Internet vs. World Wide Web

• The Internet and the World Wide Web are distinct, but closely related concepts that have transformed modern communication, commerce, and culture.

The Internet

• The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks
• It relies on a vast infrastructure built from various networks that use standardized protocols to communicate.
• It is often referred to as the "plumbing" of digital communication.
• Key Technologies include TCP/IP, DNS, and routing protocols that enable data transfer between devices.
• Supports many services, like email (SMTP), file transfer (FTP), and Voice over IP (VoIP).

The World Wide Web

• The World Wide Web (WWW) is an information system that operates over the Internet that uses hypertext to facilitate the sharing of multimedia documents and resources.
• It relies on protocols like HTTP/HTTPS and languages such as HTML to create and display web pages in browsers.
• Web browsers serve as the gateway to the Web, translating code into interactive and visually engaging pages.
• The Web is a service built on top of the Internet infrastructure.
• It is the most well-known application, with websites and online media

Differences and Relationships

• The Internet is the underlying network while the Web is a service built on top of this infrastructure.
• The Internet supports other functions, including email, online gaming, and streaming services.
• The Web depends on the Internet to function, but the Internet could exist without the Web.
• Without the internet network, the Web would be impossible.

Historical Background

• The Internet originated from research projects like ARPANET in the 1960s, which aimed to create robust, fault-tolerant communication between computers.
• Development of standardized protocols (TCP/IP) in the 1980s unified disparate networks into a single global system.
• In 1989-1990, Tim Berners-Lee proposed a system to use hypertext to share and link documents across the network, forming the foundation for the Web.
• The first web browser and server were developed soon after, revolutionizing how information was published and accessed.

Societal Impact and Modern Applications

• The combined effect of the Internet and the Web has made information accessible almost instantly, transforming media, journalism, education, and social interaction.
• E-commerce, digital marketing, remote work, and cloud computing are all products of digital revolution.
• Social media platforms, online communities, and content-sharing sites have reshaped how we interact and form communities across geographical boundaries.

Technical Underpinnings

• TCP/IP ensures reliable transmission of data packets across networks.
• HTTP/HTTPS is for transferring web pages, ensuring secure communication with HTTPS.
• DNS translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses.
• Routers, servers, and undersea cables form the backbone of the Internet.

Future Trends

• As more devices become smart, the Internet's role will expand as everyday objects connect and share data via the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Advances in web technologies continue to evolve the user experience, and cybersecurity remains a critical focus.
• Initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide are pushing for wider Internet access, promising to further democratize information and economic opportunity.
• The Internet provides the global infrastructure, while the World Wide Web harnesses this infrastructure to create a dynamic, accessible, and interactive medium for information sharing.
• Together, the Internet and the Web continue to drive innovation and shape how we live, work, and interact in an increasingly connected world.