UNIT 3-INTRODUCTION TO

COMPUTER NETWORKS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
1. Build an understanding of the fundamental concepts of
computer networking.
2. Familiarize the student with the basic taxonomy and
terminology of the computer networking area
3. Understand Basic Concepts to define the Internet, URL, and
WWW, and explain their roles in digital communication and
information sharing.
4. Identify and Use Internet Applications to describe and utilize
key Internet applications.
INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKS

Interconnection forming a social network

 INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKS

• A group of two or more similar things or people

interconnected with each other is called network .
• Some of the examples of network in our everyday life
includes:
• Social network
• Mobile network
• Network of computers
• Airlines, railway, banks, hospitals networks
 INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKS

• What is a Network?
• A network is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes,
network devices, or other devices connected to one another
to share resources, exchange files, or allow electronic
communications.
• The simplest form of a network is two computers connected
directly together by some form of data link.
• Networks can be classified based on their size, complexity,
and geographical spread.
INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKS
 INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKS

• A computer network can include different types of hosts (also

called nodes) like server, desktop, laptop, cellular phones.

• Networking devices are used to connect multiple computers in

different settings.

• For communication, data in a network is divided into smaller

chunks called packets.

• These packets are then carried over a network.

 INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKS

• In a communication network, each device that is a part of a

network and that can receive, create, store or send data to
different network routes is called a node.
• In the context of data communication, a node can be a device
such as a modem, hub, bridge, switch, router, digital telephone
handset, a printer, a computer or a server
 INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKS

• Interconnectivity of computing devices in a network allows us

to exchange information simultaneously with many parties
through email, websites, audio/video calls, etc.

• Network allows sharing of resources.

• For example, a printer can be made available to multiple

computers through a network;

• a networked storage can be accessed by multiple computers.

• People often connect their devices through hotspot, thus

forming a small personal network.
EVOLUTION OF NETWORKING

Timeline showing evolution of networking

 EVOLUTION OF NETWORKING

• 1960s:
• The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET)
was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense.
• Objective: Connect academic and research institutions for
scientific collaborations.
• 1969:
• The first message was sent between the University of
California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Stanford Research Institute
(SRI).
• 1970s:
• Expansion of ARPANET: More organizations joined the network.
• Development of protocols for data transmission.
 EVOLUTION OF NETWORKING

• 1980s:
• Introduction of TCP/IP protocols, standardizing communication
across networks.
• The term "Internet" started being used.
• National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET) created, linking
supercomputing centers across the U.S.
• 1990s:
• Transition from ARPANET to the modern Internet.
• The World Wide Web (WWW) was developed by Tim Berners-
[Link] expansion of Internet access to the public.
 EVOLUTION OF NETWORKING

• 2000s:
• Broadband Internet became widely available.
• Rise of wireless networking and mobile Internet.
• Introduction of social media platforms and cloud computing.
• 2010s:
• Growth of Internet of Things (IoT), connecting everyday devices to
the Internet.
• Development of 4G and 5G technologies, enhancing mobile
connectivity.
• 2020s:
• Continued expansion and integration of networks.
• Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning,
improving network management and security.
• Increased focus on cybersecurity and data privacy.
 TYPES OF NETWORKS

• Based on the geographical area covered and data transfer rate,

computer networks are broadly categorised as:
• PAN ( Personal Area Network)
• LAN (Local Area Network)
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
• WAN (Wide Area Network)
 TYPES OF NETWORKS

• 1. PAN (Personal Area Network)

• Definition: A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a small network,
typically composed of a few personal devices, such as
computers, smartphones, tablets, and printers, within a range
of about 10 meters.
• Characteristics:
• Range: Very short, typically around 10 meters.
• Devices: Includes personal devices like smartphones, laptops,
tablets, and wearable devices.
• Usage: Commonly used for personal, close-range
communication and data exchange.
• Examples: Bluetooth connections between a phone and
headphones, or a smartwatch and a smartphone.
TYPES OF NETWORKS
 TYPES OF NETWORKS

• 2. LAN (Local Area Network)

• Definition: A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that
connects computers and other devices within a limited
geographical area, such as a home, school, or office building.
• Characteristics:
• Range: Limited to a small geographic area, typically within a
building or campus.
• Devices: Includes computers, printers, servers, and other
networked devices.
• Usage: Used for sharing resources like files, printers, and
internet connections within a localized area.
• Examples: A network within a home, school, or small office.
TYPES OF NETWORKS
 TYPES OF NETWORKS

• 3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

• Definition: A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) covers a larger
geographic area than a LAN, such as a city or a large campus.
• Characteristics:
• Range: Spans a city or a large campus.
• Devices: Can include multiple LANs within a city or
metropolitan area.
• Usage: Often used by city governments, large companies, and
organizations to connect multiple sites within a metropolitan
area.
• Examples: A city's public Wi-Fi network, a university's campus-
wide network
TYPES OF NETWORKS
 TYPES OF NETWORKS

• 4. WAN (Wide Area Network)

• Definition: A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans a large
geographic area, often a country or continent, and connects
multiple LANs and MANs.
• Characteristics:
• Range: Covers a vast geographic area, such as a country,
continent, or even globally.
• Devices: Can connect thousands of devices over long
distances.
• Usage: Used by large organizations, governments, and global
businesses to connect geographically dispersed locations.
• Examples: The Internet, a multinational company's global
network.
TYPES OF NETWORKS
TYPES OF NETWORKS
 NETWORK DEVICES

• To communicate data through different transmission media and

to configure networks with different functionality, we require
different devices like
• Modem
• Hub
• Switch
• Repeater
• Router
• Gateway
• 1. Modem (Modulator-Demodulator)
• Definition: A modem is a device that converts digital data from a
computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over
telephone lines or cable systems, and vice versa.
• Function:
• Modulation: Converts digital data to analog signals for
transmission over communication lines.
• Demodulation: Converts incoming analog signals back to digital
data that computers can process.
• Usage: Used to connect a local network to the internet.
• Example:
• DSL Modem: Connects to a phone line to provide internet access.
• Cable Modem: Connects to a cable TV line for internet access.
• The modem at the sender’s end acts as a modulator that converts
the digital data into analog signals.

• The modem at the receiver’s end acts as a demodulator that

converts the analog signals into digital data for the destination
node to understand.
• 2. Hub
• Definition: A hub is a basic networking device that connects
multiple computers or other network devices in a local area
network (LAN).
• Function:
• Broadcasting: Receives data packets from one device and
broadcasts them to all other devices in the network.
• No Filtering: Does not filter data; every device receives the data,
whether it's intended for them or not.
• Usage: Simplistic, mainly in small networks where network traffic
is minimal.
• Example:
• Ethernet Hub: Connects multiple Ethernet devices, such as
computers and printers, within a LAN.
• 3. Switch
• Definition: A switch is a more advanced networking device that
connects multiple devices within a LAN
• Function:
• Data Filtering: Receives data packets and forwards them only to
the specific device they are intended for, reducing unnecessary
traffic.
• MAC Address Table: Uses a MAC address table to determine
where to send data packets.
• Usage: Commonly used in modern LANs to improve network
efficiency and performance.
• Example:
• Ethernet Switch: Connects multiple Ethernet devices and
manages data traffic efficiently.
• 4. Repeater
• Definition: A repeater is a device that regenerates and amplifies
signals to extend the distance over which data can travel in a
network.
• Function:
• Signal Boosting: Amplifies weak signals to ensure they can
travel longer distances without degradation.
• Usage: Used in both wired and wireless networks to extend the
range of communication.
• Example:
• Wi-Fi Repeater: Extends the coverage area of a Wi-Fi network.
• 5. Router
• Definition: A router is a device that connects multiple networks
and routes data packets between them. It operates at the network
layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model.
• Function:
• Routing: Determines the best path for data packets to travel from
source to destination.
• Network Address Translation (NAT): Allows multiple devices
on a local network to share a single public IP address.
• Usage: Used to connect local networks to the internet or to other
local networks.
• Example:
• Home Router: Connects a home network to the internet and
provides Wi-Fi access.
• Enterprise Router: Connects and manages data traffic between
large organizational networks.
• 6. Gateway
• Definition: A gateway is a network device that acts as an
interface between two different networks, often operating at the
application layer (Layer 7) of the OSI model.
• Function:
• Protocol Conversion: Converts data between different protocols
used in different networks.
• Translation: Can translate data formats and protocols to enable
communication between different network types.
• Usage: Used to connect and translate between different network
architectures, such as between a local network and the internet.
• Example:
• VoIP Gateway: Converts voice signals from a traditional phone
system to digital signals for transmission over an IP network.
• Email Gateway: Translates email formats between different email
systems.
 NETWORKING TOPOLOGIES

• 1. Star Topology
• Structure: All devices are connected to a central hub or
switch.
• Advantages:
• Easy to install and manage.
• If one device fails, it doesn't affect the others.
• Disadvantages:
• If the central hub fails, the entire network goes down.
• Requires more cable than bus topology.
• Usage: Common in home and office networks.
NETWORKING TOPOLOGIES
 NETWORKING TOPOLOGIES

• 2. Bus Topology
• Structure: All devices share a single central cable (the bus).
• Advantages:
• Easy to implement and extend.
• Requires less cable than star topology.
• Disadvantages:
• Difficult to troubleshoot.
• A break in the central cable can bring down the entire network.
• Usage: Used in small networks and early Ethernet networks.
NETWORKING TOPOLOGIES
 NETWORKING TOPOLOGIES

• 3. Tree Topology
• Structure: A hybrid topology that combines characteristics of
star and bus topologies. Devices are connected in groups of
star-configured networks connected to a linear bus backbone.
• Advantages:
• Hierarchical and scalable.
• Easy to manage and expand.
• Disadvantages:
• Requires a lot of cable.
• If the backbone line breaks, the entire network segment can be
isolated.
• Usage: Used in large networks such as universities and
corporate campuses
NETWORKING TOPOLOGIES
 NETWORKING TOPOLOGIES

• 4. Mesh Topology
• Structure: Every device is connected to every other device.
• Advantages:
• Provides high redundancy and reliability.
• If one link fails, data can be routed through another path.
• Disadvantages:
• Expensive and complex to install and manage.
• Requires a lot of cabling and configuration.
• Usage: Used in critical applications where network reliability is
crucial, such as military and mission-critical systems.
NETWORKING TOPOLOGIES
 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET

• Internet is a type of Wide Area Network spread over the

entire glob . It is a vary large network of thousands of
smaller networks.
• Billions of computers are connected with each other and
communicate with each other and share resources.
• At present internet is the fastest mean of sending and
exchanging information and data among computers
across the world.
• Computers over the internet are connected through
optical fiber cable, coaxial cable or wireless media and
various networking hardware like switch, router
• Advantages of Internet:-
• Availability of Information:- Because of Internet, we can
access lots of information within a click, gather knowledge
and learn so many things easily.
• Easy Communication:- Internet avail a facility to
communicate with anyone no matter how far the person is.
• Platform to Publish:- Internet provide a platform where
anyone can publish their book, story, web series etc.
• Valuable Resources:- Internet provide valuable resources like
contacts for various business related firms or other such
information helpful for individual as well as business. Internet
provide platform to Online shopping companies.
• Banking:- Now a days banking facilities is very easy to access
just because of Internet.
• Entertainment:- Internet provide various source of
entertainment like youtube, Netflix etc.
• Disadvantages of Internet:-

• Cyber Frauds:- People may lost their money if internet

banking is not used properly. Sometime hackers (people who
use technology to breach security protocol and perform illegal
activity) may get into your account and transfer money.

• Unsuitable Contents:- Some notorious people may publish

unsuitable material on internet which may adversely affect
the moral of society.

• Computer Virus:- Internet sometimes become a channel to

transmit virus int our computer. Which may damage our files
and programs.

• Depression, Loneliness and social isolation:- Now a days

people are using internet unnecessarily which causes
depression.
 WORLD WIDE WEB

• World Wide Web is collection of information that can be accessed

by internet and other tools.
• This information is stored in variety formats like text, PPT, Video,
Images, GIF files, Audio files etc.
• Large computers having higher capacity to store and process
data known as server are used to store information of WWW.
• Some dedicated organisations have their dedicated data centres
to store and maintain large amount of data of WWW.
• WWW was proposed between 1989-1991 by Tim Berners-Lee.
WWW become reality with the invention of HTML and web
Browser in 1990.
• While internet is collection of computers connected together with
the help of various networking devices; WW is a collection of
documents, linked via special links called hyperlinks. WWW
forms a large part of internet but is not the Internet.
 INTERNET TERMINOLOGY

• (1) Web Servers:-

• Web Server is a computer that store information in web pages
and send these web pages to users whey they request for an
specific information (web page).
• A user generally make request to web server through a web
browser.
• Web server store information in variety of formats like text,
image, video, audio or table etc.
• A web server uses special software to receive requests from
user and process to provide required data.
INTERNET TERMINOLOGY
• (2) URL:-
• URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator.
• A URL is an address of a website on World Wide Web.
• Each URL points to a unique website on a web server.
• We use URL to access any required website through a special
software called “Web Browser”.
• To access any website through its URL, user need to type or
enter URL of website in a tool of web browser called Address
Bar.
• As soon as we type URL of a website in Address bar of web
browser and press enter key, our browser sends a request to
respective web server to load a web page on that browser.
• (a) Elements of URL:-

• A website’s URL have three main parts-

• (i) Type of server / Protocol:- This element of URL specifies that which protocol is used by that
website. Generally it is HTTP or HTTPS (here S is for security) Hyper Text Transfer Protocol.

• (ii) The name / address of server on internet:- This element of URL specifies the unique name of
website on world wide web. Using this a user can load the home page of website on his/her web
browser. Example:- [Link] here “[Link]” is the name or address of
facebook server.

• (iii) Location of file on server:- This element of URL specifies the path of web page on a particular
web server. Generally a Web server have multiple web pages. Each web page stored on web server
has a unique path. This path is always attached to the name of URL to access a web page.
• Types of URL:- URL is of two types –
• (a) Absolute URL:-
• Absolute URL is the part of URL which does not change.
• Absolute URL specifies the name of website along with the protocol
used.
• Absolute URL is generally used to load the homepage of the
website.
• (b) Relative URL:-
• Relative URL is always used as an extension to the absolute URL.
• It generally specifies the path of different web pages linked to a
website.
• Wherever we load a web page of website by clicking on a link the
absolute URL remain unchanged but the relative URL get changed
for each web page.
• (3) Website:-
• A website is a collection of web pages having one home page
and other web pages.
• All these web pages are linked together through hyperlink.
• These web pages are written using HTML (Hyper Text Markup
Language).
• All the web pages are stored on web server called web host.
This web server must be connected to the internet round the
clock.
• A website can be accessed from any part of the world through
the website address or URL.
• Components of Website:- Following components are essential
for making a website.
• (a) Webhost:-
• Hosting is the storage space provided by web server owner to
store web pages written in HTML, program files required for
that website, images, audio or video files.
• Every website you have ever visited must have hosted on one
of the web server.
• Whenever a client access the a website through its URL (web
address) the web host will send the requested web page to the
client.
• (b) Address:- The address of the website is the unique (URL)
through which user from any part of the world can access that
website.
• (c) Homepage:- A homepage is the first page that appears when a
user hit the address of that website. A Homepage also provide the
links for other web pages of that website.
• Web Pages:- A web page is a file written in HTML (hyper Text
Markup Language). It can contain any type of information such as
text, graphics, audio, video or animation.
• Components of Web Page(Content wise):- Content wise
components of web page are-
• (a) Hypertext:- Hypertext is a digital text that is used to present
text as well as hypermedia on a web page. Here Hypermedia
include various media formats-
• Text
• Graphics
• Images
• Video
• Sound
• Hyperlink
• Components of Web Page (Structure Wise):-
• Structure wise the components of web page are:-
• Page Title:- This is a small text displayed on the title bar of
the web browser.
• Header:- This is the top section of a web page which show the
main heading of the entire web page. Generally this text
remain constant for all the web pages of a website. Contents
below header keep changing for different web pages.
• Body of the web page:- This section contains the main
content of the web page. This section is just below the Header
of the web page.
• Navigational links:- These are hyperlinks placed in a web
page to redirect user from one web page to another web page.
• Footer:- This is the bottom section of the web page.
• Types of Web Page:- There are two types of web pages
• (a) Static Web Page:-
• A web page which contain only fixed content is called static
web page.
• Here static or fixed content means a content once written and
published will remain unchanged for every user every time.
• To create a static web page simply HTML can be used no other
special technology is required.
• Advantages:-
• Static web pages are delivered faster as compare to Dynamic
web pages.
• It require less resources to send a static web page from web
server to a client.
• It is not dependent of type of web browsers, generally it
display similar on all web browsers.
• Static web pages are more secure than dynamic web pages.
• Disadvantages:-
• Static web pages shows only fixed type of information, it such
a data set is change it need to republish again every time.
• Static web pages does not changes according to the user’s
location, or login status and other factors.
• (b) Dynamic Web Page:-
• A dynamic web page is a web page which changes frequently
and does not retain same every time.
• The content of dynamic web page changes according to the
location of user, time, and many other criterion.
• Dynamic web pages uses scripts to first get these criterion like
location, time and browser version then customise a web page
for user.
• Dynamic web page use HTML as well as some scripting
language code which get executed whenever a user request to
access a web page.
• Advantages:-
• Changes quickly and easily republished.
• Dynamic web page display viewer specific content.
• Dynamic web pages display conditionally.
• Dynamic Web pages are more user friendly, attractive and
interactive.
• Disadvantages:-
• Since dynamic web page require script code to execute first so
it need more time to load that page from server.
• Dynamic page require more security features to secure that
web page.
• Special software is required to create design or develop a
dynamic web page.
• Difference Between a Website and a Webpage
• Website:
• A collection of multiple web pages.
• Can include various types of content and functionalities.
• Example: [Link]
• Webpage:
• A single document on the internet, part of a website.
• Displays content like text, images, and videos.
• Example: [Link]/[Link]
• Chat:-
• Chatting is a functionality which enable people to send and
receive text messages by typing through their devices.
• In other words we can say that communication using text
messages is called chatting.
• Now a days their are many sites which provide chatting facility
online through a chat room.
• A Chat Room is a platform provided by some website where
you can create your profile and identity using which you can
chat with other people connected with the same platform.
• Commonly used Types of Chat:-
• (a) Instant Messaging:- Instant Messaging is a method to
communicate with someone over internet at real time. Users need
to install Instant messaging software to use IM online. One can
send and receive message to or from multiple users at a time. One
can download and install this instant messaging software freely
and set his/her nick name which can be seen by other people
connected on internet with same software.
• (b) ICQ (“I Seek You”):- ICQ is also an online messaging
service which provide a facility to chat on cross platform
environment. i.e. users need not to have same operating system to
be connected with each other through ICQ. ICQ was the first widely
adopted instant messaging platform.
• (c) IRC (Internet Relay Chat):- IRC is also a online chatting
platform. It provide facility to have group communication called
channels. Now a days IRC is not used widely because of other
alternatives available in the market with more user friendly
environment.
• (d) Web Based Chat:- Web based chats are the functionality
provided by various websites to communicate online with one
person or in groups. It provide facility to share text message as
well as files. Now a days this platform is very popular. some most
popular web based chat software / websites are- (a) Facebook (b)
Whatsup (c) yahoo messanger.
• Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP):-
• Voice over internet protocol provide facility to make audio and
video phone calls over internet instead of traditional method
(PSTN) Public switch telephone network.
• Any two or more devices connected to the internet can
transmit audio or video between each other just like they
transmit other data (information).
• IP (internet Protocol) is responsible for breaking a message into
multiple packet and transmit them over internet and
reassemble these packets at destination end.
• VoIP is also based on IP (Internet Protocol) which break audio
and video into packets and transmit these packets over
internet towards destination device.
• Transmission of audio or video in the form of packets makes
the transmission easy and fast.
• In a regular phone the voice is transmitted in telephone signal
(analog signal) where as phone calls made VoIP are transmitted
in digital signal which enhance the quality of voice or video.
• It require a high speed internet connection to us VoIP to
transmit audio or video.
• Example of VoIP based software are- Skype, Google Duo,
Google meet, Whatsapp etc.
• Advantages:-
• This technology is very cost effective since it does not require
any extra cost as long as you have a device with an internet
connection.
• Quality of VoIP calls are better than quality of calls over analog
signal (Tradition phone).
• Easily available – now a days every smart phone support VoIP
technology and apps like Whatspp, skyp etc are widely used.
• Disadvantages:-
• VoIP require special hardware and software at both sender and
receiver end.
• It may not work for emergency services.
• It require high speed internet connection otherwise the quality
of voice or video will badly affected.
• Hosting of a Website
• Definition: Web hosting is the service of providing storage
space and access for websites on the internet.
• Types of Hosting:
• Shared Hosting: Multiple websites share the same server
resources.
• Virtual Private Server (VPS): A server divided into virtual
servers, each acting as an independent server.
• Dedicated Hosting: A single server dedicated to one website.
• Cloud Hosting: Websites hosted on a network of interconnected
servers.
• Factors to Consider:
• Performance: Speed and uptime.
• Security: Protection against cyber threats.
• Scalability: Ability to handle growing traffic.
• Support: Technical assistance availability.
 WEB BROWSERS

• Definition: A browser is a software application that helps us to

view web pages.
• Function:
• It allows us to view data or information retrieved from various web
servers on the Internet.
• Commonly Used Browsers:
• Google Chrome
• Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Firefox
• Opera
• Primary Functionality:
• Displays HTML documents.
 E V O LU T I O N O F W E B B R O W S E R S

• Early Web Browsers:

• Initial browsers like Mosaic supported only HTML
documents with plain text (static websites).
• Modern Web Browsers:
• Support interactive and dynamic websites.
• Advanced Features:
• Wide range of visual effects.
• Use of encryption for advanced security.
• Ability to store browser settings and data using cookies.
 WEB BROWSERS

• A web browser is a software application used to access

information on the World Wide Web. When a user requests a
web page from a particular website, the web browser retrieves
the necessary content from a web server and then displays the
page on the user's device.
• Key functions of a web browser:
• Retrieving data from web servers using the HTTP/HTTPS
protocols.
• Rendering HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to display web pages.
• Interpreting and executing scripts and plug-ins.
• Content Displayed:
•Text
•Images
•Audio
•Video
•Navigation:
•Hyperlinks in web pages enable navigation from one page to another.
• Commonly Used Browsers
[Link] Chrome: Known for its speed, simplicity, and
extensive extension library. Developed by Google.
[Link] Firefox: Renowned for its focus on privacy and open-
source nature. Developed by Mozilla Foundation.
[Link] Edge: The default browser for Windows 10 and
later, built on Chromium, offering integration with Microsoft
services.
[Link]: Default browser for macOS and iOS, known for its
energy efficiency and seamless integration with Apple devices.
[Link]: Features a built-in VPN and ad blocker, along with a
user-friendly interface.
[Link]: Focuses on privacy and speed by blocking ads and
trackers by default.
 BROWSER SETTINGS

• Definition: Browser settings define the behavior of the

browser.
• Common Settings:
• Privacy
• Search engine preferences
• Download options
• Auto signature
• Autofill and autocomplete features
• Themes
• Customization:
• Each browser allows users to change or customize settings in a
user-friendly manner.
 BROWSER SETTINGS

• Browser Settings
• Web browsers offer a variety of settings to customize the user
experience. Common settings include:
• Privacy and Security: Manage cookies, site permissions, and
tracking prevention.
• Appearance: Customize themes, font size, and toolbar layout.
• Default Search Engine: Choose which search engine to use for
address bar searches.
• Home Page: Set the page that opens when the browser starts.
• Extensions/Add-ons: Manage browser extensions and plug-ins.
• Advanced Settings: Control settings like proxy configuration,
hardware acceleration, and developer tools.
 A D D - O N S A N D P LU G - I N S

• Add-ons (or extensions) and plug-ins enhance browser

functionality:
• Add-ons/Extensions: Small software programs that
customize the browsing experience by adding new features or
modifying existing ones. Examples include ad blockers,
password managers, and themes.
• Installation: Typically installed from a browser's web store
(e.g., Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons site).
• Management: Can be enabled, disabled, or removed
through the browser's settings menu.
• Plug-ins: Software components that add specific capabilities
to the browser, such as playing multimedia content. Examples
include Adobe Flash Player and Java. Modern browsers have
moved away from plug-ins in favor of HTML5 for better security
and performance.
 COOKIES

• Cookies are small pieces of data stored by the browser on the user's
device while browsing websites. They serve various purposes:
• Session Management: Maintain user session data (e.g., login
status).
• Personalization: Store user preferences and settings.
• Tracking: Monitor user behavior across websites for analytics and
advertising purposes.
• Types of Cookies:
• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when the
browser is closed.
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on the user's device for a set period or
until manually deleted.
• First-party Cookies: Set by the website being visited.
• Third-party Cookies: Set by external websites (e.g., advertisers)
embedded in the site being visited.
 COOKIES

• Managing Cookies:
• Browsers allow users to view, block, or delete cookies through
the settings menu.
• Users can configure their browser to block third-party cookies
or prompt before accepting cookies.