Unit - 5 Fundamentals Of Internet
5.1 Overview of internet, intranet and types
The Internet is the most popular and innovative creation
within the world of technology is the Internet. The web is the
place where all types of data are present and even the
communication process is feasible using the web. The planet
has now become internet-dependent due to its vast
advantages. There may be a check both its advantages and
drawbacks.
The Internet benefits many sectors, including banking,
healthcare, business, and economics. Nowadays, it is difficult
to find a service that is not accessible over the Internet.
Similarly, students regard the Internet as a tool for learning.
Aside from books, it may be the primary source of knowledge
related to student's studies. In reality, the internet influences
student's life in various ways, either directly or
indirectly.However, certain disadvantages of using the
internet must be considered. When used poorly, it can
generate a plethora of problems for students. Students will
understand how to utilize this tool effectively if they examine
the following considerations.
• Advantages Of Internet :-
1. Communication Forum: The speed of communication
becomes faster which is obtained through the web. Families
and friends can use the internet easily. The platform for
products like SKYPE, ZOOM, Teams, etc. allows for holding
a video conference with anyone in the world who also has
access. It helps in connecting two people present anywhere
very easily.
2. Abundant Information: Anyone can find information on
almost any imaginable subject. Plenty of resources are often
found through the program in minutes. The Internet helps in
providing information on all topics.
3. Inexhaustible Education: For instance, students can gain
readily available help for their homework online. Not only
homework but there are also so many platforms that provide
online education that helps students to gain knowledge in
various domains. It helps in increasing the knowledge of the
learner.
4. Entertainment for Everybody: Most folks love using our
laptops, smartphones, and, tablets. The web is the big reason
behind us spending such a lot of time on these gadgets. With
the ease of the Internet, the entertainment industry has also
scaled and it helps in expanding in many ways like OTT
platforms and many other platforms, etc.
5. Online Services and E-commerce: Many services of
email, online banking, online shopping, etc are there. Free
mail to anyone is definitely accessible all around the world. E-
commerce enables one in America to shop for things in Asia,
Africa, or other areas of the world through some simple clicks
of the mouse.
6.Social Network: Social networking is the sharing of data
with people across the planet. Aside from being an
entertainment website, it’s many uses. The Internet has given
a massive gain in these social networking sites as it connects
people who are far away in just a few seconds.
7. Learning: The web has now become a neighborhood of
education. Education like homeschooling is definitely
administered using the web. Teachers can upload their
teaching videos on the web and nowadays many more
platforms have come to teach students because of the
accessibility of the Internet.
8. Internet Banking: Internet Banking is one of the main
advantages of the Internet as it helps people nowadays in
using banks in a digital way which helps in people not going
to banks, not standing in queues in banks, etc. People can use
banking services at their fingertips with the help of the
Internet.
Disadvantage Of Internet :-
1.Wastage of Time: The Internet is one of the ways which
can lead to the wastage of your time. It happens to almost all
of us nowadays, as we start surfing and we continuously start
surfing and do not realize how much time wasted. This results
in increasing screen time, and this leads to loss of memory
power.
2.Health issues: Playing games and spending too much time
on monitors leads to obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle. It also
impacts the eyesight of the person using the device for a long
time. It has veInternet Addiction
3. Internet Addiction :-No doubt the internet has made
people its slave, reducing offline social abilities. This has led
to an adverse impact on people's mental health. Elders and
children alike have been impacted. Mobile phone apps like
YouTube allow children as young as two to see online videos.
They are spending more time in front of a computer screen,
which has stifled their cerebral development.ry serious health
issues.
4.Fake News:- The spread of fake news is one of the biggest
disadvantages of the internet. Since there are limited to no
controls in place on a communication forum, website, or
social media platform, fake news often goes viral - risking the
well-being of entire communities.
5.Security:-Breach of contracts, stealing, fraud, etc is all
major concerns when working on the internet. People become
victim to these hackers that steal money from the accounts in
absence of everyone’s knowledge.Internet is also used to
conduct identity thefts. Identity theft means stealing personal
information for means of personal use. It can be used to steal
money or to hide behind other’s identities.
• Intranet:-
An intranet is a kind of private network. For example, an
intranet is used by different organizations and only
members/staff of that organization have access to this. It is a
system in which multiple computers of an organization (or the
computers you want to connect) are connected through an
intranet. As this is a private network, so no one from the
outside world can access this network. So many organizations
and companies have their intranet network and only its
members and staff have access to this network. This is also
used to protect your data and provide data security to a
particular organization, as it is a private network and does not
leak data to the outside world.
Types of Intranets:-
Several intranet types are available to meet organizations'
unique requirements and preferences. Let's investigate the
various intranet types.
1.Corporate Intranet: A corporate intranet is the main
platform for internal communication and cooperation inside a
firm. It gives employees access to internal materials, including
corporate news, guidelines, and records. Corporate intranets
often feature tools for internal messaging, file sharing, project
management, and employee directories. They foster a
centralized hub for employees to stay informed, collaborate
on projects, and access essential information about their roles.
2.Departmental Intranet: Departmental intranets are made
to meet the needs of certain teams or departments inside an
organization. They provide specialized features and resources
to meet the demands of a certain department, such as sales,
marketing, or human resources. These intranets allow
departments to have dedicated communication channels,
document repositories, and collaboration tools, enabling
streamlined workflows and focused collaboration within the
department.
3.Enterprise Intranet: An enterprise intranet connects
multiple organizations or subsidiaries within a larger
corporate structure. It provides a platform for sharing
information, resources, and knowledge across different
entities. Enterprise intranets facilitate collaboration,
coordination, and alignment of processes and strategies
among different organizations or subsidiaries within the same
corporate umbrella.
4.Virtual Private Intranet (VPN): Remote workers can
safely access an intranet's internal resources via a Virtual
Private Network (VPN). The data transmission between the
remote user and the intranet server is encrypted when a VPN
establishes a secure connection over the internet. This
guarantees that private information is kept secure and private
when workers are working remotely for the company.
5.Extranet-Enabled Intranet: An extranet-enabled intranet
extends access to external parties, such as clients, partners, or
vendors, to specific intranet sections with proper
authorization. This type of intranet allows external
stakeholders to collaborate, access shared documents or
project information, and participate in discussions while
maintaining control over the information they can access.
Extranet-enabled intranets enhance collaboration with
external parties, fostering stronger business relationships and
streamlined workflows.
6.Cloud-Based Intranet: A cloud-based intranet is accessed
via web browsers or specific apps and is hosted on a cloud
computing platform. It provides scalability, flexibility, and
remote access options. Intranets built on the cloud do not
require on-site infrastructure or maintenance. They let
employees access the intranet from any device with an
internet connection, making them the perfect solution for
organizations with geographically distributed teams and
remote work circumstances.
5.2 World Wide Web(WWW) :-
The World Wide Web (WWW), often called the Web, is a
system of interconnected webpages and information that you
can access using the Internet. It was created to help people
share and find information easily, using links that connect
different pages together. The Web allows us to browse
websites, watch videos, shop online, and connect with others
around the world through our computers and phones.
All public websites or web pages that people may access on
their local computers and other devices through the internet
are collectively known as the World Wide Web or W3. Users
can get further information by navigating to links
interconnecting these pages and documents. This data may be
presented in text, picture, audio, or video formats on the
internet.
WWW stands for World Wide Web and is commonly known
as the Web. The WWW was started by CERN in 1989.
WWW is defined as the collection of different websites
around the world, containing different information shared via
local servers(or computers).
Web pages are linked together using hyperlinks which are
HTML-formatted and, also referred to as hypertext, these are
the fundamental units of the Internet and are accessed
through Hypertext Transfer Protocol(HTTP) . Such digital
connections, or links, allow users to easily access desired
information by connecting relevant pieces of information.
The benefit of hypertext is it allows you to pick a word or
phrase from the text and click on other sites that have more
information about it.
It is a project created, by Tim Berner Lee in 1989, for
researchers to work together effectively at CERN. It is an
organization, named the World Wide Web Consortium
(W3C), which was developed for further development of the
web. This organization is directed by Tim Berner’s Lee, aka
the father of the web. CERN, where Tim Berners worked, is
a community of more than 1700 researchers from more than
100 countries. These researchers spend a little time on CERN
and the rest of the time they work at their colleges and
national research facilities in their home country, so there
was a requirement for solid communication so that they can
exchange data.
5.3 Website basics - Web Pages ( Dynamic And Static)
Static Web page :-
Static Web pages are very simple. It is written in languages
such as HTML, JavaScript, CSS, etc. For static web pages
when a server receives a request for a web page, then the
server sends the response to the client without doing any
additional process. These web pages are seen through a web
browser. In static web pages, Pages will remain the same
until someone changes it manually.
Dynamic Webpage :-
Dynamic Web Pages are written in languages such as CGI,
AJAX, ASP, ASP.NET, etc. In dynamic web pages, the
Content of pages is different for different visitors. It takes
more time to load than the static web page. Dynamic web
pages are used where the information is changed frequently,
for example, stock prices, weather information, etc.
Hyper text :-
"Hypertext" refers to links that connect web
pages to one another, either within a single
website or between websites. Links are a
fundamental aspect of the Web. By uploading
content to the Internet and linking it to pages
created by other people, you become an active
participant in the World Wide Web.
Hypertext is a way of organizing information on the web
that allows users to easily navigate between related
pieces of information. Hypertext is a fundamental
concept of the World Wide Web, and is often
implemented using Hypertext Markup Language
(HTML).
Web Browser :-
The web browser is an application software to explore www
(World Wide Web). It provides an interface between the
server and the client and it requests to the server for web
documents and services. It works as a compiler to render
HTML which is used to design a webpage. Whenever we
search for anything on the internet, the browser loads a web
page written in HTML, including text, links, images, and
other items such as style sheets and JavaScript functions.
Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari
are examples of web browsers.
The first web browser World Wide Web was invented in the
year of 1990 by Tim Berners-Lee. Later, it becomes Nexus.
In the year of 1993, a new browser Mosaic was invented by
Mark Andreessen and their team. It was the first browser to
display text and images at a time on the device screen. He
also invents another browser Netscape in 1994. Next year
Microsoft launched a web browser Internet Explorer which
was already installed in the Windows operating system. After
this many browsers were invented with various features like
Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc. For
more detail refer this article: History of Web Browsers
Web Servers :-
Web server is a program which processes the network
requests of the users and serves them with files that create
web pages. This exchange takes place using Hypertext
Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
Basically, web servers are computers used to store HTTP
files which makes a website and when a client requests a
certain website, it delivers the requested website to the client.
For example, you want to open Facebook on your laptop and
enter the URL in the search bar of google. Now, the laptop
will send an HTTP request to view the facebook webpage to
another computer known as the webserver. This computer
(webserver) contains all the files (usually in HTTP format)
which make up the website like text, images, gif files, etc.
After processing the request, the webserver will send the
requested website-related files to your computer and then you
can reach the website.
Different websites can be stored on the same or different web
servers but that doesn’t affect the actual website that you are
seeing in your computer. The web server can be any software
or hardware but is usually a software running on a computer.
One web server can handle multiple users at any given time
which is a necessity otherwise there had to be a web server
for each user and considering the current world population, is
nearly close to impossible. A web server is never
disconnected from the internet because if it was, then it won’t
be able to receive any requests, and therefore cannot process
them.
Web Hosting :-
Web Hosting is like renting space on the Internet or the web
browser, its equivalent to allocating server space on
the World Wide Web. Which secures your dedicated
environment for your web domain. Web hosting provides a
space to keep your website’s data on a server. When
someone enters your domain name into their browser, this
server promptly displays your site to them.
When your website is ready with full
responsiveness and great functionality then it needs a place
to live. Web hosting services provide that place where we
purchase a hosting plan such as Shared Hosting, Virtual
Private Server (VPS) Hosting, Dedicated Hosting, and
Cloud Hosting that includes providers Amazon Web
Services (AWS), Google Cloud, etc., WordPress Hosting,
among these GoDaddy is one of the largest and well-
known web hosting provider.
Web Hosting is the service that provides the resources to
a website and the necessary technologies for a website
that displays over the internet. When the user hits any
request the request goes to the server. Their PC connects to
the server where the website is stored, then the server sends
the website’s data to the user’s computer which is
displayed on the screen and allows them to view it in
their web browsers. So, it’s like renting a space on a
computer to store all the files and data of your website, so
others can visit it online.
Web Portal :-
Web Portal is a specially designed website that provides
information catered from various sources such as emails,
online forums, and search engines on one platform,
uniformly. It is a personalized and customized library that
helps in the navigation and personalization of notifications
that provide well-integrated information from diverse sources
with advanced features such as task management,
collaboration, business intelligence, etc.
Domain Name Server :-
The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the internet’s phone
book. It helps you find websites by translating easy-to-
remember names (like www.example.com) into the
numerical IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1) that computers use to
locate each other on the internet. Without DNS, you would
have to remember long strings of numbers to visit your
favorite websites.
Domain Name System (DNS) is a hostname used for IP
address translation services. DNS is a distributed database
implemented in a hierarchy of name servers. It is an
application layer protocol for message exchange between
clients and servers. It is required for the functioning of the
Internet.
Every host is identified by the IP address but remembering
numbers is very difficult for people also the IP addresses are
not static therefore a mapping is required to change the
domain name to the IP address. So DNS is used to convert
the domain name of the websites to their numerical IP
address.
5.4 Overview Of Client & Server Side Scripting :-
1. Client-side scripting :
Web browsers execute client-side scripting. It is used when
browsers have all code. Source code is used to transfer
from webserver to user’s computer over the internet and run
directly on browsers. It is also used for validations and
functionality for user events.
It allows for more interactivity. It usually performs several
actions without going to the user. It cannot be basically used
to connect to databases on a web server. These scripts cannot
access the file system that resides in the web browser. Pages
are altered on basis of the user’s choice. It can also be used to
create “cookies” that store data on the user’s computer.
2. Server-side scripting :
Web servers are used to execute server-side scripting. They
are basically used to create dynamic pages. It can also access
the file system residing at the webserver. A server-side
environment that runs on a scripting language is a web
server.
Scripts can be written in any of a number of server-side
scripting languages available. It is used to retrieve and
generate content for dynamic pages. It is used to require to
download plugins. In this load times are generally faster than
client-side scripting. When you need to store and retrieve
information a database will be used to contain data. It can use
huge resources of the server. It reduces client-side
computation overhead. The server sends pages to the request
of the user/client.
Applications of Internet
Applications of Internet have revolutionized the way we live,
work, learn, and communicate. What started as a military
communication network has grown into a global system that
connects billions of users and devices around the world. The
applications of the internet are vast, changing how we do
everything from shopping and banking to entertainment and
business. In this blog post, we’ll explore the applications of
the internet and how they impact our daily lives.
1. Communication
The Applications of internet has dramatically transformed
communication by providing free or low-cost ways for people
to connect. Email was one of the earliest internet applications,
allowing virtually instant communication worldwide. Video
calling services like Skype and FaceTime have made it
possible to communicate face-to-face over the Internet.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger
allow instant messaging, while social networks like Facebook
and Twitter enable public conversations.
The proliferation of internet-based communication tools has
made the world feel smaller and more connected. Family and
friends across the globe can easily stay in touch through
messaging and video chat. Businesses use email and video
conferencing to communicate with teams and clients
worldwide without the need for expensive long-distance
charges.
2. Web Browsing & Information Access
One of the primary uses of the internet is accessing
information through web browsers like Chrome, Firefox and
Safari. The internet provides endless amounts of information
that can be accessed immediately from almost anywhere with
an internet connection. People routinely use web browsing to
access news, research topics of interest, learn new skills
through educational sites like Khan Academy, read reviews
before purchasing a product, get driving directions, and more.
Web browsing has made information easily accessible and
available to Applications of internet users around the globe.
Having the bulk of human knowledge at one’s fingertips has
accelerated learning and enabled discoveries.
3. Online Shopping
Ecommerce sites like Amazon and eBay have transformed
how consumers purchase everything from clothing to
furniture. Online shopping provides unparalleled access to
goods and services that may not be available locally. It also
allows consumers to easily compare prices between multiple
retailers through sites like Google Shopping.
The benefits of online shopping include convenience,
competitive pricing, broader selection, ability to purchase
goods from other countries, and the ability to send gifts more
easily. Online shopping has grown rapidly over the past two
decades.
4. Real-Time Updates & Information Sharing
Before the Applications of internet, print newspapers, radio
and television were the primary medium for obtaining news.
The internet has enabled people to access real-time updates
and breaking news stories as they occur. News sites are able
to update stories throughout the day, keeping the public
constantly informed. Citizens can even report live events as
they happen through social media, providing on-the-ground
perspectives.
The internet also enables governments, businesses and public
figures to share information and updates in real-time. Alarm
systems and internet-connected cameras can live-stream crime
events as they occur. Meteorologists have greatly improved
forecasting accuracy by leveraging real-time weather data.
Stock trading has been transformed through real-time stock
tickers and trading platforms.
5. Social Media
Social media has become a primary way that people interact
online. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat
and TikTok allow users across the globe to share updates,
photos, videos, and conversations. People can interact with
friends, family, strangers, politicians, celebrities and
businesses through social media. These platforms have
created online communities where people can gather based on
shared interests.
Social media has also enabled new forms of political
engagement, social movements and activism. Hashtags on
platforms like Twitter allow users to easily follow and join in
global conversations. Social media provides a way for people
to stay socially connected even when they live far apart.
However, social media can also facilitate the spread of
misinformation and impact mental health if not used
responsibly. Overall, social media enabled by Applications of
internet applications has profoundly shaped modern culture.
6. Job Search & Remote Work
The internet provides new opportunities for people to find
work and earn income. Job search sites like LinkedIn,
Monster and Indeed allow people to easily search for and
apply for jobs across the country from their home. Applicants
can also use sites like Glassdoor to research company reviews
and salaries as part of their job search process.
Many jobs today can be done entirely remotely through the
internet. Workers can use business productivity software like
Slack, Trello and Asana to collaborate with teams worldwide
through the internet. Video conferencing apps enable remote
meetings.
7. Education & Learning
The internet has created revolutionary changes and
opportunities in education. It has enabled the widespread
availability of online education through platforms like
Coursera, Udemy, edX and Khan Academy. Massive open
online courses (MOOCs) have made courses from leading
universities around the world accessible to anyone with an
Apllications of internet connection. K-12 schools utilize
online learning software and educational apps to augment in-
classroom teaching.
Students can also easily access digital textbooks, papers and
journals for research online through library databases and
search engines. The internet provides unlimited education--al
content for learning and opens doors for people everywhere to
access education.
8. Travel & Transportation
The internet has heavily influenced transportation and
tourism. People routinely use sites like Expedia, Priceline and
Kayak to book flights, hotels and rental cars for travel.
Review sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp help travelers
research destinations and businesses. Smartphone apps like
Google Maps and Waze provide real-time navigation, traffic
updates and transit schedules.
Ridesharing services like Uber rely on internet-enabled
mobile apps to coordinate transportation. Many airlines
provide internet access on flights for entertainment and
productivity.
9. Stock Trading & Finance
The internet has also had substantial impacts on trading,
banking and finance. Online brokers like E-Trade and Charles
Schwab allow individuals to trade stocks online securely.
People can manage their finances and bank accounts through
internet banking and finance apps using any internet-
connected device.
The internet increases access to financial services by enabling
online lending, banking and investment platforms.
Algorithmic high-frequency trading relies on ultra-fast
internet connections to trade based on market fluctuations.
10. Video Conferencing
Finally, video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype,
FaceTime and Google Meet have become vital business and
personal communication tools powered by the internet. These
services enable meetings, interviews, conferences and
hangouts with two or more participants through video chat.
This allows for productive remote collaboration and meetings
when in-person gatherings are not possible.
Video conferencing has enabled remote work and virtual
offices to become viable for many companies. Families and
friends also use video chat services to connect face-to-face
when separated geographically.