AY2024 Sem2 C0001F L01 Internet Lesson Notes

Computing Lesson 02: Internet

  • Introduction to the fundamentals of the internet

    • A global network connecting computers, devices, and people worldwide.

    • Forms the foundation of the modern connected world.

Lesson Outcomes

  1. Understanding Key Concepts

    • Define network, Internet, and World Wide Web.

    • Identify how computers, people, and web pages are recognized on the Internet.

  2. Web Page Navigation

    • Describe methods to access a web page and navigate through a website.

Networks

What is a Network?

  • A group of interconnected devices (computers, servers, etc.)

  • Devices communicate and share information through:

    • Wired media (cables)

    • Wireless signals

    • Internet connectivity

Components of a Network

  • Computers: Core nodes (desktops and mobile devices)

  • Routers: Connect multiple devices for communication and data transfer

  • Cabling: Physical connections (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, fiber optics)

  • Protocols: Standard definitions (e.g., TCP/IP) for communication rules.

The World Wide Web (Internet)

  • A global network for information sharing and exchange.

  • Built on protocols and standards for seamless communication.

How the Internet Works

  1. Network Protocols: Standardized protocols like TCP/IP for device communication.

  2. Domain Name System (DNS): Translates domain names into IP addresses for location identification.

  3. Routers and Servers: Direct data packets and host websites and services.

    • The Internet is a network of devices communicating through standardized protocols.

Identifying Devices and Entities on the Internet

  1. IP Addresses: Unique numerical addresses assigned to each device.

  2. Domain Names: Human-readable addresses (e.g., www.example.com) linked to IP addresses.

  3. User Accounts: Identifications tied to email addresses or online profiles.

  4. URLs: Unique locators for web pages specifying the location on the Internet.

Identifying Computers

  • Each computer has a unique IP address for communication.

  • Domain names ease website identification, mapping simpler names to IP addresses.

Identifying Web Pages (URLs)

  • URL Structure: Protocol, domain name, specific path.

  • Accessing Web Pages: Users can directly enter URLs in browsers.

  • Anatomy of a URL: Provides essential information about web pages.

Identifying People on the Internet

  1. Email Addresses: Unique identifier for online identity.

  2. Social Media Profiles: Personalized profiles for interaction and expression.

  3. Online Usernames: Unique handles for identification on various platforms.

Accessing and Navigating Websites

Accessing Web Pages

  • Step 1: Enter URL into the address bar.

  • Step 2: Press Enter to initiate the request.

  • Step 3: Wait for the browser to load the page.

Web Browsers

  • Primary tools for accessing the Internet.

    • Address Bar: Input URLs or search queries.

    • Tabs: Open multiple websites in one window.

    • Bookmarks: Save favorite sites for quick access.

Search Engines

  • Essential for navigating the Web.

    • Ranking Algorithms: Analyze and rank web pages for relevant results.

    • Customization: Personalize search experiences based on history.

    • Paid Advertising: Businesses promote services via targeted ads.

Bookmarking and Favorites

  • Bookmarking: Save web pages for easy access later.

  • Favorites Bar: Quickly access commonly used bookmarks.

  • Organizing Bookmarks: Use folders for better management.

Conclusion: The Internet - A World at Your Fingertips

  • Recognizing the transformative potential of the Internet.

  • Revolutionizes access to information, communication, and interaction.

  • Congratulations on completing Computing Lesson 02.