The second part of the URL identifies the server that stores the information. Most information on the Internet is displayed in a series of screens with expressive lettering and color known as hypertext. By clicking certain words or graphics on the screen known as links, access is gained to other screens in the hypertext format. In financial accounting applications on the Internet, hypertext has been used to break down annual reports into usable segments. These segments are accessed by clicking on the appropriate topic or link.
Hypermedia enhances hypertext by adding video, sound, animation, and graphics.
As more users begin to utilize these languages, hypermedia is likely to become widespread on the Internet. Hypermedia is appealing for displaying annual reports because it presents information with sound and movement. Several companies have already incorporated hypermedia in their Web sites. A word of caution is in order. Depending on your equipment, it may take up to five minutes to bring the speech into memory which, when activated, results in an audio message that lasts for about 50 seconds.