1.

6-1 The Internet

This section introduces the fundamental concept of the internet and its variations.

a. Definition of the Internet

The Internet is a massive, global network of interconnected computers and computer networks
that communicate with each other using a standard set of rules (protocols). Think of it like a
giant, worldwide postal service or a global road system, but instead of sending letters or moving
cars, it sends digital information (data). ➡📦🌍
This network allows users to share information, communicate with each other, and access a
vast range of resources and services from anywhere in the world.

b. Understanding Internetworking

The term "Internet" is short for "interconnected networks". This core idea is called
internetworking. It's the practice of connecting different, smaller computer networks together so
they can function as one large, coordinated network.

For example, your school's computer lab network can be connected to your home's Wi-Fi
network, and both can be connected to a company's network in another country. The technology
that links all these separate networks is what creates the internet.

Common Examples: Internet, Intranet, and Extranet

While they sound similar, these three types of networks have key differences based on who can
access them.

Internet:

What it is: The global, public network.

Who can access: Anyone with an internet connection. It is public.

Example: When you use Google, YouTube, or any public website, you are using the Internet.

Intranet:

What it is: A private network belonging to a single organization (like a school or a company). It
uses the same technology as the internet (web pages, browsers) but is firewalled off from the
public.

Who can access: Only authorized members of that organization (e.g., students and teachers
of a school, employees of a company).

Example: A school's private portal where students can check their grades, download
timetables, and access school-only announcements.
Extranet:

What it is: An intranet that has been partially extended to allow specific external users to have
access. It's a "private, but shared" network.

Who can access: Members of the organization and specific, authorized outsiders (like
suppliers, partners, or major customers).

Example: A manufacturer might give its suppliers access to an extranet to check inventory
levels and see when new parts are needed.

| Network Type| Accessibility |Analogy|

| Internet | Public (Everyone) | A public library 🏛|

1. A global network of interconnected computers is called the.

2. A private network used within a single company is an.

3. Which network would a car company use to allow its dealerships to order new cars? (Internet
/ Intranet / Extranet)

4. True or False: The Internet is owned by a single company.

1.6-2 Web Services and Technologies

This section covers the tools and rules that make the World Wide Web work.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

A URL is the unique address of a resource on the internet. It's like a house address, but for a
webpage, image, or file. Every single thing you find online has a URL.
A URL is made of several parts. Let's look at an example:
`[Link]

`[Link] This is the protocol. It tells the browser how to get the resource. `https` is a secure
protocol for web pages.

`[Link]`: This is the domain name. It identifies the specific website or server where
the resource is located (`[Link]` is the main domain).

`/[Link]`: This is the path. It points to the specific file or page on that server.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An ISP is a company that provides individuals and organizations with access to the internet. You
cannot connect to the internet without an ISP. They are the gateway between you and the global
network. 🚪🌐
Function: They provide the physical connection (like fiber optic, DSL, or mobile data) and the
necessary network infrastructure.

Examples in Cameroon: MTN, Orange, Camtel.

Protocols (HTTP, FTP, Telnet) & Secure Equivalents

A protocol is a set of rules that governs how data is transmitted and received between
computers. It's like a common language that two computers agree to use to understand each
other.

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol):

Use: The fundamental protocol used to load web pages. When you type a web address in your
browser, it uses HTTP to request the page from the server.

Secure Equivalent: HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure): This is the secure version of
HTTP. It encrypts the data sent between your browser and the website. You should always look
for the padlock icon 🔒 and `[Link] when entering sensitive information like passwords or
bank details.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol):

Use: A protocol designed specifically for transferring (uploading and downloading) files
between computers over a network.
 Secure Equivalents: FTPS / SFTP: These are secure versions of FTP that encrypt the
connection and the files being transferred to protect them from being intercepted.

Telnet:

Use: An older protocol used to log into and control a remote computer over a network
using a text-based command line.

Note: Telnet is not secure because it sends data, including passwords, in plain text. It has
largely been replaced by a secure protocol called SSH (Secure Shell).

Browsers

A web browser (or simply "browser") is a software application used to access, retrieve, and
display information on the World Wide Web. It interprets the code (like HTML and CSS) of a
webpage and displays it as the formatted text, images, and videos you see.

Function: It's your window to the internet. It sends requests to web servers using protocols
like HTTP and displays the server's response.

Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari.

Search Engines

A search engine is a web-based tool that enables users to find information on the World Wide
Web. Users enter keywords or queries, and the search engine returns a list of relevant results,
usually web pages.

How it works (simplified):

1. Crawling: It uses automated programs called "spiders" or "bots" to travel the web and
discover pages.

2. Indexing: It analyzes and stores information about these pages in a massive database
called an index.

3. Ranking: When you search, it scours its index for the most relevant pages and ranks them
based on hundreds of factors to give you the best results first.

Examples: Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo!

✍ Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

2. The protocol used for securely browsing websites is.

3. The company that gives you internet access, like MTN or Orange, is an.

4. A software application like Google Chrome, used to view websites, is a.

5. —is a protocol used for transferring files between computers.

1.6-3 Social Networks

This section explores online platforms designed for social interaction.

a. The Concept of Social Networks

A social network (or social media) is an online platform or website that focuses on building and
maintaining social relationships among people who often share similar interests, activities,
backgrounds, or real-life connections.

The core concept is to create a digital space where users can connect, communicate, share
🧑🤝🧑
content (like photos, text, and videos), and interact with each other.

b. Characteristics of Social Networks

Most social networks share a common set of features:

.User Profiles: Each user creates a personal page with information about themselves, such as
their name, photo, interests, and location.

.Network of Connections: Users can connect with others by "friending," "following," or adding
them to a contact list. This creates a visible network of their social ties.

.Content Sharing: The main function is to allow users to post and share content, such as status
updates, photos, videos, and links.

.News Feed / Timeline: A central feature that shows a real-time stream of content posted by the
user's connections.

.Interaction Tools: Features like "likes," comments, shares, and private messaging allow users to
interact with each other's content.

c. Examples of Social Networks

Here are some of the most well-known examples:

Twitter (now X): A "microblogging" service where users post short messages called "tweets."
It is popular for real-time news, public discussions, and following public figures.

Other popular examples include:

Instagram: Focused on sharing photos and videos.

TikTok: Focused on sharing short-form videos.

LinkedIn: A professional networking site for career development.

✍ Exercise 3: Short Answers

1. What is the main purpose of a social network?

2. List three common characteristics of all social networks.

3. Besides Facebook and Twitter, name one other social network and what it is primarily used
for.

📚 Final Assignment
Instructions:.Answer all questions in your notebook.

Section A: Definitions (10 Marks)

Define the following terms in one or two sentences:

1. Internet

2. Intranet

3. URL

4. ISP

5. Protocol

Section B: Comparison (10 Marks)

1. Explain the main difference between an Intranet and an Extranet. (4 marks)

2. Explain the difference between HTTP and HTTPS. Why is HTTPS important? (6 marks)
Section C: Short Explanations (10 Marks)

1. Describe the role of a web browser. Give two examples. (4 marks)

2. What is a search engine and how does it help internet users? (3 marks)

3. Describe two key characteristics of a social network like Facebook. (3 marks)