Computer Skills: Networking and Internet Basics

Computing Fundamentals: Networks and the Internet

• A computer network connects systems and devices via communication channels for communication and resource sharing among users.
• Networks support email, video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and access to remote software.
• Data Transfer Rate (Bandwidth) is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps), indicating how fast data moves in a network.

Types of Networks

• Local Area Networks (LANs): Cover small geographical areas like a room, building, or campus.
• Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN): Span an entire city.
• Wide Area Networks (WANs): Extend over large areas, potentially nationwide or globally.

The Internet

• The Internet is a global network connecting various computer networks for resource sharing and communication.
• Users can connect to the Internet through wired (telephone lines, cables) or wireless (satellites) means.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs), like STC, Mobily, and Zain, facilitate user access to the Internet.

Client/Server Model

• The Internet operates through a client/server system where:
  • The client requests data.
  • The server responds to requests and transfers the requested data.
• Transmission lines act like highways for data, differing in speed and capacity.

Broadband Internet Access

• Broadband, or high-speed Internet, offers fast connections.
• Standard wired broadband technologies include:
  • Cable
  • DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
  • Fiber-Optic service
• Satellite broadband primarily serves rural or mountainous areas.

Mobile Broadband

• Mobile broadband is accessed through wireless ISPs like STC, Zain, and Mobily.
• Technologies are categorized by generations: 4G and 5G.

The World Wide Web (WWW)

• The Web is an interactive system to access information on the Internet using HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
• HTTP facilitates the transfer of files from web servers to users' devices.
• Browsers typically do not require users to enter "http://" or "www" due to standardization.

Internet Protocol (IP) Address

• Each Internet-connected device has a unique identification number known as an IP address (e.g., 123.45.245.91).
• IP addresses enable data exchange between devices by identifying them uniquely on the Internet.

Domain Names and URLs

• Domain names simplify remembering IP addresses (e.g., google.com instead of its numerical IP).
• A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a web address indicating the location of a resource on the Internet.
• Common domain endings denote the type of services provided:
  • .com = commercial
  • .org = non-profit
  • .edu = educational
  • .gov = government
  • .mil = military
  • .net = general commercial use.

Web Browsers

• Web browsers are applications that allow users to navigate the Web and access information easily.

Test your knowledge on computer networks and the Internet with this quiz. You will learn about the fundamentals of networking and how the Internet operates. Brush up on your understanding of computer systems and their connections.