The Internet & The World Wide Web

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Notes

Internet vs World Wide Web

The **Internet** is a global network of networks (a WAN) that provides connectivity.
The **World Wide Web** is a collection of websites and web pages accessed via the Internet.
The Internet includes other services like email, FTP, and VoIP, not just the web.
The web was created in 1989 by **Tim Berners-Lee**.

Network Protocols: HTTP & HTTPS

**HTTP** (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) governs communication between a client and server for web pages.
**HTTPS** is HTTP with an added layer of **encryption** for security.
HTTPS protects sensitive data like passwords and financial information.
A common exam answer: 'HTTPS encrypts data being transmitted, unlike HTTP.'

Web Browser

A **web browser** is software to access and display web pages by rendering **HTML**.
Key functions: navigation tools (back/forward), bookmarks, cookies, history, address bar, multiple tabs.
Browsers interpret HTML code and translate it into a visual display.

Web Servers

A **web server** is a remote computer that stores website files (hosting).
Servers are typically available 24/7 and can handle multiple users simultaneously.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

A **URL** is a unique text-based address for a web page.
It consists of three parts: **protocol** (e.g., https), **domain name** (e.g., www.example.com), and **file path** (e.g., /page).

DNS (Domain Name System)

The **DNS** translates human-readable domain names into numeric **IP addresses**.
It acts like a phone book for the Internet.
Without DNS, users would have to remember IP addresses of every website.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

**HTML** is the language used to structure and present content on web pages.
It uses **tags** (e.g., <html>, <h1>, <p>) to define structure and formatting.
HTML organises content into sections (headers, paragraphs, footers) and presents it with headings, text, images, etc.
The browser **renders** HTML to display the page visually.

Cookies

A **cookie** is a small data file stored by the browser containing browsing activity info.
**Session cookies** are stored in RAM, deleted when the browser closes; used to track current session (e.g., shopping cart).
**Persistent cookies** are stored on the hard drive, remain until expiry or manual deletion; remember login details and preferences across visits.

Loading a Web Page (Process)

User enters a **URL** in the browser's address bar.
Browser sends the domain name to a **DNS** to get the IP address.
Browser connects to the **web server** and requests the page.
Server sends **HTML** data back; browser **renders** it to display the page.

Sequence of steps when loading a web page: user enters URL, browser performs DNS lookup, requests page from web server, receives HTML, and renders it.

Comparison of session and persistent cookies: storage location, lifespan, and purpose.

Practice questions

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1.What is the Internet?
Easy
- AA collection of websites and web pages accessed using a web browser
- BA global network of networks that provides connectivity to the World Wide Web
- CA type of Wide Area Network (WAN) used only for email
- DA software application used to display web pages
2.Who created the World Wide Web in 1989?
Easy
- AVint Cerf
- BTim Berners-Lee
- CBill Gates
- DRobert Cailliau
3.Which of the following is a key difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?
Medium
- AThe Internet is a service that runs on the World Wide Web
- BThe World Wide Web is a collection of websites, while the Internet is the network that connects them
- CThe Internet is used only for email, while the World Wide Web is used for websites
- DThe World Wide Web was created before the Internet
4.What does HTTP stand for?
Easy
- AHyperText Transfer Protocol
- BHyperText Transmission Protocol
- CHigh Transfer Text Protocol
- DHyperText Transfer Process
5.What is the main advantage of HTTPS over HTTP?
Medium
- AHTTPS is faster than HTTP
- BHTTPS encrypts data to keep it secure
- CHTTPS uses a different protocol for data transfer
- DHTTPS does not require a web server
6.What is the function of a Domain Name System (DNS)?
Medium
- ATo store web pages on a server
- BTo translate domain names into IP addresses
- CTo encrypt data transmitted over the Internet
- DTo provide a user interface for browsing the web
7.A user types a URL into a web browser. Which of the following is the correct sequence of events to load the web page?
Hard
- ABrowser sends request to DNS → DNS returns IP address → Browser requests HTML from web server → Browser renders HTML
- BBrowser requests HTML from web server → DNS translates domain name → Browser renders HTML → IP address is assigned
- CDNS sends HTML to browser → Browser connects to web server → Browser renders page → URL is resolved
- DBrowser sends request to web server → Web server sends DNS to browser → Browser translates IP address → HTML is rendered
8.What is a web browser?
Easy
- AA remote computer that stores web pages
- BA piece of software used to access and display information on the Internet
- CA protocol for transferring data over the Internet
- DA file format for web pages

More questions

9.Which of the following is a function of a web browser?
Medium
- AStoring web pages permanently on the user's computer
- BProviding navigation tools such as back and forward buttons
- CTranslating domain names into IP addresses
- DEncrypting data transmitted over the network
10.What is a cookie?
Medium
- AA small program that runs on a web server
- BA tiny data file stored on a computer by browser software that holds browsing activity information
- CA type of malware that infects web browsers
- DA protocol for secure data transfer
11.Which of the following correctly compares session cookies and persistent cookies?
Hard
- ASession cookies are stored on the hard drive and persist after the browser is closed; persistent cookies are stored in RAM and deleted when the browser is closed
- BSession cookies are stored in RAM and deleted when the browser is closed; persistent cookies are stored on the hard drive and remain until expired or manually deleted
- CBoth types are stored in RAM, but session cookies are deleted after one day and persistent cookies after one year
- DSession cookies are used to remember login details across visits; persistent cookies track current session activity
12.What is HTML used for?
Easy
- ATo encrypt data on the web
- BTo structure and present content on web pages
- CTo translate domain names into IP addresses
- DTo provide a user interface for web browsers
13.A user enters a URL into a web browser. Which component translates the domain name into an IP address?
Medium
- ADNS server
- BWeb server
- CRouter
- DISP
14.What is the main purpose of HTTPS?
Easy
- ATo encrypt data transmitted between client and server
- BTo speed up web page loading
- CTo compress web page files
- DTo allow multiple users to access the same web page
15.A web browser is used to display a web page. Which of the following best describes how the browser renders the page?
Medium
- AIt interprets HTML code and translates it into a visual display
- BIt downloads the entire web page as an image file
- CIt executes JavaScript to generate the page content
- DIt requests a pre-rendered page from the web server
16.A company's website uses HTTPS. A customer submits a form containing personal data. How is this data protected during transmission?
Hard
- AIt is encrypted before being sent over the internet
- BIt is stored in a cookie on the customer's computer
- CIt is sent as plain text but only accessible to the web server
- DIt is compressed to prevent interception
17.A user visits a website and adds items to a shopping cart. The cart contents are remembered only while the browser is open. Which type of cookie is being used?
Hard
- ASession cookie
- BPersistent cookie
- CSecure cookie
- DThird-party cookie
18.Which of the following correctly describes a URL?
Medium
- AA text-based unique identifier for a web page
- BA numeric IP address assigned to a web server
- CA protocol used to transfer web pages
- DA file format for web page content
19.A web page contains the HTML tag <img src="photo.jpg" alt="Photo">. What is the purpose of the 'alt' attribute?
Hard
- ATo provide alternative text if the image cannot be displayed
- BTo specify the image file name
- CTo set the image width and height
- DTo create a hyperlink from the image
20.Which of the following is a difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?
Medium
- AThe Internet is the infrastructure; the World Wide Web is a service that uses it
- BThe World Wide Web is the infrastructure; the Internet is a service that uses it
- CThe Internet was created in 1989; the World Wide Web was created earlier
- DThe World Wide Web is a global network of networks; the Internet is a collection of web pages
21.A company wants to ensure that data submitted through its website is encrypted. Which protocol should it use?
Medium
- AHTTPS
- BHTTP
- CFTP
- DSMTP
22.A user clears all cookies from their web browser. What is the most likely immediate effect?
Hard
- AThey will be logged out of websites that remember login details
- BWeb pages will load more slowly
- CThe browser will no longer display images
- DThey will be unable to access any websites
23.A user types a URL into a web browser. Which component translates the domain name into an IP address?
Medium
- ADNS server
- BWeb server
- CRouter
- DHTML interpreter
24.A student claims: 'The World Wide Web and the Internet are the same thing.' Which statement correctly refutes this claim?
Hard
- AThe Internet is a global network of networks; the Web is a collection of web pages accessed via the Internet.
- BThe Web is the hardware infrastructure; the Internet is the software used to access it.
- CThe Internet is a service provided by the Web; the Web is the underlying network.
- DThe Web uses FTP; the Internet uses HTTP.
25.A website uses HTTPS. When a user submits a form, how is the data protected?
Medium
- AIt is encrypted before transmission.
- BIt is converted to HTML.
- CIt is stored in a cookie.
- DIt is sent via a separate secure channel.
26.A user adds items to an online shopping cart and closes the browser. When reopening, the cart is empty. Which type of cookie stored the cart data?
Medium
- ASession cookie
- BPersistent cookie
- CSecure cookie
- DThird-party cookie
27.Which of the following correctly lists the steps to load a web page in order?
Hard
- AUser enters URL → DNS resolves domain name → Browser requests page from web server → Server sends HTML → Browser renders page
- BDNS resolves domain name → User enters URL → Browser requests page → Server sends HTML → Browser renders page
- CUser enters URL → Browser requests page from web server → DNS resolves domain name → Server sends HTML → Browser renders page
- DUser enters URL → DNS resolves domain name → Browser renders page → Server sends HTML
28.Which of the following is a difference between a session cookie and a persistent cookie?
Easy
- AA session cookie is stored on the hard drive; a persistent cookie is stored in RAM.
- BA session cookie is deleted when the browser is closed; a persistent cookie remains until it expires or is deleted.
- CA session cookie stores login details; a persistent cookie tracks session activity.
- DA session cookie is created by the web server; a persistent cookie is created by the user.
29.Which part of the URL 'https://www.example.com/about' identifies the protocol?
Medium
- Ahttps
- Bwww.example.com
- C/about
- Dwww
30.A company wants to ensure that all data transmitted between its website and customers is encrypted. Which protocol should it use?
Hard
- AHTTP
- BHTTPS
- CFTP
- DSMTP
31.What does HTML stand for?
Easy
- AHyperText Markup Language
- BHyperText Machine Language
- CHighText Markup Language
- DHyperTransfer Markup Language
32.A web browser displays a web page. Which of the following best describes how the browser renders the page?
Hard
- AIt interprets HTML code and translates it into a visual display.
- BIt downloads the entire web page as an image file.
- CIt executes JavaScript to generate the page content.
- DIt requests a pre-rendered page from the web server.
33.In which year was the World Wide Web created?
Easy
- A1989
- B1991
- C1993
- D1995
34.A web browser is used to access a website. Which of the following correctly describes the role of the Domain Name System (DNS) in this process?
Medium
- AIt translates the domain name into an IP address
- BIt encrypts data sent between the browser and server
- CIt stores the web page files for the website
- DIt renders HTML code into a visual web page
35.A user visits an online store and adds items to a shopping cart. The cart contents are remembered only while the browser is open. Which type of cookie is being used?
Hard
- ASession cookie
- BPersistent cookie
- CSecure cookie
- DThird-party cookie
36.Which of the following best describes the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
Medium
- AHTTPS encrypts data transmitted between client and server, while HTTP does not
- BHTTP is faster than HTTPS because it uses less overhead
- CHTTPS uses a different port number than HTTP
- DHTTP is used for web pages, while HTTPS is used for email
37.A user types a URL into a web browser. Which of the following sequences correctly describes the steps that occur to load the web page?
Hard
- ABrowser sends domain name to DNS → DNS returns IP address → Browser requests page from web server → Server sends HTML → Browser renders HTML
- BBrowser requests page from web server → Server sends HTML → DNS translates domain name → Browser renders HTML
- CDNS sends IP address to browser → Browser requests page from server → Server sends HTML → Browser renders HTML
- DBrowser sends domain name to DNS → DNS returns IP address → Browser renders HTML → Server sends HTML

Slides

The Internet vs. the World Wide Web

The Internet is a global network of networks – the infrastructure that connects devices worldwide.
The World Wide Web (WWW) is a collection of websites and web pages accessed via the Internet.
The Internet also supports other services like email, FTP, and VoIP – not just the web.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Internet and the World Wide Web?

The Internet and the World Wide Web are the same thing.
The World Wide Web is a service that runs on the Internet.
The Internet is a service that runs on the World Wide Web.
They are completely independent of each other.

Network Protocols: HTTP & HTTPS

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a set of rules for communication between a web browser and a web server.
HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP – all data is encrypted before transmission.
HTTPS protects sensitive information like passwords and credit card details.

What is the main difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

HTTPS is faster than HTTP.
HTTPS encrypts data; HTTP does not.
HTTP is only for images; HTTPS is for text.
HTTPS uses a different port number only.

Web Browsers

A web browser is software used to access and display web pages.
It renders HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) to produce a visual display.
Key functions: navigation buttons, bookmarks, address bar, tabs, history, and storing cookies.

Which of these are functions of a web browser?

Storing bookmarks
Compiling source code
Rendering HTML
Sending emails

Loading a Web Page

Web pages are stored on web servers.
A user enters a URL into the browser's address bar.
The browser sends the domain name to a DNS server to get the IP address.
The browser then requests the page from the web server, and the server sends back HTML.
The browser renders the HTML to display the page.

The ____ translates a domain name into an IP address.

URL Structure

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of a web page.
It consists of three parts: protocol, domain name, and file path.
Example: https://www.example.com/page – 'https' is the protocol, 'www.example.com' is the domain, '/page' is the file path.

In the URL 'https://savemyexams.com/igcse', which part is the domain name?

https
savemyexams.com
/igcse
com

HTML Basics

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is used to structure and present content on the web.
HTML uses tags like <h1> for headings, <p> for paragraphs, and <a> for links.
Most tags come in pairs: an opening tag and a closing tag (e.g., <p>...</p>).

Which of these are valid HTML tags?

<h1>
<paragraph>
<img>
<link>

A cookie is a small data file stored on your computer by a web browser.
It contains information like login details, preferences, and browsing history.
There are two types: session cookies (stored in RAM, deleted when browser closes) and persistent cookies (stored on hard drive, remain until expiry or manual deletion).

A ____ cookie is stored on the hard drive and remains until it expires or is manually deleted.

Where is a session cookie stored?

Hard drive
RAM
Web server
DNS server

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