8. Introduction to Internet and Web Browsers
What is the Internet?
The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers that communicate with each other using standard communication protocols.
- Connects computers all over the world
- Allows sharing of information and resources
- Works 24 hours a day
Services Provided by the Internet
| Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sending and receiving electronic messages | |
| World Wide Web (WWW) | Accessing websites and web pages |
| Video Conferencing | Online meetings and virtual classes |
| Online Shopping | Buying and selling products online |
| Cloud Services | Online storage and applications |
World Wide Web (WWW)
The World Wide Web (WWW) is a collection of web pages that are linked together and accessed through the Internet using web browsers.
- Uses hyperlinks to connect web pages
- Web pages are written using HTML
- WWW is a service of the Internet, not the Internet itself
Web Browser
A web browser is a software application used to access, retrieve, and display web pages on the Internet.
| Web Browser | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Fast and widely used browser |
| Mozilla Firefox | Open-source and secure browser |
| Microsoft Edge | Default browser for Windows |
| Safari | Browser for Apple devices |
Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
A URL is the address of a web page on the Internet. It tells the browser where to find a particular resource.
- Protocol (https)
- Domain name (www.example.com)
Search Engine
A search engine is a tool that helps users find information on the Internet by entering keywords.
| Search Engine | Function |
|---|---|
| Searches information on the web | |
| Bing | Microsoft search engine |
| DuckDuckGo | Privacy-focused search engine |
The Internet connects the world by enabling communication and information sharing. Web browsers allow users to explore the World Wide Web, while search engines help locate information quickly. Understanding these concepts is essential for learning computer fundamentals, digital literacy, and modern web technologies.