Final answer:
Computer networks allow for the transmission and sharing of data through standardized protocols, which are rules that determine how data is sent and received. These protocols were standardized in 1982, leading to the Internet and World Wide Web, which have significantly affected global culture and politics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Computer networks are critical for the transmission and sharing of data for both personal and business purposes. The formation of networks began in the 1960s with Department of Defense researchers and universities, eventually leading to private communication networks beyond government and academia. Moreover, cell phone conversations and television voice and video images are now transmitted as digital data, which involves converting the signal into binary ones and zeros to allow clearer transmission and data compression for more efficient use of frequency ranges.
Protocols are essential in these networks as they dictate the format or rules for data transmission, helping determine how data is encoded, compressed, and sent over the network. Some of the key protocol developments that enabled the widespread accessibility and functionality of computer networks include the standardization of communication protocols in 1982 and the formation of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
These technological advancements have had a profound impact on global culture and politics, with smart technologies and the internet allowing for immediate connection and sharing of information across the world, fundamentally changing how individuals and institutions interact and conduct business.