Internet Basics and Web Browsers

Internet Basics

• The Internet connects computers globally using protocols, servers, routers, and data centers
• The World Wide Web (WWW) is a system of interlinked documents accessed through browsers, and is part of the Internet.

Internet Layers

• Infrastructure: Physical components including cables, satellites, and hardware
• Protocols: Standards for data transmission, such as TCP/IP
• Web Layer: Hosts websites built with HTML and accessed with URLs

Web Browsers

• Popular browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari
• Bookmarks save important pages for easy access
• Tabs allow for comparing information from multiple sources
• Extensions offer additional functionality like ad blockers or grammar checkers

Search Engines

• Search engines like Google and Bing index information to help find relevant content.
• Keywords: use specific words related to your search
• Operators: use quotes for exact phrases, or minus signs to exclude terms
• Filters: refine results by date, type, or region

Information Literacy

• Evaluating digital resources requires assessing:
  • Authority - credibility of the author or organization
  • Accuracy - information backed by evidence and free from errors
  • Bias - fairness of the information presented
  • Relevance - material directly addressing research needs

Discerning Reliable Information

• Be critical and question the intent behind information, considering:
  • Creator - Who created it?
  • Purpose - Why was it published?

Digital Communication Tools

• Digital communication tools are essential for personal and professional interactions
• Email:
  • Use clear subject lines
  • Maintain a professional tone
  • Be concise and use bullet points
• Instant Messaging (IM):
  • Use designated channels for specific topics
  • Respect availability indicators
  • Document important conversations
• Video Conferencing:
  • Prepare ahead by testing technology
  • Use interactive elements to maintain participant engagement
  • Mind your environment and minimize distractions

Cybersecurity Threats

• Phishing: deceptive emails that trick users into revealing information
• Malware: malicious software that can damage systems or steal data
• Ransomware: malware that locks users out of their systems unless a ransom is paid

Best Practices for Protection

• Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for extra security
• Keep software and antivirus programs up-to-date

Digital Ethics

• Privacy:
  • Review and adjust privacy settings on social media and other accounts
  • Limit personal information shared online
• Intellectual Property:
  • Cite sources for work that isn't your own
  • Understand fair use guidelines to avoid copyright infringement
• Responsible Online Behavior:
  • Communicate respectfully even in disagreements
  • Be aware of your digital footprint and its impact

Internet Basics and Information Literacy

• The Internet is a vast network of connected computers that communicate using standardized protocols.
• The World Wide Web (WWW) is not the same as the Internet, it is a system of linked documents accessed through web browsers.
• The Internet acts as the infrastructure, the Web provides the content and services.
• The Infrastructure of the Internet consists of physical components like cables, satellites and hardware
• Protocols like TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) govern data transmission
• The web layer hosts websites composed of web pages written in HTML (HyperText Markup Language), accessed using URLs (Uniform Resource Locators)

Utilizing Web Browsers and Search Engines Effectively

• Popular web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
• Bookmarks are saved for easy access to pages.
• Tabs are used to compare information from different sources.
• Browser extensions provide added functionality, such as ad-blockers or grammar checkers.
• Google and Bing are search engines which index huge amounts of information.
• Use specific keywords when searching.
• Search operators like quotes for phrases or minus signs for exclusion can be used.
• Search results can be filtered by date, type, or region.

Developing Information Literacy Skills

• Information literacy is essential for evaluating sources and making informed decisions.
• Authority: Look at the credibility of the author or organization. Are they experts in their field?
• Accuracy: Check information for errors and evidence.
• Bias: Consider if the information presented is fair and unbiased.
• Relevance: Determine whether the material directly addresses your research needs.
• Question the intent of information: Who created it? Why was it published?

Digital Communication, Cybersecurity, and Ethics

• Email, instant messaging, and video conferencing are essential digital communication tools.
• Email subject lines should summarize concisely.
• Maintain professionalism, especially in professional settings.
• Use bullet points to improve clear and concise emails.
• Instant Messaging (IM) platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams allow for quick communication.
• Use designated channels within IM for specific topics.
• Respect availability indicators for when to initiate conversations.
• Document important IM conversations for future reference.
• Tools like Zoom and Google Meet are used in video conferencing.
• Test technology and share agendas before virtual meetings.
• Engage with interactive elements and minimize distractions.

Awareness of Cybersecurity Threats

• Phishing: deceptive emails tricking users into revealing personal information.
• Malware: Malicious software that damages systems or steals data.
• Ransomware: Encrypts data and locks users out, demanding payment.
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) provides a second verification step.
• Keep software and antivirus programs updated.

Exploration of Ethical Considerations

• Review privacy settings on social media and other accounts.
• Limit personal information shared online.
• Acknowledge the original creator of work that is not your own.
• Understand fair use to avoid copyright infringement.
• Engage in respectful communication, even in disagreements.
• Consider online actions to impact reputation and privacy.