1) The document defines social software and Web 2.0, noting how it allows for networking and collaboration through computer-mediated communication and online communities. 2) Examples of Web 2.0 include social bookmarking sites like del.icio.us, photo sharing sites like Flickr, video sites like YouTube, and personal start pages like Netvibes. 3) Blogs, wikis, social media, and user-generated content are discussed as key aspects of Web 2.0 that empower participation and civic engagement through publishing and sharing information online.