Week 4: Internet and World Wide Web

Introduction to the Internet: Overview of how the internet works, its history.

Here are some more details about the internet and its history:

How the Internet Works:

1. The internet is a decentralized network, meaning that no single entity controls it. Instead, it is made up of millions of interconnected networks that share information through a system of routers and switches.
2. The internet uses a variety of communication protocols, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP, to transfer data between computers and devices.
3. The World Wide Web, which is often used interchangeably with the internet, is just one of many applications that run on the internet. Other applications include email, instant messaging, file sharing, and online gaming.

History of the Internet:

1. The development of the internet was driven by the need for reliable and secure communication networks for military and academic research purposes.
2. The first message sent over the ARPANET, which was the precursor to the internet, was “LO” in 1969. The message was intended to be “LOGIN,” but the system crashed after the first two letters were sent.
3. The commercialization of the internet in the 1990s led to the creation of many of the online services and applications that we use today, such as Amazon, eBay, and Google.
4. The rise of social media in the 2000s has transformed the way that we interact with each other online, and has created new challenges for privacy and security.

Overall, the internet has had a profound impact on society, and has transformed the way that we communicate, work, and access information. Understanding how the internet works and its history can help us make better use of this powerful tool, while also being aware of its limitations and challenges.

Browsers: Explanation of web browsers, their functions and features.

Web browsers are software applications that allow users to access and navigate websites and other online content on the internet. Here’s an explanation of what web browsers are, their functions, and some of their features:

What are Web Browsers?

1. Web browsers are software applications that run on a computer or mobile device and allow users to access and display content on the internet.
2. The most popular web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Opera.
3. Web browsers use protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP to access websites and transfer data between servers and client devices.

Functions of Web Browsers:

1. Web browsers allow users to navigate the internet by entering URLs or using search engines to find websites.
2. Web browsers render HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code to display web pages in a user-friendly format.
3. Web browsers store information such as browsing history, bookmarks, and cookies to make it easier for users to revisit websites and access content.

Features of Web Browsers:

Tabbed browsing: Users can open multiple web pages in separate tabs within the same browser window, making it easier to switch between sites.

Extensions: Web browsers allow users to install third-party extensions that add new features and functionality to the browser, such as ad blockers, password managers, and productivity tools.

Privacy and security: Web browsers include features such as incognito mode, which allows users to browse the web without storing any data on the device, and security features such as warning users about potentially unsafe websites.

Websites: Overview of how websites work, how to navigate them.

Websites are collections of web pages that are hosted on a web server and can be accessed via the internet using a web browser. Each web page is written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) which provides the structure and content of the page, along with other programming languages such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and JavaScript, which add style and interactivity to the web pages.

When you want to access a website, you typically type the website’s URL (Uniform Resource Locator) into the address bar of your web browser. The web browser then sends a request to the web server hosting the website, asking for the web page associated with that URL.

The web server receives the request and sends the web page back to the web browser. The web browser then interprets the HTML code and displays the web page to the user. This process is called rendering.

Websites can have multiple pages, and these pages are typically linked together through hyperlinks. Hyperlinks are clickable links that take you from one page to another. They are usually underlined or displayed in a different color to distinguish them from regular text.

Navigating a website involves clicking on hyperlinks to move from one page to another. Websites may also have a navigation menu, which is typically located at the top or side of the page and contains links to different sections of the website.

To navigate a website, you can also use the back and forward buttons on your web browser to move between previously visited pages, or use the refresh button to reload the current page.

Internet Safety: Discussion of safe browsing habits, online privacy and security.

Internet safety is a critical concern in today’s digital age. With the increase in cybercrime and identity theft, it’s essential to take steps to protect your online privacy and security. Here are some safe browsing habits, online privacy and security tips that can help you stay safe online:

Use strong passwords: Always use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Use two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or a fingerprint scan.

Be careful what you share online: Be cautious about sharing personal information online, such as your full name, address, phone number, or date of birth. Also, avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your social security number or bank account details.

Use a VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online privacy by masking your IP address and location. It’s especially important to use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Use anti-virus software: Install anti-virus software on your devices and keep it up-to-date to protect against malware and viruses.

Keep your software up-to-date: Keep your operating system, web browser, and other software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.

Use a secure browser: Use a secure browser, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, and enable its built-in security features, such as pop-up blockers, phishing protection, and automatic updates.

Use privacy settings: Adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts and other online services to limit the amount of personal information you share and control who can see your posts and profile.

Be skeptical: Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls, especially if they ask for personal or financial information. Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.

Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest online threats and scams and educate yourself about safe browsing habits and online security best practices.

• Hands-On Activities: Visit and explore various websites, discuss online safety tips.