Unit:1 Introduction to Internet

Introduction to Internet – World Wide Web – Browsers: Introduction – Popular Web Browsers –
know your browsers – Electronic Mail : Introduction – E-mail networks and servers – E-mail
protocols– Structure of an E-mail.

What is the Internet?

 The Internet is a worldwide network that connects millions of computers and devices. It
allows people to share information, communicate, and access services like websites, emails,
videos, and online games.
 Definition:-the internet is a worldwide system of interconnected computer networks that use
the TCP/IP or protocol to communication between devices.

How the Internet Delivers a Webpage to Your Browser

1. DNS Resolution and IP Address Lookup
When a user types a website URL (like www.example.com) in the browser, the browser first contacts
the Domain Name System (DNS) to convert the human-readable domain name into a machine-
readable IP address. This IP address identifies the exact server where the website is hosted.

2. Sending HTTP Request Using TCP/IP

After obtaining the IP address, the browser sends an HTTP request to the web server using the
TCP/IP protocol. This request travels through various network devices like routers to reach the
destination server on the internet.

3. Server Response and Webpage Display

The web server processes the request and sends back an HTTP response containing the website's
files such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The browser then reads this data and renders the
website, displaying it on the user’s screen.

Internet Services
Internet services are a variety of functions or resources provided over the internet that allow users to
communicate, share, and access information.
To access/exchange a large amount of data such as software, audio clips, video clips, text files, other
documents, etc., we need internet services. You must use an Internet service to connect to the
Internet. Data can be sent from Internet servers to your machine via Internet service. Some of the
commonly used internet services are :
 Communication Services
 Information Retrieval Services
 File Transfer
 World Wide Web Services
 Web Services
 Directory Services
 Automatic Network Address Configuration
 Network Management Services
 Time Services
 Usenet
 NewsGroup
 Ecommerce

Key components of internet

 An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifying number assigned to every device
connected to the internet.
  It acts as a numeric label that helps devices identify each other and communicate over the
internet .Every device (computer, smartphone, printer, etc.) must have an IP address to send or
receive data online.
 It helps in identifying the device and its network interface for communication.
 IP addresses are essential for routing data packets between devices over a network.
 Purpose: To identify devices on a network and enable communication between them.
 Structure: Represented in dotted decimal format (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
 Types: IPv4 – 32-bit address format (e.g., 192.168.0.1).IPv6 – 128-bit address format;
supports a much larger number of devices.

2. DNS (Domain Name System) acts as the internet's phonebook, translating human-readable
domain names like "google.com" into the numerical IP addresses (like 142.250.182.206) that
computers use to locate and communicate with each other. This process is called DNS
resolution.
 It helps users access websites without remembering long numeric IP addresses.
 DNS servers are distributed globally to improve speed and reliability.
 If a DNS server cannot find the IP address, it queries other servers until it gets the correct
information.
 DNS uses UDP protocol(user datagram) on port 53 for communication.
 Common types of DNS records include A (Address), MX (Mail Exchange), and
CNAME (Canonical Name).
 DNS improves usability and ensures a smooth browsing experience

3. In a client-server model, a client is a device or application that requests services or

resources from a server, while the server is a device or application that provides these services
or resources to the client. This relationship is fundamental to many internet and network
applications.
Client:
 Initiates communication by sending requests to the server.
 Receives and processes the results provided by the server.
 Examples include web browsers, email clients, and mobile apps.
Server:
 Responds to client requests by providing data, resources, or performing tasks.
 Handles tasks like data storage, security, and resource management.
 Examples include web servers, database servers, and application servers.

4. Router
 A router connects multiple devices (like phones, laptops) within a local network (LAN).
 It distributes internet from the modem to various devices.
 Assigns local IP addresses to each connected device.
 Can be wired or wireless (Wi-Fi router).

5. Modem
 A modem connects your home or office network to the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
 It modulates and demodulates digital data into signals over cables (telephone, fiber, etc.).
 Without a modem, devices cannot access the internet.

Difference Between Router and Modem

Feature Modem Router
Function Connects to the ISP Connects devices within a network
Role Provides internet access Shares internet to multiple devices
IP Address Has a public IP address Assigns local IPs to devices
Internet Access Required for internet Not required alone for internet
Needed to get internet from
Example Use Needed to use Wi-Fi at home
ISP
 6. Protocols
 Protocols are a set of rules and standards that enable devices to communicate and
exchange data over a network.
 They ensure correct, secure, and reliable communication.

Common Internet Protocols

Protocol Full Form Function
HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol Transfers web pages and content over the web.
HyperText Transfer Protocol
HTTPS Secure version of HTTP with encryption (SSL/TLS).
Secure
Ensures reliable, ordered, and error-checked data
TCP Transmission Control Protocol
delivery.
IP Internet Protocol Addresses and routes data packets across networks.
FTP File Transfer Protocol Transfers files between client and server.
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Sends emails from client to mail server.
Retrieves emails from the server and downloads to
POP3 Post Office Protocol version 3
device.
IMAP Internet Message Access Protocol Accesses and manages email on the mail server.
Converts domain names (like google.com) into IP
DNS Domain Name System
addresses.

History of the Internet

 The Internet began as a research project called ARPANET in 1969 by the U.S. Department
of Defense (ARPA – Advanced Research Projects Agency).
 ARPANET connected four universities and allowed them to share data and research over
telephone lines.
 In the 1970s, scientists Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn developed the TCP/IP protocols,
which became the standard for data transmission.
 On January 1, 1983, ARPANET adopted TCP/IP, marking the official birth of the Internet.
 The term "Internet" was used to describe this global network of interconnected computers.
 In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web (WWW), which made the
Internet accessible to the public through browsers.
 In the 1990s, internet services like email, websites, and chat became common.
 In the 2000s, broadband and Wi-Fi technology expanded internet access rapidly.
 Today, the Internet is essential for communication, education, commerce, entertainment,
and more.

Advantages of the Internet Disadvantages of the Internet

 Access to vast information.  Risk of cybercrimes like hacking
 Easy and fast communication. and phishing.
 Convenience in shopping and banking.  Addiction to social media and
 Learning from anywhere in the world. games.
 Privacy concerns. Spread of fake
news and misinformation

World World Wide Web (WWW)

Definition:
 The World Wide Web (WWW) is a system of interlinked web pages accessed through the
Internet.
 It allows users to view text, images, videos, audio, and other multimedia content on
websites.
Inventor:
 Invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 while working at CERN (European Organization for
Nuclear Research).
Purpose and Uses:
 Helps users share and find information easily using hyperlinks.
 Common uses: browsing websites, watching videos, shopping online, education, research,
business, and global communication.
How It Works:
 Web pages are written in HTML (HyperText Markup Language).
 Pages are connected via hyperlinks that let users move from one page to another.
 Web browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari) are used to access and view these web pages.
 The Web uses the client-server model: the browser (client) sends a request, and the server
responds with data.
Common Protocol:
 Uses HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS (secure version of HTTP) for
accessing web pages.
Structure and Features:
 All publicly available websites on the Internet form the World Wide Web (W3).
 Supports various content formats: text, images, audio, video.
 Provides a rich, interactive multimedia platform.
 Websites can be:
o Static – content stays the same for all users.
o Dynamic – content changes based on user interaction.

Difference Between Internet and WWW:

Internet World Wide Web (WWW)
Global network of interconnected computers A service running on top of the Internet
Provides various services (email, web, FTP) Specifically provides web pages and resources
Physical infrastructure (hardware, routers) Logical system of linked documents

Web Browsers: Introduction

 A web browser is a software application used to access and view websites on the Internet.
 It retrieves web pages from web servers and displays them on your device.
 Examples include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.

How Does a Web Browser Work?

1. User enters a URL:
You type a website address (URL) in the browser’s address bar.
2. Browser sends a request:
The browser sends this request over the Internet to the website’s server.
3. Server responds:
The web server sends back the requested web page’s data (written in HTML, CSS,
JavaScript).
4. Browser renders the page:
The browser processes the data and displays the formatted webpage with text, images, videos,
and links.

Types of Web Browsers

1. Graphical Browsers:
Display text, images, videos, and multimedia content.
Examples: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge.
2. Text-Based Browsers:
Show only text without images or graphics. Useful in limited environments.
Example: Lynx.
Website Cookies
When we visited any website over the internet our web browser stores information about us in
small files called cookies. Cookies are designed to remember stateful information about our
browsing history. Some more cookies are used to remember about us like our interests, our
browsing patterns, etc. Websites show us ads based on our interests using cookies.

Architecture of web browsers

User Interface
The User Interface is the part of the web browser that users directly interact with. It includes elements
like the address bar, back/forward buttons, refresh button, and tab system. It allows the user to input
URLs and view the results of their browsing activity.

Browser Engine

The Browser Engine acts as a bridge between the User Interface and the Rendering Engine. It
receives commands from the User Interface and communicates them to the Rendering Engine. It also
controls the flow of data and operations within the browser

Rendering Engine

The Rendering Engine is responsible for displaying web content on the screen. It takes HTML and
CSS files from the network and turns them into a visual layout. It constructs the Document Object
Model (DOM) and shows the final web page to the user.

JavaScript Interpreter
The JavaScript Interpreter executes the JavaScript code found in web pages. It enables interactivity
and dynamic content, like animations, pop-ups, and real-time updates. It works closely with the
Rendering Engine to update the webpage content as needed.

UI Backend
The UI Backend draws the basic user interface elements such as checkboxes, buttons, and
dropdowns. It uses system-level libraries provided by the operating system to make the controls
appear native to the platform (Windows, macOS, etc.).

Networking
The Networking component handles all communication between the browser and the Internet. It
sends and receives data using protocols like HTTP and HTTPS. It fetches web pages, images, and
scripts from remote servers and passes them to the browser.

Data Persistence
Data Persistence is used to store user-related data locally on the device. This includes cookies, cache,
local storage, and session storage. It helps websites remember user preferences, login sessions, and
load content faster during future visits.

Popular Web Browsers

 Google Chrome
Google Chrome is a web browser developed by Google. It is known for its high speed, simple user
interface, and strong security features. Chrome supports a wide range of extensions that enhance the
browsing experience, such as ad blockers, productivity tools, and developer utilities. It is built on the
Chromium open-source project, which serves as the foundation for several other modern browsers.

 Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a browser developed by Microsoft. Originally built with a different engine, it was
later rebuilt using Chromium, the same engine that powers Google Chrome. This gives Edge
improved compatibility and speed. It is closely integrated with Windows operating system features
and offers tools optimized for Windows performance and security.

 Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is a free and open-source browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation. It is highly
respected for its strong commitment to user privacy and its non-profit background. Firefox provides
many customization options, privacy tools, and developer-friendly features. Unlike Chrome and
Edge, Firefox does not use the Chromium engine; instead, it uses its own rendering engine called
Gecko.

 Safari

Safari is a web browser developed by Apple Inc. It is the default browser for all MacOS and iOS
devices. Safari is known for its energy efficiency, making it ideal for Apple devices with limited
battery usage. It also focuses on user privacy and fast performance, providing a smooth and secure
browsing experience tailored to Apple users.

Email
 Email (Electronic Mail) is a way to send and receive messages electronically via the Internet.
 It allows instant communication with text, attachments (files, images).
 Each user has a unique email address like [email protected].

How Email Works Using Protocols

1. Sending Email:
When you send an email, your email client uses SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to
send the message to the outgoing mail server.
2. Email Storage:
The outgoing server forwards the email to the recipient’s mail server.
3. Receiving Email:
The recipient’s mail server stores the email. The recipient’s email client fetches emails using
either:
o POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3): Downloads emails to the device and often deletes
them from the server.
 o IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): Synchronizes emails between the server
and multiple devices, keeping emails on the server.
o
Summary of Email Protocols
Protocol Purpose Function
SMTP Sending emails Transfers outgoing mail to mail servers
POP3 Receiving emails Downloads emails to a single device
IMAP Receiving and managing emails Syncs emails across multiple devices
Email Networks and Servers
What is an Email Network?An email network is the system that allows email messages to travel
from the sender to the recipient using the Internet. It involves multiple computers (servers and clients)
connected together to send, store, and receive emails.

Types of Email Servers

1. Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP Server)
 Sends emails from the sender’s device to the recipient’s mail server.
 Uses the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to transfer emails.
2. Incoming Mail Server
 Receives and stores incoming emails until the recipient accesses them.
 Uses either:

POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) — downloads and often deletes emails from the server.
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) — synchronizes emails between server and
multiple devices.

How Email Servers Work in the Network

 When you send an email, it goes from your device to the SMTP server.
 The SMTP server routes the email over the Internet to the recipient’s incoming mail server
(POP3 or IMAP).
 The recipient’s mail client downloads or syncs the email from their incoming server.
 This entire process happens in seconds across the email network

Email Protocols
Email protocols are the set of rules that email programs use to send, receive, and retrieve email
messages over the Internet.
1. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
 Used to send emails from the sender’s email client to the outgoing mail server and between
mail servers.
 SMTP handles the process of transferring your email to the recipient’s mail server.
 Works on port 25 (or port 587 for secure SMTP).

2. POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3)

 Used to receive emails by downloading them from the mail server to the user’s device.
 Once downloaded, emails are usually deleted from the server.
 Good for accessing email from a single device.
 Works on port 110 (or port 995 for secure POP3).

3. IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

 Used to receive and manage emails directly on the mail server.
 Emails remain on the server and can be accessed from multiple devices.
 Allows synchronization of folders, flags, and email status.
 Works on port 143 (or port 993 for secure IMAP).

Structure of an Email
1.Header:
The header is the top section of the email. It contains information about the sender, recipient,
and email properties.
• From: This shows the email address of the sender—the person who is sending the email.
• To: This contains the email address of the main recipient—the person to whom the email is
directly addressed.
• Cc (Carbon Copy): This stands for Carbon Copy. It is used to send a copy of the email to other
people apart from the main recipient. Everyone who receives the email can see who else got it.
• Bcc (Blind Carbon Copy): This stands for Blind Carbon Copy. It also sends a copy to other people,
but recipients in Bcc are hidden from other recipients. Useful for confidential or mass emails.
• Subject: The Subject is a short title or line that tells the reader what the email is about. It helps the
recipient quickly understand the purpose of the email.
• Date and Time: This indicates when the email was sent. It is automatically added by the email
system and helps track the timing of communication.
• Reply-To: This shows the email address where replies should be sent. Sometimes, it may be
different from the sender’s address, especially in official or business emails.
• Message-ID: This is a unique identifier assigned to every email. It helps email servers track and
manage messages, especially in threaded conversations or troubleshooting.

2.Body:

The body is the main part of the email that contains the actual message written by the sender.
• Message Text: This is the main content or message typed by the sender. It can be formal or
informal depending on the purpose (e.g., inquiry, update, complaint).
• Attachments: These are optional files like images, PDFs, Word documents, or spreadsheets added
with the email. The recipient can download and view them.
• Formatting: Emails can include formatted text, such as bold, italics, colored fonts, bullet points,
and hyperlinks to websites or other resources.

Optional Parts:

• Signature: A signature is added automatically or manually at the end of an email. It often

includes the sender's name, designation, contact number, and company name. It makes the
email look professional.
• Footer: A footer appears at the very end of an email and may include legal disclaimers, company
information, unsubscribe links, or extra notes. It is common in business and marketing emails.