Internet Basics 1 Internet Basic includes two lessons: Lesson 1: The Internet Lesson 2: The World Wide Web The Internet has transformed the way people communicate with each other. It has also revolutionized the way information is made available to the world. With the help of the World Wide Web, a popular service on the Internet, you can now access information from a vast pool of resources in a few seconds. You can use the Internet to perform your day-to-day personal tasks or to find better jobs. For example, if you have just completed your studies and are searching for a job, you can use the Internet to create and submit your resume over the Internet. Companies use the Internet to search for potential candidates. This module explains the various uses of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Lesson 1: The Internet Objectives After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Define the Internet and elaborate on its uses. Identify the different components required to connect to the Internet. Identify the features of different types of Internet connections. Explain the term bandwidth in relation to the different types of Internet connections.

About the Internet The Internet is a collection of networks that are connected together for exchange of information. When the computer is connected to the Internet, it is said to be online. Imagine a scenario where you want to communicate by using a computer on your network with a computer on another network. For this, both the networks need to be connected. The Internet is a collection of networks that are connected together for exchange of information. When the computer is connected to the Internet, it is said to be online.

About the Internet (cont.) You can use the Internet to: communicate with people all around the world instantaneously. get the latest information on a current event. search for information buy and sell products. perform banking transactions. You can use the Internet to communicate with people all around the world instantaneously. When you send messages over the Internet, it can reach any part of the world in just a few seconds. The Internet also helps you to get the latest information on a current event. Many leading news channels use the Internet as the medium to provide updated news. You can use the Internet to search for information on any specific topic, such as history of computers. You can also take any course of your choice and register for online certification exams over the Internet. The Internet can also be used as a source of entertainment. You can listen to music, play games, watch movies, or share family pictures. In addition, you can buy and sell products, such as books and electronic goods, over the Internet. You can also pay for these goods online by specifying your credit card details. You can also use the Internet to perform banking transactions, such as viewing details of your bank account and transferring money from one account to another. Therefore, Internet provides various advantages to its users.

Connecting to the Internet To connect to the Internet, you need: Computing device. Connection device. Internet Service Provider (ISP).   To connect to the Internet, you need a computing device, a connection device, and an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Connecting to the Internet (Cont) Computing device: Personal computer Portable computer (laptop) Mobile device (cell phone or handheld device) Connection device: Modem An ISP is a company that provides Internet connectivity to individuals, businesses, and organizations. The computing device can be a personal computer, a portable computer, or even a mobile device, such as a cell phone or a handheld device. You need a connection device, such as a modem, to connect your computer to the Internet. A modem converts digital information into analog information and transmits it over a phone line. A modem can either be built-in your computer, or externally attached to it. An ISP is a company that provides Internet connectivity to individuals, businesses, and organizations. It may also provide additional services such as the storage space to share your personal content.

Connecting to the Internet (Cont) Connection Methods: Physical (Cables) Wireless (Wireless Fidelity or the Wi-Fi card ). There are different methods by which you can connect to the Internet. When you connect to the Internet by using cables, the connection is called a physical connection. You can also connect to the Internet by using wireless technology.

Connecting to the Internet (Cont) Wireless Technology Devices that supports wireless technology : Wireless Fidelity or the Wi-Fi card. Access point (AP): AP is used to connect a wireless computing device to a wired network. This wired network may belong to an ISP. You can then connect to the Internet through this ISP. A computing device that supports wireless technology has a Wireless Fidelity or the Wi-Fi card that provides wireless communication between the computing device and the network. A Wi-Fi card is not physically connected to an ISP. Another device you need for wireless connectivity is an access point (AP). An AP is used to connect a wireless computing device to a wired network. This wired network may belong to an ISP. You can then connect to the Internet through this ISP.

Types of Internet Connections There are two different types of Internet connections: Dedicated Internet connection Dial-up Internet connection There are two different types of Internet connections, dedicated Internet connections and dial-up Internet connections. You can choose the type of connection depending on your requirement and budget.

Types of Internet Connections (cont.) Dedicated Internet connection: No need to request your ISP for a connection every time you want to connect to the Internet. Many large organizations and universities use dedicated Internet connections because these organizations and universities need to use the Internet extensively. NeKeta Argrow works as a broker at the stock exchange. She uses the Internet to constantly monitor share prices at every hour of the day. She uses a dedicated Internet connection because she wants the computer to be connected to the Internet all the time. In a dedicated Internet connection, you do not need to request your ISP for a connection every time you want to connect to the Internet. Many large organizations and universities use dedicated Internet connections because these organizations and universities need to use the Internet extensively.

Types of Internet Connections (cont.) Dial-up Internet connection: You need to connect to the ISP every time you want to connect to the Internet. You can disconnect from the Internet after completing your work. Is usually less expensive and has a slower data transfer rate compared to a dedicated Internet connection. Sharon Salavaria is a full-time worker and uses the Internet to send e-mail messages to the company’s clients and greetings to her friends and family. As Sharon wants to be connected to the Internet for only a short time, she uses a dial-up Internet connection. In a dial-up connection, you need to connect to the ISP every time you want to connect to the Internet. You can disconnect from the Internet after completing your work. A dial-up Internet connection is usually less expensive and has a slower data transfer rate compared to a dedicated Internet connection.

Bandwidth Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a certain amount of time. Bandwidth is measured in: Mbps (megabits per second). Kbps (kilobits per second). bps (bits per second). Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a certain amount of time. Bandwidth is measured in Mbps (megabits per second), Kbps (kilobits per second), or bps (bits per second).

Bandwidth (cont.) The actual rate of transfer of data will vary depending on: ISP’s equipment. Type of Internet connection. Number of people using the same connection at one time. If the bandwidth of a network is 1 Mbps, it means that 1 megabit of data can be transmitted over that network in 1 second. The actual rate of transfer of data will vary depending on the ISP’s equipment, the type of Internet connection, and the number of people using the same connection at one time.

Bandwidths of Different Networks Types of Connection Data Transfer Rates Dial-up 56.6 Kbps Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Uploads Downloads 128 Kbps 512 Kbps Cable Modem 36 Mbps Wireless Technology 30 Mbps The bandwidth of a network also depends on the technology you use to connect to the Internet. For example, you can connect to the Internet by using a dial-up connection. Most dial-up connections offered today allow data transfer rates up to 56.6 Kbps. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is another technology that you can use to connect to the Internet. If you use a DSL connection, you do not need to connect to the ISP every time you want to use the Internet. By using a DSL connection, you can upload data at speeds of up to 128 Kbps and download data at around 512 Kbps. You can also use a cable modem to connect to the Internet. If you have a cable TV connection, you can get a high speed Internet connection from the cable TV provider. You can achieve data transfer rates of up to 36 Mbps by using a cable modem. In addition, you can connect to the Internet by using wireless technology. With this technology, you can achieve data transfer rates of up to 30 Mbps.

Lesson 2: The World Wide Web Objectives After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Define WWW and its relation to the Internet. Explain how Web addresses work. Explore Web sites by using a search engine. Explain how to perform transactions over the Web. Define browser plug-ins and explain their uses.

Introduction the World Wide Web The World Wide Web (WWW or simply, the Web): Refers to the collection of information that is accessible on the Internet. The information is in the form of text, pictures, and sound. The Web is a very popular service on the Internet. The World Wide Web (WWW or simply, the Web) refers to the collection of information that is accessible on the Internet. The information is in the form of text, pictures, and sound, which are arranged logically and stored on computers known as Web servers. The Web is a very popular service on the Internet.

Introduction the World Wide Web (cont.) Web and the Internet are technically two different terms: The Internet connects multiple computers and forms a network on which a computer can communicate with another computer. The Web is a way of accessing and sharing information over the Internet by using Web browsers. Many people use the terms the Web and the Internet synonymously, but they are technically two different terms. The Internet connects multiple computers and forms a network on which a computer can communicate with another computer. However, the Web is a way of accessing and sharing information over the Internet by using Web browsers.

Web Components Web browser is a software program that enables you to view and interact with various resources on the Web. Web page is a document on the Web. It is a formatted text document that a Web browser can display. Web site is one or more Web pages that reside on a single server. Web browser: A Web browser is a software program that enables you to view and interact with various resources on the Web. An example of a widely used Web browser is Microsoft® Internet Explorer that displays both text and graphics. Web page: A Web page is a document on the Web. It is a formatted text document that a Web browser can display. Most Web pages on the Internet allow you to quickly move to another Web page. You can do this by clicking a hyperlink, commonly called a link. Clicking a link opens the new Web page in your Web browser. You can access existing Web pages or even create and publish new Web pages on the Web. You can create Web pages by using a software language known as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Web browsers use HTML to display Web pages. Web site: A Web site is one or more Web pages that reside on a single server. This server is known as a Web server and is connected to the Internet. The first Web page that is displayed when you access a Web site is known as the home page. Every Web site has a unique home page.

Web Addresses Every Web site on the Web is stored on a computer that is part of a vast network. To access a Web site, you need to access the computer on which the Web site is stored. Each computer on the Web is identified by a unique address, known as the Internet Protocol (IP) address. The IP address is a numeric address that specifies the exact location of a computer on the Web.  Every Web site on the Web is stored on a computer that is part of a vast network. To access a Web site, you need to access the computer on which the Web site is stored. Just as every house has a unique address, each computer on the Web is identified by a unique address, known as the Internet Protocol (IP) address. The IP address is a numeric address that specifies the exact location of a computer on the Web. You can access a computer on the Web by using an IP address, such as 192.168.0.1. The IP address is linked to a corresponding domain name because it is easier to remember names than a string of numbers. For example, the corresponding domain name for the IP address 127.0.0.1 can be proseware.com. Web browsers can use either the domain name or the IP address to locate and display a Web page.

Web Addresses (cont.) A Web site for a domain is accessed with the help of a unique alphanumeric address known as the Web address. The Web address is also known as the Uniform Resource Locator (URL), which specifies the protocol to be used and the exact location of the Web site. A protocol is a standard method of transferring data between different computers. A Web site for a domain is accessed with the help of a unique alphanumeric address known as the Web address. The Web address is also known as the Uniform Resource Locator (URL), which specifies the protocol to be used and the exact location of the Web site. A protocol is a standard method of transferring data between different computers.

Web Addresses (Cont.) http://www.microsoft.com/learning/default.asp Element Description http:// Indicates the protocol to be used to access a file. www Indicates that the Web site is on the World Wide Web. microsoft Indicates the name of the Web site. .com Indicates the type of domain. /learning/default.asp Indicates the path of the document. In the example http://www.microsoft.com/learning/default.asp, http indicates what protocol to use and microsoft.com/learning/default.asp specifies the exact location of the Web page. The following table lists the components of a URL.

Examples of domain name suffixes. Description .com Indicates that the Web site is for a commercial organization. .edu Indicates that the Web site is for educational institutions, such as schools, colleges, and universities. .net Indicates that the Web site is for a network-oriented organization or for an ISP. .org Indicates that the Web site is for a nonprofit organization. .info Indicates that the Web site is informative in nature. .museum Indicates that the Web site is used for a museum or for an individual of the museum profession. A URL also includes a domain name suffix that indicates the type of organization to which the Web site belongs. For example, in the domain name microsoft.com, the domain name suffix is .com. The following table lists some examples of domain name suffixes. Note: There are country-level domains that are specifically used by a country or an independent territory. Some examples of country-level domains include .ke for Kenya, .in for India, and .jp for Japan.

Working with Internet Explorer Please follow these steps to practice: Open Microsoft Digital Literacy site Click on Internet module. Click on “Launch E-learning. Click on the “Play” button. Follow steps on the left screen. 1 4 The Internet offers a range of services, such as file transfer between Internet users, electronic mail for sending e-mail messages, or Web sites for viewing news. You can use the Internet and its services to search and apply for jobs, send messages to other Internet users, watch movies, and buy and sell products. In this exercise, you are new to the Internet and want to learn how to use a Web browser, such as Internet Explorer, to search for information on current affairs. In addition, you want to learn how to save and print the information that you find over the Internet. 3 2 3

E-Commerce E-commerce refers to the business transactions made over the Internet, such as buying and selling items online. E-commerce refers to the business transactions made over the Internet, such as buying and selling items online..

E-Commerce (cont.) Example: Purchasing Museum Online Tickets Step 1: access the museum’s Web site. Step 2: create a new account. Step 3: select the date and the number of tickets you want to purchase. Step 4: provide your credit card details along with the shipping address. Step 4: record your transaction code that you can use for any further queries related to this purchase. For example, you can purchase online tickets to visit a museum. To do this, you first need to access the museum’s Web site and create a new account. While creating a new account, you need to provide details such as a user name, a password, and your address in a registration form. You will then receive an authentication to make an online transaction on the Web site. To purchase online tickets, you need to select the date and the number of tickets you want to purchase. You can also compare the prices of the tickets available. Before you complete the process of purchasing the tickets, you need to provide your credit card details along with the shipping address. After you submit these details, a Web page is displayed indicating that your online transaction is complete. It also provides you a transaction code that you can use for any further queries related to this purchase. The online purchase requires you to provide your credit card details. To ensure a secure transaction, you must provide your credit card details only to reputed Web sites. In addition to making online transactions, e-commerce includes online stock trading that gives you an opportunity to buy and sell shares in the stock market. You can also check your bank account status or insurance details online.

Using Browser Plug-ins A Web page may contain content in the form of animation, video, or audio files. To view these files, you need additional programs known as plug-ins. Plug-ins provide added functions by allowing the Web browser to access and run files that are included in Web pages. Some popular plug-ins are available with most of the Web browsers. Certain plug-ins that you need to install or update to be able to view Web pages with new features and file formats. A Web page may contain content in the form of animation, video, or audio files. To view these files, you need additional programs known as plug-ins. Plug-ins provide added functions by allowing the Web browser to access and run files that are included in Web pages. Some popular plug-ins are available with most of the Web browsers. However, there are certain plug-ins that you need to install or update to be able to view Web pages with new features and file formats.

Using Browser Plug-ins Download Plug-Ins In the Address bar, type http://www.msn.com, and then click Go. On the left column of the MSN home page, click Video. Click Download Microsoft Windows Media Player. To download the plug-in, click Download Now twice. Click Run. Click I Accept. You will learn step-by-step how to download the video plug-in to view the video files.

Questions

Communicating on the Internet Next Class Internet Basics 2 Includes lesson 3: Communicating on the Internet