4th Quarter ICT Notes

Lesson 1: Understanding the Internet and the World Wide Web

1. Computer Networks

●​ A computer network is a set of computers connected to communicate and share data.

●​ It can be either wired (using cables) or wireless (using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).

2. The Internet

●​ The Internet is a global network that connects computers worldwide to share data and
communicate.
●​ It spans the entire world and runs through trans-oceanic submarine wires.

3. How the Internet Works

●​ The Internet consists of clients (user devices like computers, tablets, or phones) and servers (which
store and provide information).
●​ When accessing a website:
○​ The client requests data from the server.
○​ The server responds by sending the requested web page and its content.

4. Accessing the Internet

●​ Each website has an IP Address (a unique numerical label).

●​ Instead of typing an IP address, users enter a Domain Name (e.g., www.tiktok.com), which is
translated into an IP address by the Domain Name System (DNS).
●​ An Internet Service Provider (ISP) (e.g., DITO) connects users to the Internet.

5. The World Wide Web (WWW)

●​ The World Wide Web is a collection of web pages and online resources that can be accessed
through the Internet.
●​ It consists of:
○​ Social media platforms
○​ Search engines (like Google)
○​ Productivity tools (like Google Docs)
○​ Blogs and more.

6. Must-Know Web Terms

●​ Web page: A single document on the Internet.

●​ Website: A collection of web pages under one domain.
●​ Web browser: A software used to access and navigate web pages (e.g., Google Chrome, Safari,
Mozilla Firefox).
●​ Uniform Resource Locator (URL): The address of a web page (e.g., http://www.internet.com).

7. Internet vs. World Wide Web

 ●​ The Internet is like a library building (the entire network).
●​ The World Wide Web is like the books inside the library (web pages and websites stored on the
Internet).

8. How the Web Works

●​ The web operates using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which ensures information is
transferred between a client and a server.
●​ HTTP Request: A client sends a request to a server for a webpage.
●​ HTTP Response: The server responds by sending the requested web page back to the client.

Lesson 2:Computer Networks

Computer Network

A computer network is a set of computers that are connected together for communication purposes.
This connection allows devices to share information, resources, and services such as files, printers, and the
internet. Networks can be wired, using cables, or wireless, using radio waves like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Computer networks vary in size and coverage. The five main types include PAN (Personal Area Network),
LAN (Local Area Network), CAN (Campus Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), and
WAN (Wide Area Network). PAN is the smallest, covering personal devices like Bluetooth connections.
LAN is slightly larger, connecting computers in a home, school, or office. CAN links multiple LANs within a
campus or a set of buildings. MAN spans an entire city or metropolitan area, while WAN covers vast
geographical regions, including entire countries or even the world, like the internet.

●​ Personal Area Network (PAN)

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a computer network that covers the user’s immediate area
or personal workspace. It typically connects personal devices such as smartphones, laptops,
tablets, and Bluetooth-enabled accessories like wireless headphones or smartwatches. PANs
are used for short-range communication and data transfer.

●​ Local Area Network (LAN)

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that covers a small area, such as a
household, an office floor, or a small building. LANs are commonly used in schools,
businesses, and homes to connect computers, printers, and other devices. They offer high-speed
data transfer and are often connected to the internet through a router.

●​ Campus Area Network (CAN)

A Campus Area Network (CAN) is a computer network that covers a district or several
buildings. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). CANs are
commonly used in universities, business campuses, or military bases, where multiple buildings
need to be interconnected to share data and resources efficiently.

●​ Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a computer network that spans a metropolitan area,
like a town or a city. It connects multiple LANs and CANs to allow for faster communication
across a larger area. MANs are used by government agencies, businesses, and large
organizations to provide network access over a broad geographical region.
 ●​ Wide Area Network (WAN)

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a large geographical area, like
a country or even the entire world. The internet is the largest example of a WAN. WANs connect
multiple LANs, MANs, and other networks using satellites, fiber-optic cables, and wireless
connections. These networks are essential for global communication, online services, and
cloud computing.

File Sharing

File sharing is the practice of distributing or providing access to digital files and media between
different computers or users. This can be done through a computer network, enabling multiple users to
access the same files without needing to transfer them manually. File sharing improves efficiency and
collaboration, especially in workplaces and educational institutions.

In this process, a host device stores and shares files, applications, or services, while a client device
requests access and uses them. Hosts are typically servers, main computers, or cloud storage
systems, while clients can be personal computers, smartphones, or tablets that retrieve and use the
files. File sharing can occur through local networks (LAN) or the internet (WAN), ensuring that multiple
users can work on or access shared data efficiently.

Host

A host is the device providing and maintaining access to a file, application, or service within a network.
It serves as a central computer that manages communication, processes requests, and stores important
data that other devices, known as clients, can access. A host can be a server, a main computer, or even
a website on the internet.

Client

A client is the device requesting for, or making use of, the said file or service from a host. It depends
on the host to retrieve data or perform tasks. Examples of clients include personal computers, mobile
phones, or tablets that connect to a network to access shared resources like emails, cloud storage, or
websites.

Network Topology

Network topology refers to the arrangement of computers in a network, showing how they are
connected with each other. The structure of a network determines how data flows and can impact
speed, security, and reliability. Common types include bus, star, ring, and mesh topologies, each with its
own advantages and best-use scenarios.

Network topology refers to the different ways computers and devices are arranged in a network,
determining how data flows between them. The most common topologies include:

●​ Bus Topology: All devices share a single communication line, making it simple but prone to data
collisions.
●​ Star Topology: All devices connect to a central hub, making it easy to manage but dependent on
the hub’s functionality.
●​ Tree Topology: A combination of bus and star, forming a hierarchical structure ideal for large
networks.
 ●​ Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a circular pattern, ensuring a structured flow of data but
vulnerable to failure if one connection breaks.
●​ Mesh Topology: Each device connects to multiple others, providing redundancy and high reliability
but requiring more resources.
●​ Hybrid Topology: A mix of two or more topologies, balancing performance and flexibility.

The Mystery of the Missing File Activity

One day, Mia and her friends were working on a group project in the computer lab.​
Their school computers were connected through a computer network, allowing them to share files and
communicate easily with each other.

Mia saved their group’s presentation on her computer, but when her friend Jake tried to open it from his
computer, he couldn’t find it!

“Don’t worry,” their teacher said. “We can use file sharing to access it from another device.”

Their school’s network had a main computer called a host, which stored important files, while other
computers, like Mia’s and Jake’s, were called client because they accessed data from that main computer.

Their teacher explained that the way computers connect in a network is called a network topology.
Different structures, like star or bus, affect how data moves between devices.

Mia asked, “Does our computer connect online to the Internet?” Their teacher nodded. “Yes, but only
through a secure connection. After all, it is the biggest network ever, linking computers worldwide.”

“Our school’s system is a Local Area Network, which meant it covers only our school. In your home, Mia,
you have a Personal Area Network, which connects your phone and laptop using Bluetooth.”

“How about a Wide Area Network?” Jake asked. Their teacher smiled. “That’s a network that covers large
areas, like a company with offices in different cities or even the Internet itself!”

With their teacher’s help, Jake quickly found the missing file, sent by Mia from her computer to his, and
finished their project. Thanks to computer networks, teamwork was easier than ever!

Which type of network would be best for a school, and why?​

A Local Area Network (LAN) would be best for a school because it connects all computers within a
limited area, like classrooms and computer labs. It allows students and teachers to share files, access
printers, and use the Internet efficiently. LANs also provide better security and faster communication
compared to larger networks.​

What is the difference between a host and a client?​

A host is a main computer or server that stores and manages data, services, or resources in a network. A
client is a device, like a laptop or desktop, that connects to the host to access those resources. Simply put,
the host provides, while the client receives.​

Which network topology do you think is the most efficient, and why?​
The star topology is the most efficient because each device is connected to a central hub or switch,
reducing the risk of network failure. If one device stops working, it does not affect the rest of the network. It
also allows for easy troubleshooting and faster data transmission.​

What is one real-world example of a computer network that you use daily?​
The Internet is a real-world example of a computer network that I use daily. It connects millions of
computers worldwide, allowing access to websites, online communication, and file sharing. Whether using
Wi-Fi at home or mobile data, I rely on the Internet for research, entertainment, and communication.