Unit II
Unit II
The internet is a global network of computer systems that allows people to communicate
and share information across vast distances. It is a vast network of networks that connects billions
of devices around the world, including computers, smartphones, and other digital devices.
The internet has several key features that make it a powerful and versatile tool for communication,
commerce, and entertainment.
1. Accessibility: The internet is widely accessible and available to anyone with an internet-connected
device. It can be accessed from almost anywhere in the world, making it a powerful tool for
communication and information sharing.
2. Global Reach: The internet has a global reach that allows people to connect and communicate
with others from all over the world. This has helped to create a more interconnected and globalized
world.
4. Multimedia Content: The internet allows for the creation and sharing of a wide range of
multimedia content, including text, images, audio, and video. This has enabled the development of
new forms of entertainment, such as streaming services and online gaming.
5. Searchability: The internet is highly searchable, making it easy to find information on a wide range
of topics. This has revolutionized the way people access and consume information.
6. Scalability: The internet is highly scalable, meaning that it can support a vast number of users and
devices. This has enabled the development of large-scale online platforms and services, such as
social media and e-commerce sites.
Overall, the internet is a powerful and versatile tool that has transformed the way we communicate,
learn, work, and socialize. Its accessibility, global reach, and interactivity have enabled people to
connect and collaborate in ways that were previously impossible.
Applications of Internet
The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and conduct
business. Some of the most common applications of the internet include:
1. Communication: The internet has transformed the way we communicate. We can now connect
with people all over the world using various communication tools such as email, instant messaging,
video conferencing, and social media.
2. Information sharing: The internet is a vast repository of information that can be accessed from
anywhere in the world. This has made it easier for people to research, learn, and stay informed on
a wide range of topics.
3. E-commerce: The internet has enabled businesses to sell products. and services online, which has
created new opportunities for entrepreneurs and made it easier for consumers to shop from the
comfort of their homes.
4. Education: The internet has transformed education by providing access to online courses, -books,
and other educational resources. This has made it easier for people to learn new skills and advance
their careers.
5. Entertainment: The internet has also revolutionized the entertainment industry by providing
access to music, movies, TV shows, and other forms of digital media.
6. Social networking: The rise of social media platforms has enabled people to connect with each
other, share information, and build communities online.
7. Healthcare: The internet has also transformed the healthcare industry by providing access to
telemedicine and other remote health services, making it easier for patients to connect with doctors
and receive medical advice.
8. Research: The internet has also made it easier for researchers to collaborate and share
information, accelerating the pace of scientific and technological advances.
Overall, the Internet has had a profound impact on the way we live and work, and it will continue to
shape our world in the years to come.
History of Internet
The foundation of Internet was laid in 1969 by the Department of Defense (DoD) of United States of
America. They wanted to create a computer network that could continue to function in the event of
a disaster, such as a nuclear war. Even if a part of the network was damaged or destroyed, the rest
of the system would continue to work. That network was known as ARPANET (Advanced Research
Projects Agency Network), which linked US scientific and academic researchers. It was the
forerunner of today's Internet.
Later in 1980, another agency, the National Science Foundation (NSF), created a new network of
computers based on ARPANET, called NSFNET, which turned out to be more efficient and capable.
Initially, NSFNET was designed to link five super computers situated at the major universities of NSF
and allowed only academic research. Over the time, this network expanded to include sites for
business, universities, government, etc. and finally becoming a network consisting of millions of
computers, now known as the Internet.
In the 1980s, Usenet newsgroups and electronic mail (e-mail) came into picture. To keep track of the
information on the Internet, indices such as archie and the wide area information server (WAIS)
were also created in this decade. To give users an easy-to-use interface to work with, the University
of Minnesota created Gopher, a simple menu-driven system for accessing files.
Internet really became popular in the 1990s after the development of the World Wide Web (WWW).
Before that, it was open for a handful of sites only. It is amazing that as recently as June 1993, there
were only 130 Web sites, but now there are millions.
With the growth of Internet, the quality, quantity, and variety of information also grew. The Internet
today is a repository of every type of information. Nowadays, an Internet user can get all sorts of
information ranging from how to add to the design of a functional spaceship to choosing a product
for personal use.
The internet has brought many advantages and benefits to our lives, but it also has some
disadvantages that need to be taken into account. Here are some of the main advantages and
disadvantages of the internet:
Advantages:
1. Communication: The internet has revolutionized communication, allowing people to connect with
each other instantly from anywhere in the world.
2. Access to information: The internet is a vast repository of information that can be accessed from
anywhere at any time.
3. Education: The internet has made education more accessible to people all over the world,
allowing them to learn new skills and advance their careers.
4. E-commerce: The internet has made it easier for businesses to sell their products and services to
a global audience.
5. Entertainment: The internet has provided a wide range of entertainment options, including
music, movies, and online games.
6. Social networking: The internet has made it easier for people to connect with each other, build
communities, and share information.
7. Remote work: The internet has made it possible for people to work from home, reducing the
need for commuting and increasing flexibility.
Disadvantages:
1. Cybersecurity risks: The internet can be a dangerous place, with a variety of threats such as
hacking, identity theft, and phishing scams.
2. Addiction: The internet can be addictive, and people can spend too much time online, which can
affect their productivity, relationships, and health.
3. Misinformation: The internet can be a source of misinformation, with fake news and conspiracy
theories spreading quickly on social media.
4. Privacy concerns: The internet can be a threat to privacy, with people's personal information
being shared and sold without their knowledge or consent.
5. Cyberbullying: The internet can be a platform for cyberbullying, with people being harassed and
threatened online.
6. Social isolation: The internet can also lead to social isolation, as people spend more time online
and less time interacting with others in person.
7. Digital divide: The internet is not equally accessible to everyone, with people in some areas or
from disadvantaged backgrounds having less access to the internet and its benefits.
Overall, the advantages of the internet outweigh its disadvantages, but it is important to be aware
of the risks and take steps to protect oneself online.
Web Terminologies
1. URL: Stands for Uniform Resource Locator, it is a web address that identifies the location of a
resource on the internet.
2. HTML: Stands for Hypertext Markup Language, it is the standard markup language used to create
web pages.
3. CSS: Stands for Cascading Style Sheets, it is a style sheet language used for describing the
presentation of a document written in HTML.
4. JavaScript: A scripting language used to create interactive web pages and web applications.
5. Responsive Design: A design approach that ensures that web pages can be viewed optimally on
any device, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
6. CMS: Stands for Content Management System, it is a software application used to manage and
publish digital content, often used for creating, and managing websites.
7. Server: A computer or software program that provides services or data to other computers or
programs on a network, such as hosting web pages and serving web requests.
8. Browser: A software application used to access and view web pages and other content on the
internet.
9. Search Engine: A web-based tool that allows users to search for information on the internet by
entering keywords and phrases.
10. Cookies: Small text files that are stored on a user's computer by a website, used to remember
user preferences and to provide personalized content and advertisements.
11. SSL: Stands for Secure Sockets Layer, it is a protocol used to establish a secure and encrypted
connection between a web server and a web browser.
12. API: Stands for Application Programming Interface, it is a set of protocols, routines, and tools for
building software applications and interacting with other software applications.
These are just a few examples of web terminologies used in the world of web development and
internet technology.
A web browser is a software application used to access and view web pages and other content on
the internet. A web browser is a software application for retrieving. presenting and traversing
information resources on the World Wide Web. A web browser (commonly referred to as a browser)
is a software application for accessing 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 screen.
1. Google Chrome: A popular web browser developed by Google, known for its speed and simplicity.
It is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
2. Mozilla Firefox: Another popular web browser known for its speed, security, and customization
options. It is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
3. Microsoft Edge: A web browser developed by Microsoft that is the default browser on Windows
10. It is fast and comes with many useful features, such as built-in Cortana integration and a reading
mode.
4. Safari: A web browser developed by Apple, which is the default browser on macOS and iOS. It is
known for its speed, security, and integration with Apple's ecosystem.
5. Opera: A web browser known for its speed and user-friendly interface, as well as its built-in ad-
blocker and VPN
6. Internet Explorer: A web browser developed by Microsoft, which used to be the default browser
on earlier versions of Windows. It is no longer supported by Microsoft and has been replaced by
Microsoft Edge.
7. Brave: A newer web browser that prioritizes privacy and security, with features like built-in ad-
blocking and the ability to earn crypto currency rewards for viewing ads.
These are just a few examples of the many web browsers available today.
Each browser has its own features and advantages, and users may prefer different browsers based
on their needs and preferences.
Web Address
A web address, also known as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), is a unique identifier that specifies
the location of a resource on the internet.
Web addresses are used to access web pages, images, videos, and other types of content on the
World Wide Web.
A typical web address consists of several parts, including the protocol (such as HTTP or HTTPS), the
domain name (such as google.com), and the path to the resource on the server. For example, the
URL for the Google homepage is "https://www.google.com/". Here, "https" is the protocol,
"www.google.com" is the domain name, and " /" is the path to the homepage.
Web addresses can also contain additional parameters and query strings that provide more
information about the resource being accessed. These can be used to specify search queries,
parameters for dynamic web pages, and more.
Web addresses are important for linking to and sharing content on the internet. By providing a
specific URL, users can direct others to the exact web page or resource they want to share.
Additionally, web addresses are used by search engines to index and rank web pages based on their
content and relevance.
Overall, web addresses play a crucial role in how we access and interact with content on the internet,
and understanding how they work is important for any one who uses the web.
To make this vision a reality, Berners-Lee developed three key technologies: the Uniform Resource
Locator (URL), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), and the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HITP).
These technologies allowed web pages to be linked together through hyperlinks, and enabled users
to access and navigate between them using web browsers.
The first website, which was created by Berners-Lee, went live in 1991.
It provided information about the WWW project and included links to other websites and resources.
Over the next few years, the number of websites and users on the internet grew rapidly, as the
potential of the WWW for sharing information, conducting business, and connecting people became
apparent.
In the mid-1990s, the development of web standards and technologies like Cascading Style Sheets
(CSS) and JavaScript allowed for more sophisticated web design and interactivity, paving the way for
the modern web. The emergence of search engines like Yahoo and Google made it easier for users
to find and access web content, and the rise of e-commerce and online advertising created new
business models and opportunities.
In recent years, the evolution of the WWW has continued with the development of new
technologies like mobile devices, social media, and cloud computing. These technologies have made
the web more accessible and connected than ever before, allowing people around the world to
access information, communicate, and collaborate in ways that were once unimaginable.
Overall, the emergence and evolution of the WWW has had a profound impact on how we
communicate, access information, and conduct business.
It has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, and continues to shape the way we interact with
the world around us.
Website
A website is a collection of related web pages and other content that is hosted on a web server and
accessed through the World Wide Web. Websites are created and maintained by individuals,
businesses, organizations, and governments for a variety of purposes, including sharing information,
promoting products and services, providing customer support, and conducting e-commerce
transactions.
Websites can vary widely in terms of their content, design, and functionality, but they typically
include several key components, including:
1. Homepage: The main page of the website, which provides an overview of the site's content and
directs users to other pages.
2. Navigation: Links and menus that allow users to navigate between pages and find the information
they need.
3. Content: The text, images, videos, and other media that make up the bulk of the website's pages.
4. Contact information: Information that allows users to get in touch with the website's owner or
administrator, such as a phone number, email address, or contact form.
5. Design and layout: The visual elements of the website, including the colour scheme, typography,
and overall layout.
Websites can be created using a variety of tools and technologies, including content management
systems (CMS), website builders, and programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Many
websites also use specialized software or plugins to add additional functionality, such as e-
commerce platforms, social media integration, or search engine optimization (SEO) tools.
Overall, websites are a crucial part of the digital landscape, providing a platform for businesses,
organizations, and individuals to share information, promote their brands, and connect with others
online.
Web pages
A webpage is a single document within a website that contains content, images, and other
multimedia elements. It is typically created using HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), a language
used to create web pages, and can be viewed in a web browser.
1. Static webpages: A static webpage is a page that is pre-designed and does not change based
on user interaction or other external factors. The content on the page is fixed and can only be
modified by editing the HTML code of the page. Static webpages are typically simple in design and
are used to provide information that does not change frequently, such as company contact
information, product specifications, or pricing.
2. Dynamic webpages: A dynamic webpage is a page that is generated on the fly in response
to user interactions or other external factors. Dynamic webpages are typically more complex than
static webpages and use programming languages such as PHP, Python, or JavaScript to generate
content based on user input or data from a database. Examples of dynamic webpages include social
media sites, e-commerce sites, and online forums.
Dynamic webpages can be further divided into two sub-categories:
a. Server-side dynamic webpages: These webpages are generated on the server and then sent to
the user's web browser. The server can use programming languages like PHP or Python to generate
the webpage content dynamically based on user input or other external factors. This means that the
webpage content can be customized for each individual user, making for a more personalized
experience. E-commerce sites and social media platforms are examples of server-side dynamic
webpages.
b. Client-side dynamic webpages: These webpages are generated on the user's web browser using
JavaScript. The page is initially loaded with a basic HTML and CSS template, and then the JavaScript
code dynamically modifies the page content based on user interactions or other external factors.
Client-side dynamic webpages can be more responsive and interactive than server-side dynamic
webpages, but they may require more processing power from the user's computer. Single page
applications (SPAs) and some modern web-based productivity tools are examples of client-side
dynamic webpages.
Web client and web server
The World Wide Web (WWW) is based on a client-server architecture, where the client is a web
browser that requests web pages from a web server. The web client and web server are two essential
components of the web architecture. Here's a brief explanation of each component:
Web client: A web client is a software application, usually a web browser such as Google Chrome,
Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, that requests web pages from web servers and displays them to
the user. When a user types a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) into the address bar of a web browser,
the browser sends a request to the web server for the page corresponding to that URL. The web
client can also send other types of requests, such as POST requests, to submit data to the server.
Web server: A web server is a software application that listens for incoming requests from web
clients, retrieves web pages and other resources requested by the client, and sends them back to
the client. Web servers are usually powerful computers running specialized software, such as
Apache, Nginx, or Microsoft IIS. They host the web pages and other web resources, such as images,
videos, and scripts, and deliver them to web clients upon request.
When a web client requests a web page, it sends a request to the server using the HTTP (Hypertext
Transfer Protocol) protocol. The server receives the request, locates the requested resource, and
sends it back to the client using the HIT protocol. The client then renders the web page using HTML,
CSS, and JavaScript and displays it to the user. The web client and web server work together to
enable the delivery of web content to users all over the world. Without these two components, the
WWW would not exist as we know it today.
1. Protocol: The protocol specifies the method used to access the resource. The most common
protocol for web resources is HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), which is used to transfer web
pages and other data on the Internet. Other protocols include HITPS (HTTP Secure), FTP (File Transfer
Protocol), and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).
2. Domain name: The domain name is the unique name that identifies a website. It consists of two
or more parts separated by dots, such as "google.com". The last part of the domain name, called
the top-level domain (TLD), indicates the type of organization that owns the domain, such as
" com" for commercial organizations, "org" for non-profit organizations, and
3. Path: The path specifies the location of the resource within the website.
4. Parameters: Parameters are additional pieces of information passed to the server as part of the
URL. They are used to specify additional details about the resource, such as search terms, user
preferences, or other data.
The DNS (Domain Name System) is a distributed naming system that maps domain names to
IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. DNS is like a phonebook for the Internet that allows users to access
websites by domain name instead of IP address. When a user enters a domain name into a web
browser, the browser sends a request to a DNS server, which looks up the IP address associated with
the domain name and returns it to the browser.
The browser then uses the IP address to connect to the web server hosting the website and retrieve
the requested resource.
The DNS system is organized into a hierarchical structure, with different levels of servers responsible
for different parts of the domain name space.
The top-level domain (TLD) servers are responsible for resolving requests for the TLDs, such as "com"
or "org". Below the TLD servers are the authoritative name servers, which are responsible for
resolving requests for specific domain names. Each domain name can have one or more
authoritative name servers, which are responsible for maintaining the mapping between the domain
name and the IP address.
In summary, URLs and DNS are two essential components of the web architecture that enable users
to access web resources using human-readable domain names instead of IP addresses.
• A search engine is a software program that allows users to search for information on the Internet.
Search engines use algorithms to search and index web pages, which allows users to quickly find the
information they are looking for.
• A web search engine is designed to search for information on the World Wide Web and FTP servers.
The search results are generally presented in a list of results and are often called hits.
• The information may consist of web pages, images, information and other types of files. Some
search engines also mine data available in databases or open directories. Unlike Web directories,
which are maintained by human editors, search engines operate algorithmically or are a mixture of
algorithmic and human input.
1. Web crawling
2. Indexing
3. Searching
Web Crawling
Before a search engine can tell you where a file or document is, it must be found. To find information
on the hundreds of millions of Web pages that exist, a search engine employs special software
robots, called spiders, to build lists of the words found on Web sites. When a spider is building its
lists, the process is called Web crawling.
Indexing
The index is a giant database that contains a copy of every web page that the spider finds. When a
web page is changed, then this database is updated with the new information.
Sometimes it takes a while for pages or changes to be added to the index. Therefore, a web page
may have been "spidered" but not yet "indexed." Until it is added to the index, it is not available to
searches by the search engine.
Searching
Search engine software shifts through the millions of pages recorded in the index to find matches to
a query and ranks them in the order of what it believes is most relevant. Different search engines
often produce very different results.
There are different types of search engines, each with its unique features and functions. Here are
the most common types of search engines:
1. General search engines: General search engines, such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo, are designed
to search the entire web for information on any topic. These search engines use complex algorithms
to index web pages and provide relevant results to users.
2. Specialized search engines: Specialized search engines, also known as vertical search engines,
focus on specific types of content, such as news, images, videos, or shopping. These search engines
provide more targeted results for specific topics, which can be useful for users who are looking for
specific types of information.
3. Meta search engines: Meta search engines, such as Dogpile and Metacrawler, allow users to
search multiple search engines at once. These search engines retrieve results from several search
engines and compile them into a single list, making it easier for users to compare and find the most
relevant results.
4. Social media search engines: Social media search engines, such as Facebook, Twitter, and
LinkedIn, allow users to search for information within social media platforms. These search engines
provide users with access to information shared by other users, such as posts, tweets, or profiles.
5. Enterprise search engines: Enterprise search engines, such as Microsoft SharePoint and IBM
Watson Explorer, are designed to search for information within organizations. These search engines
provide employees with quick and easy access to internal documents, databases, and other
company resources.
In conclusion, search engines play a crucial role in helping users find the information they need on
the web. Different types of search engines cater to different user needs and search preferences. By
using the right search engine for a specific task, users can save time and get more accurate results.