Web Design Handout 1
Prepared by: Mr. Jason A. Sespeñe
Internet Basics
In this Learning Unit, we are going to explore the fascinating and ever-changing world of the
Internet. The Internet is the largest computer network in the world, connecting more
than a billion computer users. The Internet is most often used for three main purposes:
1. Communication
2. Buying and selling (e-commerce)
3. Searching for information
One of the most important things you need to know about the Internet is that it is a self
publishing medium, which means that no one is in charge of the content found on it.
Anyone can publish anything on the Internet, whether the information is true or not. Later in
this Learning Unit, you will learn some tips for evaluating the information you find on websites.
Basic Terms and Concepts
Let’s start with some basic terms and concepts:
Internet: It might be helpful to think of the Internet as a vast system of roads all
connecting to each other. You may have heard the term “information superhighway.”
It’s a vast infrastructure of pathways allowing computers to “talk” to each other, even
though the computers may use different operating systems. They do this through unique
identification numbers called Internet Protocol Addresses (IP addresses).
The abbreviation “www” stands for World Wide Web. Many people think the World
Wide Web is the same thing as the Internet. It isn’t. While the Internet is a large
connection of networks (hardware), the World Wide Web is a way to access the
information on the Internet. It’s like the software you need to run programs on
the hardware of your computer. So, the Internet is broader than the World Wide Web.
The Web uses common communication protocols (sets of rules) and special languages.
One of these is called HyperText Markup Language (HTML). These special languages
act as a bridge, allowing computers to communicate that don’t use compatible
operating systems. This means that you don’t have to use a specific type of computer in
order to access a website.
Besides the Web, there are other ways to disseminate information, such as email, File
Transfer Protocol (FTP), and Telnet.
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Web Design Handout 1
Prepared by: Mr. Jason A. Sespeñe
Connecting to the Internet
Now, let’s look at how one goes about connecting to the Internet. Before you can start using the
Internet, you need to have a way to connect to it. This requires you to have the necessary
hardware to make a connection on your end, as well as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) which
provides the Internet service to which your computer will connect. Then, you’ll need a web
browser to begin exploring the World Wide Web.
Internet Connection Methods
1. Dial-up: Dial-up is a method that uses a telephone line, which you connect to a phone jack,
just as you would connect your telephone to the wall. Dial-up is the slowest connection
method and it requires your computer to have a dial-up modem.
2. Broadband: Broadband is a high-speed connection method which can utilize cable,
DSL, or satellite. Each of these methods requires different types of hardware.
3. Fiber-optic: Fiber-optic communication transmits data by sending pulses of light through
ultra- thin optical fiber. Because light travels so quickly, this technology can transmit
Internet data at super-fast speeds.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): Internet Service Providers are companies that connect you to the
Internet – for a fee, of course. ISPs are available on a local, state, and national level. Large
communication companies control access to the main lines of the Internet structure. They, in
turn, supply Internet access to the smaller ISPs, who pass this along to the consumer. Not all ISPs
offer all methods of connection to the Internet. Make sure the ISP you select offers service that
corresponds to your connection method and hardware.
Web Browser: You’ll need to have a web browser installed on your computer. This is a software
program that allows you to view web pages and navigate the Internet. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer
is probably the most commonly used web browser. It often comes pre-installed when you purchase
a computer that has a Microsoft Windows operating system. There are other free web browsers
available, including Mozilla’s very popular Firefox web browser and Apple’s Safari. You can have
more than one browser installed on your computer.
In summary, you need three basic things to connect to the Internet:
1. A connection method
2. An Internet Service Provider (ISP)
3. A web browser
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