Web and Internet Notes

Module 3: The Web and The Internet

Introduction to the Web

  • Definition of the Web: An interconnected system of public webpages accessible through the internet.

  • Web Browser: The software used to view the World Wide Web.

Difference between WWW and the Internet

  • World Wide Web (WWW): A collection of information accessed via the internet, primarily through web browsers.

  • Internet: A global network of interconnected networks allowing data communication between devices.

Evolution of the Web

  • Web 1.0 (1990-2000):

    • Characteristics: Read-only static content.

    • Focused on company home pages and structured as information portals.

    • Examples: Home page directories, static pages.

    • Disadvantages: Limited user interaction and lack of standards.

  • Web 2.0 (2000-2010):

    • Characteristics: Read-write interactive web, user-generated content.

    • Users can comment, create accounts, and contribute information.

    • Promotes collaboration and sharing through blogs and social media.

    • Examples: Social networking (Facebook, Instagram), blogging platforms (WordPress), wikis (Wikipedia), video sharing sites (YouTube).

  • Web 3.0 (2010-present):

    • Characteristics: Intelligent and connected applications with advanced features.

    • Incorporates semantic web technologies, machine learning, and natural language processing.

Introduction to the Internet

  • Definition of Internet: A global computer network providing varied information and communication facilities through interconnected networks using standardized protocols.

History of the Internet

  • Initial Development:

    • 1969: ARPA initiated an experimental computer network.

    • 1982: The term "internet" was first introduced.

    • 1991: Creation of the first "free net" at Case Western Reserve University.

Founders of the Internet

  • Vint Cerf: Co-developer of the Internet Protocol, known as the "father of the Internet."

  • Bob Kahn: Co-developer alongside Vint Cerf.

Major Components of the Internet

  1. Servers: Programs that provide services to other computer programs and users.

    • Types of Servers: Application, Web, Proxy, Mail, File, and Policy servers.

  2. IP Address: A numerical label assigned to each device for identification on the network.

  3. Browsers: Application software to view information on the web.

  4. Domain Name System (DNS): Acts as the phonebook of the internet by translating domain names into IP addresses.

  5. Internet Service Provider (ISP): A company providing access to the internet via various means (dial-up, DSL, cable, fiber-optic).

Internet Terms and Definitions

  • Email: Exchange of messages via the internet.

  • Social Media: Interactions among people for creating and sharing information in virtual communities.

  • HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The basic scripting language for web pages.

  • URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address of a unique resource on the web.

  • HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): A secure version of HTTP for encrypted data transfer.

  • HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): Foundation protocol for loading web pages.

  • Web Bot: Automated programs that perform specific actions on the internet, such as crawling webpages.

  • Search Engine: Software assisting users to find information online using keywords.

  • Uploading, Downloading, Online Gaming, Software Updates: Common activities performed over the internet.