Unit 2: The Internet and the World Wide Web

**UNIT 2\ THE INTERNET AND THE WORLD WIDE WEB** **Unit Overview\ **Welcome to Unit two - \"The Internet and the World Wide Web.\" This unit is like your entry pass into the awesome world of digital stuff and exploring the web. We\'re going on an adventure, starting by figuring out what the Internet...

**UNIT 2\ THE INTERNET AND THE WORLD WIDE WEB** **Unit Overview\ **Welcome to Unit two - \"The Internet and the World Wide Web.\" This unit is like your entry pass into the awesome world of digital stuff and exploring the web. We\'re going on an adventure, starting by figuring out what the Internet is all about, checking out its cool history, and understanding how it does its magic. Then, we\'ll dive into the World Wide Web, the big deal that shapes the digital world. We\'ll learn about its past, how it works, and the important pieces that make it tick. By the end of this unit, you\'ll not only get what the Internet and WWW are but also see how they affect the way we do things, learn, and make cool stuff online.\ **Key Terms*:*** *Internet, WWW, URL, IP Address, DNS, Website, Webpage. HTTP, HTTPS* **1.1. Introduction to the Internet** The Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) are two closely intertwined technologies that have revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and conduct business in the modern world. While often used interchangeably, they serve distinct yet complementary roles in our digital lives. In the next sections, we will look at each of the terms in detail which will help\ us to differentiate them. **1.1.1. Defining the internet\ **The Internet is the global network of interconnected computers and devices, allowing them to communicate and exchange data with each other. It\'s a vast, decentralized network that spans the globe, connecting billions of devices, including personal computers, servers, smartphones, and more. This network operates on a set of standardized protocols and technologies. The Internet\'s\ primary function is to facilitate data transfer between devices, making it possible for us to send emails, share files, browse websites, and stream videos. It doesn\'t host content itself; rather, it serves as the infrastructure that enables the transfer of information. **1.1.2. History of the Internet** The internet was born out of a need to share information and connect people around the world. On October 29, 1969, an organization called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency) launched the first iteration of the internet (also known as ARPANET) connecting four major computers at The University of Utah, UCSB, UCLA, and Stanford Research Institute.When this network of computers was connected, universities were able to access files and transmit information from one organization to the other, as well as internally. As\ researchers developed the system, they continued to connect computers from other\ universities, including MIT, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon. Eventually, ARPANET was renamed "internet."\ **[WHO USED THE INTERNET IN THIS STAGE?]{.smallcaps}\ **In its earliest days, the internet was only used by computer experts, scientists, engineers, and librarians who had to learn a complicated system in order to use it, but as the technology improved and consumers adapted, it became an essential tool for people around the globe. **[HOW AND WHEN DID THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE INTERNET CHANGE?]{.smallcaps}\ **The 1970s was a serious time of transition for the internet. Email was introduced in 1972, libraries across the country were linked, and above all, information exchange became more seamless thanks to Transport Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) architecture. The invention of these protocols helped to standardize how information was sent and received over the web, making the delivery more consistent, regardless of where or how you're accessing the internet. **[WHEN DID THE INTERNET BECOME USER-FRIENDLY?]{.smallcaps}\ **Then in 1986, the National Science Foundation took the development of the internet to the next echelon by funding NSFNET, a network of supercomputers throughout the country. These supercomputers laid the groundwork for personal computing, bridging the gap between computers being used exclusively for academic purposes and computers used to perform daily tasks.\ In 1991, The University of Minnesota developed the first user-friendly internet interface, making it easier to access campus files and information. The University of Nevada at Reno continued to develop this usable interface, introducing searchable functions and indexing. **[WHEN DID CONSUMERS BEGIN USING THE INTERNET?]{.smallcaps}\ **As the internet's development continued to evolve and shift focus, the National Science Foundation discontinued its sponsorship of the internet's backbone (NSFNET) in May of 1995. This change lifted all commercial use limitations on the internet and ultimately, allowed the internet to diversify and grow rapidly. Shortly after, AOL, CompuServe, and Prodigy joined Delphi to offer commercial internet service to consumers. The debut of Wi Fi and Windows 98 in the late nineties marked the tech industry's commitment to developing the commercial element of the internet. This next step gave companies like Microsoft access to a new audience, consumers (like yourself).\ **WHAT DOES INTERNET USAGE LOOK LIKE TODAY?\ **Flash-forward to today. It's estimated that three billion people now use the internet, many of whom use it on a daily basis to help them get from Point A to Point B, catch up with loved ones, collaborate at work, or to learn more about important questions like how does the internet work? As technology changes and the internet weaves its way into just about every aspect of our\ lives, even more people are expected to use it. In 2030, researchers project there will be 7.5 billion internet users and 500 billion devices connected to the internet. **1.1.3. How the Internet Works\ **The Internet is based on a layered architecture consisting of multiple protocols and technologies. Understanding the functioning of the Internet is crucial for anyone delving into web design and development. This section will explain the basics of the Internet\'s architecture. The Internet, a globally interconnected network of devices, facilitates the exchange of information on an unprecedented scale. To comprehend how it works, we must explore its fundamental components and the intricate processes that underpin this vast digital ecosystem. The modern\ Internet is a vast network of networks, consisting of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope. Here's a breakdown of how the modern Internet works, focusing on its structure: **1. Devices and Endpoints:** At the heart of the Internet are the myriad devices that form its nodes---computers, smartphones, servers, routers, and more. Each device is assigned a unique identifier known as an IP (Internet Protocol) address. This addressing system allows seamless communication between these devices across the network. Client computers connect to the internet through an ISP. Example: Your phone connected to a mobile network or your laptop connected to WiFi. **2. Physical Network Infrastructure** The foundation of the Internet is its vast array of physical components. This includes:\ ** Cables**: These include copper telephone wires, TV cables, and fiber optic cables. Undersea cables also play a crucial role in intercontinental data transmission.\ ** Routers and Switches:** These devices manage traffic within and between networks by forwarding data packets to their intended IP addresses.\ ** Servers:** Central to data exchange, servers store, send, and receive data. Web servers, for instance, host websites and send their data to other devices.\ ** Data Centers:** These facilities house large numbers of servers and other computing hardware. They are essential for cloud computing services and extensive data storage and processing.\ **3. Internet Service Providers (ISPs):**\ Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are essential organizations that facilitate access to the internet for individuals, businesses, and organizations. They serve as gateways to the broader internet infrastructure, providing various types of internet connections including broadband (cable, DSL, fiber optics), wireless, satellite, and even traditional dial-up services. ISPs manage the transmission of data across the internet, ensuring that everything from emails to streaming content is moved efficiently between users and the wider web. Additionally, many ISPs offer services like domain registration and web hosting, allowing users to purchase domain names and host websites on ISP servers. ISPs also play a critical role in network security by implementing measures to protect their networks and customers from cyber threats such as malware, hacking, and unauthorized access.\ This includes monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities and providing firewall options.\ Furthermore, they are responsible for maintaining and upgrading the physical network infrastructure necessary for internet connectivity, including cables, routers, and switches. Some prominent examples of ISPs include Comcast (Xfinity) and AT&T in the USA, which offer a wide range of services including internet, TV, and telephone services; BT Group in the UK, known for its fiber-optic services and digital TV packages; Deutsche Telekom in Germany,\ providing extensive telecommunications services across Europe; Airtel in India, which offers mobile and broadband services; offering a broad range of telecommunications services both domestically and internationally. Also in our country Ethio telecom and Safaricom are Internet service providers that are responsible to provide the service throughout the county. Through their\ diverse offerings and pivotal role in data management, ISPs are foundational to the operation and accessibility of the global internet.