of the Web. The Next Generation Web is about getting associated with openness, trust, authenticity and collaboration. Interactivity, new possibilities to connect, social software, usability, and community networking are fast catching up with users. This new buzz is generating fresh and exciting projects. The latest buzzword is Web 2.0, and the event for anyone seeking to stay on top of this buzz is Webinale 2.0! More info at www.webinale.com

More Posts: First Prev 1 2 3 Next Last

Post a Comment

Sign In to Post a Comment

My Tech

Please enable your browser's cookies to activate the My Tech column.

Also on Yahoo! Tech

Computers Home Office Wi-Fi & Networking Phones & PDAs Cameras & Camcorders TV & Home Theater Portable Audio
 

Site Map | Tour | Subscribe to Yahoo! Tech

Question and Answer content at Yahoo! Tech is written by Yahoo! users at Yahoo! Answers. Yahoo! does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. For more information, read the Full Disclaimer.

Opinions expressed by the Advisors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Yahoo! Inc. Yahoo! receives no compensation from any manufacturer or distributor nor does it compensate any Advisor for the coverage of any product or service in any Advisor's content.