Chapter 2 Overview

http://flatclassroom10-1.flatclassroomproject.org/How+the+World+Wide+Web+has+Changed+the+World

Millions of Web sites and billions of Web pages, huh? I guess I really hadn't thought about it. I've definitely thought of the Internet as infinite but I haven’t ever tried to associate a numerical value to it. With new pages continuously being added to existing sites, it’s no surprise that the number is immeasurable. Shelly and Campbell tell us that “Web sites can consist of a single Web page or thousands of pages.” (38) From a business perspective, sites can be used to sell products or services. There are personal Web sites that can be used for communication purposes. A primary Web page on a Web site is called a Home Page. The web site itself could be a singular page or have multiple pages, links or tabs so navigation is easier. These pages, links, or tabs would allow the reader to review general information about the site and should also include frequently asked questions (FAQs) for problem resolution.

I've never heard of Yahoo! referred to as a Web Portal (AKA portal).  A portal “… is a special type of Web site that offers a doorway to a vast range of content and services.” (39) Portals provide a place for those opening browsers and can feature news, weather, reference tools, etc. Web pages need to be eye catching in order to keep viewers interested (kind of like our blogs!). Things like logos, images, links, and advertisements can be found on Web pages. These things can frequently change. 

“A single Web server can store or host many small Web sites.” (41) Client/server computing is a process by which a Web browser (or client) sends a request to a Web server where the page is stored. The server should respond “… by sending a copy of the Web page to the browser.” (41) A client is defined by Shelly and Campbell as “… an application that runs on computer, such as a personal computer, and requests resources or services from another computer.” Whereas a server is defined as: “… a computer that ‘serves up,’ or provides, the requested resources or services.” (41) Servers can be in the same location or a location far removed from the main location(s).

Ok, acronym time. URL, IP, DNS….. We may have all heard of these things, but how many of us actually know what they stand for? I’m not sure I've heard of a Domain Name System (DNS), but I do remember URL being a Uniform Resource Locator (or maybe I thought it was Universal). I know I've been told IP represents Internet Protocol a few times, but this has never stuck in my mind. An IP address is a unique numerical identifier for a device connected to the Internet. Shelly and Campbell compare an IP address to a mailing address for the USPS. This is a good comparison for me to remember. There can be permanent (static) IP addresses or temporary (dynamic) ones depending on the connection (broadband vs. dial-up). Since IP addresses can be difficult to remember, Web servers have domain names or text versions associated with one or more IP addresses. Every time we type a domain name in our browser, it must find the connected IP address. The browser does this by requesting the IP address from a name server. This “… is a server that contains databases with domain names and the numeric IP addresses to which they correspond.” (42) The DNS name server goes on to connect the domain name to the IP address to tie it all together. Domains are registered since they are one of a kind. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a nonprofit organization in charge of the domain name registration system. 

http://www.bestrank.com/blog/internet-top-level-domain-names-expanding-in-big-way

TLD or top-level domain is an abbreviation identifying the organization connected to the domain. There is also a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) identifying the nation of origin.

URLs are also called Web addresses, another unique identifier. URLs have multiple components consisting of the protocol “… or set of rules used to transmit a Web page from a Web server to a Web browser.” (43) The next part is the domain name or “… the name if the server hosting the Web page …” (43) URLs may also have a path and file name of a Web page.

http://dorkage.net/blog/2008/06/11/avoid-the-phish/

Web browsers (Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, Bing) have several features to assist those trying to browse the Web. Since we all use the Internet on a daily basis, I won't elaborate on browsers. You can choose a website (usually a search engine like Google or Yahoo or perhaps an iGoogle page as your Home Page). Some of the standard browser features are shown here:

http://www.smooth-step.com/web-browsers/features

Among the tools provided by most browsers is the ability to block pop-ups. Not only are these annoying, but they often divert you to malicious sites. Chapter 2 goes on to discuss how to open a Web browser, load a Web page, use the search feature, retrieving recently viewed Web pages, using tabbed browsing, browser shortcuts, etc. 

While on the computer, one can encounter some risky things! Hackers can use their knowledge of computers to gain unauthorized access to computers on a given network. When this happens, he or she can log on to someone else’s computer and access their personal information without their consent. There are also computer viruses that can damage your computer and be passed to others. Shelly and Campbell advise to never open email attachments from unknown sources and be sure to install anti-virus software. If you shop online, be sure you’re purchasing from a reputable business and be careful when making payments on the Internet. Make sure the Web site has a “secure connection” that encrypts your information. You can also filter Web content so you don’t accidentally view something offensive.

Lots of features when it comes to the Internet, huh? And we’re just getting started…..

Work Cited

Shelly, Gary B., and Jennifer T. Campbell. Discovering The Internet. Fourth ed. Boston: Course Technology, Cengage Learning, 2012. 38-101. Print.