Online Essentials: Web Browsing and Search Engines

Web Browsing

• Web browsers are software applications for accessing and viewing websites.
• Common web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
• The address bar is a text field at the top of the browser window, displaying the URL of the current web page and is used to enter website URLs (Uniform Resource Locators).
• Back and forward buttons allow navigation through previously visited web pages.
• Bookmarks or favorites allow users to save specific web pages for quick access in the future.
• Browser history is a list of web pages visited by the user, stored for a certain period.
• Clearing browsing history is important for privacy and security.
• Tabbed browsing allows users to open multiple web pages in a single browser window.
• Browser extensions or add-ons are software modules that add extra features and functionality to a web browser.
• Browser settings can be customized to manage privacy, security, and default behavior.

Search Engines

• A search engine is a web-based tool that enables users to locate information on the World Wide Web.
• Popular search engines include Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Yahoo.
• Keywords are terms entered into the search engine to find relevant results.
• Search queries are words or phrases entered into a search engine to find relevant information.
• Search results pages (SERPs) display a list of web pages, images, videos, and other content that match the search query.
• Search operators, such as "AND", "OR", and "NOT", can be used to refine search queries.
• Quoting a phrase ("example phrase") searches for the exact phrase.
• Using the "site:" operator limits the search to a specific website (e.g., "site:wikipedia.org").
• Search results typically include a title, a brief description,and the URL of the web page.
• Evaluating the credibility of search results is important.
• Consider the source of the information, the author's expertise, and the date of publication.
• Sponsored results (ads) are often displayed at the top or side of search results pages.
• Advanced search options allow users to filter search results by date, region, file type, and other criteria.

Online Forms

• Online forms are web pages that allow users to enter and submit information to a website.
• Common types of form fields include text boxes, drop-down menus, radio buttons, and check boxes.
• Online forms are used to submit information to websites for common uses like registration, surveys, and contact inquiries.
• Required fields are usually marked with an asterisk (*).
• Radio buttons allow selecting one option from a list.
• Checkboxes allow selecting multiple options from a list.
• Drop-down menus provide a list of options to choose from.
• Text fields allow entering text input, such as names or addresses.
• Submit buttons send the completed form data to the website.
• Clear or reset buttons erase the entered data.
• Form validation is the process of checking whether the information entered into a form is valid and complete.
• CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart)is a type of challenge-response test used to determine whether the user is human
• Secure forms use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) to encrypt data transmitted between the user and the website.
• Look for a padlock icon in the address bar to verify a secure connection.

Cookies

• Cookies are small text files that websites store on a user's computer to remember information about the user.
• First-party cookies are set by the website being visited, while third-party cookies are set by a different domain.
• Cookies can be used for various purposes, such as remembering login information, tracking user preferences, and serving targeted ads.
• Web browsers allow users to manage cookies, including blocking them, deleting them, and clearing them after each session
• Privacy policies outline how a website collects, uses, and protects user data, including cookies

Security Considerations

• Malware is a type of malicious software that can harm a computer system.
• Types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and ransomware.
• Malware includes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses that can harm computers and steal data.
• Antivirus software can detect and remove malware from a computer system.
• Regularly updating antivirus software is essential.
• Firewalls can block unauthorized access to a computer system and protect computers from unauthorized access.
• Phishing is a type of online fraud in which attackers attempt to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
• Phishing is a technique used by cybercriminals to trick users into revealing personal information.
• Phishing emails often contain urgent requests or threats.
• Never click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown senders.
• Verify the sender's authenticity before providing any information.
• Strong passwords should be long, complex, and unique.
• Strong passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Use different passwords for different online accounts.
• Password managers can help generate and store strong passwords.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two different forms of identification and a second verification method, such as a code sent to your phone.
• Be cautious when sharing personal information online.
• Adjust privacy settings on social media accounts to control who can see your information.
• Regularly review and update privacy settings.
• Secure websites use HTTPS to encrypt data transmitted between the user and the website.

Online Communication

• Email is a method of exchanging digital messages over the Internet.
• Email is used to send and receive messages electronically.
• An email address consists of a username and a domain name.
• Email clients, such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, and Apple Mail, are software applications for managing email messages.
• Webmail services, such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook.com, allow users to access email messages through a web browser.
• Email messages consist of a header and a body.
• The header includes the sender's address, the recipient's address, the subject, and other metadata.
• Email etiquette includes using a clear subject line, being concise, and proofreading before sending.
• The body contains the actual message text.
• Email attachments are files that are sent along with email messages.
• Attachments are files sent along with emails, and caution should be used when opening attachments from unknown senders.
• Replying to all recipients should be done carefully.
• CC (carbon copy) allows sending a copy of an email to additional recipients.
• BCC (blind carbon copy) allows sending a copy of an email without the recipient's address being visible to other recipients
• Email spam is unsolicited or unwanted email messages, often used for advertising or phishing.
• Email filters can help block spam.
• Email phishing is a type of online fraud in which attackers attempt to trick users into revealing sensitive information through email messages.
• Social networking platforms allow users to connect and share information with others.
• Be aware of privacy settings and online reputation when using social media.
• Instant messaging (IM) allows real-time text communication.
• Video conferencing allows real-time video and audio communication.
• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows making phone calls over the internet.

Social Media

• Social media platforms are websites and applications that enable users to create and share content and to connect with other users
• Popular social media platforms include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
• Social media profiles are online representations of users on social media platforms
• Social media posts are content shared by users on social media platforms
• Social media networks are the connections between users on social media platforms
• Social media privacy settings allow users to control who can see their profiles, posts, and other information
• Social media etiquette refers to the norms and conventions governing online behavior on social media platforms
• Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place online

Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet ("the cloud")
• Cloud storage is a model of data storage where digital data is stored in logical pools; the physical storage spans multiple servers (and often locations), and the physical environment is typically owned and managed by a hosting company
• Software as a Service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which a third-party provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over the Internet
• Cloud computing offers several benefits, including cost savings, scalability, flexibility, and reliability
• Cloud computing also poses several risks, including security breaches, data loss, and vendor lock-in

Online Collaboration

• Online collaboration involves using technology to work together with others on projects or tasks
• Cloud storage services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) allow users to store and share files online.
• Collaboration tools include video conferencing software, instant messaging apps, and online document editors
• Online collaboration tools enable multiple users to work on documents simultaneously.
• Features that support online collaboration include screen sharing, file sharing, and real-time co-editing
• Benefits of online collaboration include increased productivity, improved communication, and reduced travel costs
• Challenges of online collaboration include technical difficulties, communication barriers, and time zone differences
• Version control helps track changes made to documents.
• Shared calendars allow scheduling and coordinating events.
• Project management tools facilitate team collaboration and task management.

Downloading and Installing Software

• Downloading software involves transferring files from a remote server to a local computer.
• Downloading is the process of transferring files from a server to your computer.
• Be cautious when downloading files from unknown sources.
• Verify the file's authenticity and scan it for viruses before opening.
• Software can be downloaded from official websites, software repositories, or peer-to-peer networks
• Software should be downloaded from trusted sources to avoid malware
• Installing software involves copying files to the appropriate directories and configuring the software to run correctly
• Software installation programs typically guide users through the installation process
• Software license agreements specify the terms and conditions under which software can be used
• Pirated software is software that is used in violation of the license agreement
• Uploading is the process of transferring files from your computer to a server.
• Common uses include sharing photos, videos, and documents and to be mindful of file sizes and upload limits.

Audio and Video

• Online audio and video content can be streamed or downloaded
• Streaming involves transmitting audio or video data over the Internet in real-time
• Downloading involves transferring audio or video files from a remote server to a local computer
• Audio and video codecs are used to compress and decompress audio and video data
• Popular audio and video formats include MP3, AAC, MP4, and AVI
• Online audio and video players are software applications for playing audio and video files
• Copyright law protects the rights of creators of audio and video content

Copyright and Intellectual Property

• Copyright protects original works of authorship, including text, images, and music.
• Obtaining permission from the copyright holder is required for using copyrighted material.
• Creative Commons licenses allow creators to grant certain rights to others while retaining copyright
• Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work without giving proper credit
• Respect intellectual property rights when using online resources

Online Transactions

• Secure websites use encryption to protect financial information during online transactions.
• Look for HTTPS in the address bar and a padlock icon to verify a secure connection.
• Use strong passwords and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
• Review credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges.
• Be cautious of phishing emails that request financial information.
• Use reputable online retailers and payment services.

Troubleshooting

• If a website does not load, check your internet connection.
• Clear your browser's cache and cookies to resolve display issues.
• Restart your browser or computer if necessary.
• Contact the website's support team for assistance.
• Use online help resources and forums for troubleshooting tips.

Digital Wellbeing

• Balance online and offline activities.
• Take regular breaks from screen time.
• Be mindful of posture and ergonomics.
• Avoid using electronic devices before bedtime.
• Protect your mental health by limiting exposure to negative or harmful content.

Accessibility

• Web accessibility ensures that websites are usable by people with disabilities.
• Accessibility features include alternative text for images, captions for videos, and keyboard navigation.
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide standards for creating accessible websites.