The Internet, the Web, and Electronic Commerce - Chapter 2 (Computing Essentials 2025)

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the key concepts from the Internet, Web technologies, online communications, search tools, e-commerce, cloud/IoT, and IT careers as presented in the notes.

What is the Internet?

A large global network connecting smaller networks; launched in 1969 as ARPANET, funded by the U.S. government.

What is the Web?

A multimedia interface to resources available on the Internet.

How do the Internet and Web differ?

The Internet is the physical network; the Web is a multimedia interface to Internet resources.

How do you access the Web?

Through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and a Web browser.

What is an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

A company that provides access to the Internet using DSL, cable, or wireless connections.

Name some popular ISPs.

Verizon, Comcast, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T.

What is a Web browser?

A program that provides access to web resources, connects to remote computers, and displays multimedia content.

Give examples of popular Web browsers.

Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome.

What does URL stand for and what is it?

Uniform Resource Locator; the address of a web resource.

What are the two main parts of a URL?

Protocol (rules for exchanging data) and Domain name (location of the resource).

What is HTTPS in web traffic?

The secure protocol that is the most common for web traffic.

What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)?

The suffix indicating the domain category, e.g., .com, .edu, .gov, .mil, .net, .org.

What is HTML?

Hypertext Markup Language; the markup language used to display web pages.

What are hyperlinks?

Links that connect to other web pages and can link text, images, audio, or video.

Web 1.0 characteristics

First generation; focused on linking existing information; search programs were created.

Web 2.0 characteristics

Dynamic content creation; Facebook is a common example.

Web 3.0 characteristics

Identifies relationships between data and provides personalized content.

Web 4.0 characteristics

Also called the mobile web; includes information from mobile devices.

Web 5.0 characteristics

Still being developed; expected to be significantly impacted by AI.

What are common Internet uses?

Communicating, Shopping, Searching, Education/e-learning, Online Entertainment.

Name some online entertainment sources listed.

Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Amazon Kindle, CNN, Instagram, Tidal, HBOMax, Apple Podcasts.

How do you access the Internet (connection methods)?

Via DSL, cable, and/or wireless connections.

What are Internet access providers called?

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that give you a path to the Internet.

What is a Web browser used for?

To access and explore web resources, connect to remote computers, and render multimedia.

What are the components of a URL?

Protocol (e.g., https) and Domain name (e.g., www.google.com).

What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD) example set?

.com (commercial), .edu (educational), .gov (government), .mil (US military), .net (network), .org (organization)

What is HTML used for?

Markup language used to display web pages; browsers interpret HTML to render pages.

What are hyperlinks?

Links that connect to other web pages and can link various types of resources.

What technologies power Interactive Web Sites?

JavaScript, PHP, CSS, and mobile browsers.

What are Web Utilities?

Specialized programs that make using the Internet and Web safer and easier: Filters, File Transfer Utilities, Internet Security Suites.

What do Filters do?

Block access to sites, set time limits, and monitor time spent online.

What are File Transfer Utilities?

Programs that upload and download files; include Web-based file transfer services, BitTorrent, FTP/SFTP.

What are Internet Security Suites?

Programs designed to maintain security and privacy on the Web; examples: Symantec Norton Internet Security, Bitdefender Internet Security.

What are the main Internet communications categories?

Social Networking, Blogs/Microblogs, Podcasts/Wikis, Messaging, and E-mail.

What features do Social Networks typically include?

Profiles, Pages, Groups, Friends, News feeds, and Share settings.

What is the difference between Blogs and Microblogs?

Blogs are longer posts; microblogs are shorter, more frequent posts.

What are the four basic elements of an email?

Header (addresses, subject), Message, Signature, Attachments.

What are the two main types of Email systems?

Client-based (installed on a computer, e.g., Outlook) and Web-based/Webmail (no installation, e.g., Gmail).

What is Spam and what law addresses it?

Unwelcome email; can include viruses; CAN-SPAM Act; use of Spam blockers/filters.

What are Search Tools and Engines?

Search Services crawl websites; Search Engines help locate information (e.g., Bing, DuckDuckGo, Google, Yahoo).

What are Content Evaluation criteria?

Authority, Accuracy, Objectivity, Currency.

What are the main types of Electronic Commerce (E‑commerce)?

B2C (Business-to-Consumer), C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer), B2B (Business-to-Business).

What is B2C e-commerce?

Sale of products or services to the general public; examples include online banking, shopping; Amazon is a common site.

What is C2C e-commerce?

Consumer-to-Consumer; individuals selling to individuals; includes online auctions.

What is B2B e-commerce?

Business-to-Business; sales between businesses; often a manufacturer-supplier relationship.

What payment options are discussed for e-commerce?

Credit cards, Digital cash, and Cryptocurrency using blockchain with third-party processors.

What is Cloud Computing?

Shifts computing activities from a user’s device to Internet-based services; components are clients, the Internet, and service providers.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

Continuing development that enables everyday objects to send/receive data via the Internet; examples: smartphones, wearables, smart appliances; relates to Web 3.0.

What is a Webmasters career focus?

Develop and maintain websites; backup of site; design and development; collaborate with marketing; increase traffic and promotions.

What is a look to the future topic mentioned?

Home Smart Home—integration of smart devices in the home.