Where Do We Even Start?

The data pipeline that is the internet carries plenty of sensitive data, from our bank accounts, to medical information, and private messages. There are many layers of protection built into the technologies of the internet like encryption, and two factor authentication, but how do those really work? And are they really keeping you safe? All that and more on this episode of Where do we even start! 

What suspicious things have you run into on the internet, we’d love to hear at wdwespodcast@gmail.com. You can also reach us on social media @wdwespodcast on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

The global network of computers that make up the internet is just that, it exists across borders and boundaries all over the world. This means the internet passes through many different countries making which laws apply in what context quite complex. In this episode we dive into some of the different ways the internet is controlled and regulated and what some governments around the world are trying to do to change the future of the internet for better or worse. Have your own ideas for new rules for the internet? Send them over to wdwespodcast@gmail.com. You can also reach us on social media @wdwespodcast on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Its billowing above, shaped like a whale, and its... storing all your data? Whats the deal with the cloud?In this episode we discuss the dividing lines between the cloud and the internet, how the advent of 'cloud computing' has shaped the way we all use the internet, and discuss some of the advantages, disadvantages and risks of using the cloud. 

We'd love to answer questions, and be scolded if we've gotten any important details wrong! 

We are @wdwespodcast on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok and you can email us at wdwespodcast@gmail.com

This week we talk about the influence our mobile phones have had on the internet, and how having the internet as our constant companion has shaped our lives. We talk about the differences between apps and website, and about the app first services that have come to dominate our lives (looking at you Instagram) as always if you want to learn more check out our Instagram where we post diagrams and explainers related to each episode find us @wdwespodcast. Want to get in touch? Send us an email wdwespodcast@gmail.com

Sending text is one of the most basic functions of the internet, so it makes sense that communication has been at the heart of the internet since the start. While we’ve been sending messages since the dawn of the internet the ways in which we communicate have changed and adapted over the years. From anonymous chat rooms, to MSN, BBN to WhatsApp the internet has shaped and changed how we talk to each other. We break down the technologies and protocols behind email, and instant messaging, and reminisce about platforms past. We’d love to hear your funny chatroom stories! Send them over to wdwespodcast@gmail.com. You can also reach us on social media @wdwespodcast on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Ever wonder why so many website are begging you to accept their cookies? In this episode we dive into cookies, the pieces of web technology that helps e-commerce run smoothly and enable some snoopy services to target us with ads. Learn about what threat cookies could pose and what you could do to keep your privacy in check. If you want to ask us a question to answer on the podcast you can head to https://anchor.fm/wdwes otherwise feel free to hit us up on social media we are @wdwespodcast on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok and you can email us at wdwespodcast@gmail.com

As we’ve been diving into the depths of the internet we’ve seen the infrastructure, software, and people who make it all work - yet a big question remains: Who pays for all of it? This episode talks about the world of online ads, how much money advertisers are spending on your clicks, and what it’s like to set up. Give us a follow on twitter @wdwespodcast and on instagram at the same handle @wdwespodcast and on TikTok too!

The topic of this weeks episode needs very little introduction, its the way most of us navigate the internet and answer our nagging questions, its our trusty Search Engines! We dive into how these modern marvels actually work, why there are digital spiders crawling around the internet, and what types of website Google doesn't want you to see... 

As always if you have questions for us, or want to let us know how badly we've done you can reach us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @WDWESpodcast if you have any longer questions you can also send up an email to wdwespodcast@gmail.com 

After talking about 1s and 0s and routers and modems for what seems like forever, we dive into the windows many of use use to look at the world wide web, a very important part of the internet, we’re talking about the thing I’m typing in right now, our Browsers! In this episode we talk about what a browser does, how web addresses take us from nothing to where we want to go, and what happens to the data our browsers receive before it reaches our eyes.

As always we’d love to hear from you, you can reach us on Twitter and Instagram @wdwespodcast , or you can send us an email to our new email wdwespodcast@gmail.com , and if you want to catch all our posts we’re on TikTok too!

After getting into all the ways data travels the globe in submarine cables we look a little closer to home, and the magical waves that likely transmitted this text from your router to the device you're reading this on now. We discuss the differences between Wi-Fi and the Internet, how those 1s and 0s actually fly across the air, and why you own Wi-Fi might be so damn slow!

If you spot anything in the show that you want us to know about, or still have questions you want us to cover in later episodes Tweet us @wdwespodcast, or leave us a comment on the episode 2 post on our Instagram same handle @wdwespodcast.

But seriously what is the internet? Join us as we discuss the vast networks of networks that support our modern life. We discuss the core technologies that made the internet possible and what is really happening when you send that meme to your friend. Learn about the ways that the internet reaches your house, and start to get an idea of what your Internet Service Provider really does.

If you spot anything in the show that you want us to know about, or still have questions you want us to cover in later episodes Tweet us @wdwespodcast, or leave us a comment on the episode 1 post on our Instagram same handle @wdwespodcast.

Welcome to season 1 of Where do we even start?An attempt to pull apart some huge and confusing systems that play a role in our lives. Season 1 focuses on the internet, what is it? How does it work? And how does it continue to shape our lives? Join hosts Natalie and Mischa as they attempt to discuss and understand everything from WiFi to Wires crisscrossing the ocean floor. Episode 0 gives you a taste of what to expect with a short introduction to your hosts and the topic they hope to introduce to you. 

We'd love to hear from you follow us on Twitter and Instagram @wdwesPodcast