Understanding the World Wide Web

Module Overview

• This module introduces learners to Information and Communication Technology
• It allows learners to understand the internet
• It informs learners about netiquette, cybercrime law, copyright and plagiarism

The Web

• The Web, also known as the World Wide Web, is a subset of the Internet
• The Web consists of pages accessible through a web browser
• The Internet is the global network of servers enabling information sharing over the Web
• The Web is a large part, but not the entirety, of the Internet
• The Web is a collection of websites or pages on web servers
• These connect to local computers via the internet
• Websites contain text, images, audio, video etc that can be accessed worldwide through devices such as computers and cell phones
• Along with the internet, the WWW enables retrieval and display of text and media

Tim Berners-Lee and CERN

• The World Wide Web was invented in 1989 by British scientist Tim Berners-Lee, who was working at CERN
• CERN sought automated information sharing between global scientists
• CERN has over 1700 scientists from over 100 countries
• The scientists needed reliable communication tools to exchange information while working at CERN and at their home institutions

Technologies That Made The WWW Possible

• Internet and hypertext already existed
• Technologies including HTML, URL, and HTTP were the key
• The objective of the WWW was to combine computer technologies, data networks, and hypertext into an accessible system

How the Web Works

• The WWW functions as a collection of websites connected to the internet, allowing for search and information sharing
• Websites are stored on web servers, occupying space for which the website owner pays hosting fees
• When a URL is entered or something is searched on Google, the WWW starts working
• The three main technologies for transferring webpages from servers to clients are HTML, HTTP, and web browsers

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

• HTML is a markup language for creating web pages, describing the structure through HTML elements or tags
• Tags organize content into 'heading,' 'paragraph,' 'table,' 'image,' etc
• Browsers don't display HTML tags; they use them to render content

Web Browsers

• A web browser displays text, data, pictures, videos, animation, and more
• Web browsers provide a software interface to click hyperlinked resources on the World Wide Web
• Double-clicking a browser icon connects one to the WWW
• Google can be searched or a URL can be typed in the address bar
• Initially used only for browsing, browsers are now advanced for e-mailing, multimedia, social media, and online discussion groups
• Common browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

• HTTP as an application layer protocol that enables the WWW to work smoothly and effectively based on a client-server model
• The web browser is the client that communicates with the web server hosting the website
• HTTP defines how messages are formatted and transmitted and actions by the Web Server and browser in response to commands
• Addresses are sent to a Web Server which transmits the requested webpage
• Connection to the web server is opened and the browser communicates through HTTP and sends a request
• HTTP uses TCP/IP to communicate with the server; the server processes requests and sends a response, closing the connection
• The browser retrieves content from the server

WWW vs The Internet

• Internet and WWW are not the same
• The Internet is a global network of devices like computers, and tablets etc
• It enables users to send emails and chat online
• When opening websites like google.com, one is using the WWW over the internet

Web 1.0 (Static Web)

• Web 1.0 refers to the first stage of the WWW evolution from the late 1980s to early 2000s
• Primarily static HTML pages with fixed content existed
• There were few content creators
• The huge majority of users were consumers
• Users had limited interaction like a digital library or an online brochure

Web 2.0 (Dynamic and Social Web)

• Web 2.0 refers to worldwide websites enhancing user-generated content, usability, and interoperability that emerged in the early 2000's
• Web 2.0 is also the participative social web and includes interactivity and social networking
• Interactivity came through blogs, social media, and wikis
• Platforms allowed the creation and sharing of content
• The user interaction through comments, likes, and sharing was enhanced
• People connected through social media and communities through integration of multimedia elements
• Interactive web applications provided various services in social media platforms

Web 3.0 (Semantic Web)

• Web 3.0 aims to make the internet more intelligent by understanding and connecting data meaningfully
• It uses AI and machine learning for more personalized, context-aware experiences that make the web intuitive
• Data in Web 3.0 is shared, not owned
• The various services provide different views of the same data, and is in the emerging phase
• AI and machine learning understand the connection of the data, and offer personalized experiences
• Data is linked across different platforms with enhanced search capabilities
• Decentralized technologies like blockchain are emphasized in platforms like Ethereum

Five Defining Features of Web 3.0

Semantic Web

• Improves web technologies by searching and connecting content on the meaning of the words
• Data aims to be understood by machines, data is shared and reused across applications

Artificial Intelligence

• Computer systems perform tasks
• Computers typically require human intelligence, including learning, reasoning, problem-solving and recognizing patterns

3D Graphics

• Creation and manipulation of visual content in a three-dimensional spatial environment
• 3D graphics enhance realism in gaming, virtual reality, and simulations

Connectivity

• Ability to connect and communicate with other devices, systems, or networks, and enables faster transmission
• Examples are 5G networks, and Mobile Hotspots

Ubiquity

• Content is widely available, the services can be provided anytime, and every device is connected

What a Website Is

• Websites are collections of webpages
• A website refers to a 'site' on the 'web' where you can post information about any topic and users can access from the internet
• Websites have digital addresses
• Similar to a home address
• Websites are technically considered a collection of interlinked web pages grouped with their own unique digital address

What Is A Website Used For?

• Websites serve the purpose of providing information and/or services to its users
• Websites allow the entertainment, or selling of services

Website versus Webpage

• Websites can be sets of linked pages while Web page is a single page in the website
• Websites typically include several pages

Common Website Pages:

• Home page - The first page that appears with the basics, overall information, and links
• Contact page - A way for any users to connect with that site manager
• About us page - Details of business organization
• Blog- Most recent updates to a website

Website Necessities/Creation:

• Any scale business is super important if you want to succeed
• Create a website by yourself or web-design for an edge against the competition

Website Types:

• Blog: Any website with updates
• Corporation Website: Provides detail about the business
• Crowd Funding: Help fund smaller projects
• Ecommerce: Any website intended for the direct purchase of products
• Portfolios: Helps represent your best work

Terminologies:

• Webpage: Easily accessible document displayed on a browser
• Website: Group of similar web pages
• Web Server: Hosts a website
• Search Engine: Like google
• Internet: Known as "a network of networks"