World wide web

WWW stands for World Wide Web. It is a system of interlinked hypertext documents and other
resources, accessed through the Internet using a web browser.
Definition:
The World Wide Web (WWW) is an information system where documents and other web resources
are identified by URLs (Uniform Resource Locators), interconnected by hyperlinks, and can be
accessed via the Internet.
Key Features:
• Uses HTTP/HTTPS protocol to transfer data.
• Requires a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox) to access content.
• Information is presented in web pages that can include text, images, videos, and interactive
elements.
Difference from the Internet:
• The Internet is the global network of computers.
• The WWW is one of the services that runs on the Internet (like email, file sharing, etc.).

Internet
The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers and devices that communicate with
each other using standardized protocols.
Definition:
The Internet is a massive network of networks that allows computers and other devices around the
world to communicate, share data, and access information.
Key Features:
• Uses IP (Internet Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) for communication.
• Enables services like the World Wide Web (WWW), email, file transfer, online gaming,
video streaming, and more.
• Devices are connected using cables, fiber optics, wireless signals, and satellites.
What are Operating Systems?
An Operating System (OS) is a system software that acts as an interface between the user and the
computer hardware. It manages all the hardware and software resources on a computer.
Operating System Services
1. Program Execution
The OS loads programs into memory and executes them, managing their lifecycle from start
to termination.
2. Input/Output (I/O) Operations
It facilitates communication between the system and I/O devices like keyboards, mice,
printers, and displays.
3. File System Management
The OS manages files on storage devices, handling operations such as creation, deletion,
reading, writing, and organization.
4. Process Management
It oversees the execution of processes, including multitasking, process synchronization, and
inter-process communication.
5. Memory Management
The OS allocates and deallocates memory space as needed by programs, ensuring efficient
memory utilization and protection.
6. Security and Protection
It safeguards system resources and data against unauthorized access and ensures that
programs do not interfere with each other.
7. Error Detection and Handling
The OS detects and responds to errors in hardware and software, maintaining system stability
and reliability.
8. Resource Allocation
It manages the distribution of hardware resources like CPU time, memory space, and I/O
devices among various programs and users.
9. User Interface (UI)
Provides interfaces for user interaction, which can be command-line based (CLI) or graphical
(GUI), facilitating user control over the system.

What is Client-Server Architecture?

Client-server architecture is a computing model in which a central server provides resources or
services to multiple clients. The client sends a request to the server, and the server processes the
request and returns the desired output.
It is based on two main components:
1. Client – A device or program that sends a request for services.
2. Server – A device or program that listens for requests and provides the requested service.
How It Works
1. The client initiates communication by sending a request.
2. The server receives the request, processes it, and sends back the response.
3. This interaction is usually based on a request-response model.
4. Communication is typically done over a network using protocols like HTTP, FTP, SMTP,
etc.

Examples
• A web browser (client) requesting a web page from a web server.
• An email app fetching emails from an email server.
• A mobile banking app connecting to the bank’s backend server.

Advantages

• Centralized Control – All data and services are stored in one place.

• Easier Maintenance – Updates are done on the server side.

• Scalability – More clients can be added without affecting the server performance much.

• Security – Data is managed and protected in one central location.

Disadvantages

• Server Dependency – If the server goes down, all clients are affected.

• Network Traffic – Too many requests may overload the server.

• Cost – Maintaining powerful servers can be expensive.

Types of Computer Networks & Protocols Used

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

• Definition:
A network that connects computers within a small area like a home, school, or office building.
• Characteristics:
High speed, low cost, covers small area.
• Protocols Used:
o Ethernet (IEEE 802.3)
o Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11)
o TCP/IP
• Example:
Computers connected in a school lab.

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

• Definition:
A network that covers a city or a large campus.
• Characteristics:
Larger than LAN, connects multiple LANs.
• Protocols Used:
o ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
o Frame Relay
o Ethernet (in expanded form)
• Example:
Network connecting all branches of a university within a city.

3. Wide Area Network (WAN)

• Definition:
A network that spans a large geographical area, like a country or even globally.
• Characteristics:
Connects LANs and MANs over long distances.
• Protocols Used:
o IP (Internet Protocol)
o MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
o PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
 o TCP
• Example:
The Internet, bank networks across the country.

4. Personal Area Network (PAN)

• Definition:
A small network for personal devices within a few meters.
• Characteristics:
Very short range, low power, for personal use.
• Protocols Used:
o Bluetooth
o Infrared (IR)
o USB
• Example:
Smartphone connected to Bluetooth earphones.

Domain Name System (DNS)

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a system that translates human-readable domain names
(like www.google.com) into IP addresses (like 142.250.64.68) that computers use to identify each
other on the network.

Key Points:

• DNS acts like the phonebook of the internet.

• It helps users access websites using names instead of remembering numeric IP addresses.
• DNS servers store and manage this mapping of domain names to IPs.
• It works using a hierarchy, including root servers, top-level domains (TLDs), and
authoritative name servers.
 Example:

When you type www.example.com in your browser, DNS translates it to its IP address, allowing your
computer to connect to the website.