Internet Basics: What is the Internet?
- Due No due date
- Points 10
- Questions 4
- Time Limit None
- Allowed Attempts Unlimited
Instructions
Internet Basics: What is the Internet? (due Wed 2/24)
Directions: Read the webpage “Internet Basics: What is the Internet?” and answer the quiz questions. Here are some useful vocabulary words before you read the article (10 points)
Grading
- Total Possible Points: 10
- Category: Quizzes
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network |
(1) a system of lines, wires, etc., that are connected to each other
(2) a system of computers and other devices (such as printers) that are connected to each other
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access |
(1) to be able to use, enter, or get near something
(2) to open or load (a computer file, an Internet site, etc.)
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resource |
a place or thing that provides something useful
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Introduction
The Internet is a very important part of everyday life for people around the world. This page will answer some basic questions about the Internet and how it's used.
What is the Internet?
The Internet is a global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices. With the Internet, it's possible to access almost any information, communicate with anyone else in the world, and do much more.
You can do all of this by connecting a computer to the Internet, which is also called going online. When someone says a computer is online, it's just another way of saying it's connected to the Internet.
What is the Web?
The World Wide Web—usually called the Web for short—is a collection of different websites you can access through the Internet. A website is one place on the internet with information about a subject, published by a single person or organization. Companies and schools have websites. Also, people can create websites about something they are interested in.
The purpose of a website can be almost anything: a news platform, an advertisement, an online library, a place for sharing images or videos, or an educational site like us!
When you are connected to the Internet, you can access and view websites using a type of application called a web browser. Just keep in mind that the web browser itself is not the Internet; it only shows websites that are on the Internet.
How does the Internet work?
How does the Internet work? The exact answer is a little complicated and can take a long time to explain. So, let's look at some of the most important things you should know.
- The Internet is a global network of physical cables, like copper telephone wires, TV cables, and fiber optic cables. Wireless connections like Wi-Fi and 3G/4G use these physical cables to access the Internet.
- When you visit a website, your computer sends a request over these wires to a server. A server is where websites are stored, and it works a lot like your computer's hard drive.
- When the request arrives, the server finds the website and sends the correct data back to your computer. This all happens in just a few seconds!
Watch this video to learn more about how the Internet functions.
Other things you can do on the Internet
One of the best things about the Internet is that you can communicate almost instantly with anyone in the world. Email is one of the oldest and common ways to communicate and share information on the Internet, and billions of people use it. Social media allows people to connect in a different ways and build communities online.
There are many other things you can do on the Internet. There are thousands of ways to keep up with news or shop for anything online. You can pay your bills, manage your bank accounts, meet new people, watch TV, or learn new skills. You can learn or do almost anything online.