Introduction to

Internet
COMP 20163 Web Development
What is Internet?

Short for "Interconnected Network," is a global system of

interconnected computer networks that use the Internet Protocol
Suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide. It's a vast network of
networks that connects millions of private, public, academic,
business, and government networks. The Internet allows these
networks to communicate and share data and information.
Key characteristics and components
of the Internet include:
 Worldwide Connectivity: The Internet is not limited by
geographical boundaries. It enables communication and data
exchange across the globe.
 Networks: It is a network of networks, which means it's made
up of numerous interconnected networks, including local area
networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and more.
 Protocols: The Internet relies on a set of communication
protocols, including the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
and the Internet Protocol (IP), collectively known as TCP/IP.
These protocols define how data packets are transmitted and
received.
 World Wide Web (WWW): The World Wide Web, often simply
referred to as the web, is a system of interconnected
documents and other resources, linked by hyperlinks and
URLs. It's a popular way of accessing information on the
Internet.
 Email: Email (electronic mail) is a fundamental Internet
service for sending and receiving messages and files.
 Online Services: The Internet supports a wide range of online
services, such as file transfer (FTP), remote access (SSH),
remote desktop (RDP), and more.
 Search Engines: Search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo
allow users to find information on the Internet by entering
keywords or phrases.
 E-commerce: The Internet is a platform for buying and selling
goods and services through online marketplaces and websites.
 Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
enable users to connect and share content with others.
 Cloud Computing: The Internet is a crucial component of
cloud computing, which involves delivering computing
services and resources over the Internet.
 Security: Security measures such as encryption, firewalls, and
authentication protocols are used to protect data and
information on the Internet.
 The Internet has become an integral part of modern life,
enabling communication, information sharing, online
collaboration, entertainment, education, and more. It has had a
profound impact on various aspects of society, including
business, education, healthcare, and entertainment, and it
continues to evolve and expand with new technologies and
services.
What is Intranet?

An intranet is a private computer network or a restricted-

access network within an organization that uses internet
technologies and protocols, such as TCP/IP and web browsers, to
securely share information, resources, and services among its
employees, departments, or authorized users. Unlike the
internet, which is a global, public network, an intranet is a
localized and closed network designed for internal use.
Key characteristics of intranets
include:
 Private Network: An intranet is limited to authorized users
within a specific organization or company. It is not accessible
to the general public.
 Secure Access: Intranets typically require authentication and
authorization to ensure that only authorized personnel can
access the network. This helps protect sensitive and
confidential information.
 Internal Communication: Intranets are used for internal
communication, collaboration, and sharing of information
among employees and teams. This may include sharing
documents, company policies, announcements, and more.
 Web-Based Services: Intranets often utilize web
technologies, making it easy to create web-based applications
and services that employees can access through a web
browser. These services can include document management,
email, calendars, and more.
 Customization: Intranets can be customized to suit the
specific needs of an organization. This means they can have a
unique design, structure, and features that align with the
organization's goals and requirements.
 Centralized Information: Intranets serve as a central
repository for important company information, reducing the
need for physical documents and making it easier for
employees to access the information they need.
 Collaboration Tools: Many intranets incorporate
collaboration tools like discussion forums, wikis, and project
management software to facilitate teamwork and knowledge
sharing.
 Access Control: Intranets provide administrators with the
ability to control and manage user access, ensuring that
information is shared only with those who have the necessary
permissions.
 In summary, an intranet is a secure, private network that
leverages internet technologies to facilitate internal
communication, collaboration, and information sharing within an
organization. It plays a vital role in improving efficiency,
productivity, and information management for businesses and
institutions by providing a digital platform for employees to
access and exchange information and resources.
World Wide Web

The World Wide Web, commonly referred to as the "web,"

is a vast and interconnected system of documents and resources
that are linked together through hyperlinks and accessible via
the internet. It is one of the most popular and widely used
services on the internet, enabling people to access, share, and
interact with information and content from around the world.
Aspects of the World Wide Web
 Hypertext and Hyperlinks: The fundamental concept of the
World Wide Web is hypertext, which allows for the creation of
text or multimedia documents (web pages) that contain
hyperlinks. Hyperlinks are clickable elements within web
pages that connect to other web pages, enabling users to
navigate between documents and resources.
 Uniform Resource Locator (URL): Each web page or
resource on the web is identified by a unique address called a
URL. URLs are used to specify the location and access point of
a particular web page, making it easy for users to find and
access content.
 Web Browsers: Web browsers, such as Google Chrome,
Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, are software applications
that allow users to access and interact with web content. They
render web pages and display text, images, videos, and other
multimedia elements.
 HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): Web pages are typically
created using HTML, a markup language that defines the
structure and layout of web content. HTML is used to format text,
insert images, create links, and more.
 HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The communication
protocol used for transferring web pages and other resources over
the internet is HTTP. It enables browsers to request web pages
from web servers, which then respond by sending the requested
content.
 Search Engines: Search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo
index and organize vast amounts of web content, allowing users
to search for specific information using keywords. Search engines
use complex algorithms to rank and display search results.
 Multimedia Content: The web supports a wide range of
multimedia content, including text, images, audio, video, and
interactive applications. This diversity of content enriches the
user experience.
 E-commerce and Services: The web is a platform for e-
commerce, enabling online shopping and financial
transactions. It also hosts a variety of web-based services,
such as email, social media, and cloud applications.
 Responsive Design: Modern web design practices emphasize
creating responsive websites that adapt to different devices
and screen sizes, ensuring a consistent user experience on
desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
 Security and Encryption: Secure connections are
established using protocols like HTTPS, which encrypt data
transmission between web browsers and servers, helping to
protect users' privacy and data.
QUIZ 1

1. How has the Internet revolutionized the field of

education, and what are the potential benefits and
challenges associated with online learning?
2. Discuss the role of intranets in enhancing
organizational communication and collaboration.
How do intranets promote information sharing,
improve efficiency, and strengthen internal
relationships within businesses?