1. Mr C Johnston ICT Teacher www.computechedu.co.uk
BTEC IT Unit 28 - Lesson 04 Factors Which Influence Web Browsing
Mr C Johnston
ICT Teacher

2. Session Objectives
Understand the difference between server side and user side capabilities,
Know a range of different user side factors which will effect the users experience when browsing websites,
Know a range of different server side factors which will effect the users experience when browsing websites.

3. Client Side vs Server Side
When we are browsing the internet there are two different sides –
Client or User Side
Server Side
Client side allows us to see websites through a browser and send requests to the server for web pages,
Server side handles requests from made by users and send the web pages to your machine,
The also process forms which you may submit through the browser,
You need to be aware of factors in each which can effect the browsing experience.

4. User / Client Side Factors
Your Internet Connection
Type, speed, ISP, Local popularity, Distance from exchange,
Hardware Using To Browse
Type, Specification, Size of monitor (resolution), How interact, Age, Connection method (wired/wireless), Type of router,
Browser Software
Choice, Age, Speed of Page Delivery, Support features, plugins, security policy,
Security Software
Features, firewall settings,
Other Home Factors
Other users, position of router, house construction, other signals

5. Server Side Factors Server Internet Connection Server Hardware
Upload speed vital, DSL so is at least same as download speed
Server Hardware
Type, Specification, Age,
Number of sites running on server
Few paid for hosts are dedicated probably several sites running on same – is the servers load balanced properly??
Number of hits – especially simultaneously
Files which make up the site:
Lots of small files better than few big ones
Optimise images so are correct size – web browser shouldn’t download image with large dimensions and shrink,
Correct file type with compression – JPGs not BMPs
Selective use of media (flash, video, sound) – correct format, compress, steam video if possible (progressive download rather than waiting for full file)

6. Topic Exercise
Produce notes which explain factors both server and user side that influence the performance of a website.
BTEC Book – p
Link #1, Link #2, Link #3,
P2 – Explain the user side and server side factors that influence the
performance of a website.
For P2, you will need to focus on the user and server side factors which affect website performance.
A report which considers the benefits of particular server side capabilities for a company website would be appropriate, although you should also consider the limitations of the equipment and software customers may be using to browse the website.