Running head: COMPUTER CONCEPTS AND INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES 1

Computer Concepts and Internet Technologies

Name

Institution Affiliation
Computer Concepts and Internet Technologies 2

Computer Concepts and Internet Technologies

A. What is internet?

The internet, sometimes called simply “the Net” is a telecommunication network that uses

Internet Protocols (IP) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and to transmit data via

various types of media and connect computers and other devices to the World Wide Web.

B. When was it created and what was its purpose?

The origin of the internet date back in 1957 by the federal government of United States to

build robust, fault-tolerant communication with computer network. The initial precursor

network was the ARPANET, which served as the backbone for interconnection of regional

military and academic network.

The original aim was to create a network that would allow users of a research computer at

one university to communicate and talk to research computers at other universities.

C. What is World Wide Web (WWW)?

World Wide Web, commonly known as the Web, is a information retrieval service of the

Internet. It is an information system where documents and other Web resources are identified

by using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

D. Are WWW and Internet the same technology?

The terms “the Web” and “the Internet” are often used as if they are the one and the same

thing, but in real sense, they are not. This is because of fact that the Internet has been in

development since the early 1960’s, and it is for that allows different gadgets like computer

around the World to communicate to one another. The internet is not just actually a single

physical network; it is a set of rules that allow computers to communicate.

The web, on other hand is the system of web page and sites that uses the Internet to access

uploaded files. The Web is one of the services that use Internet
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E. What is Network Topology? Explain at least three topologies

Topology refers to the physical or logical layout of a network. It defines the way different

nodes are placed and interconnected with each other, for example Switches and routers or

software switch/routers features.

Types of Topology are

i. Bus topology – All the devices/nodes are connected sequentially to the same

transmission line or backbone.

ii. Star topology – All computers and devices are connected to a centrally located hub or

switch via cable. Any failure to individual nodes does not necessary create downtime

in the network but only failure of the central device can.

iii. Tree topology – also called a star of starts, is a network where star topologies are

themselves connected in a star configuration. Physically, the tree topology is similar

to bus and star; th network backbone may have a bus topology, while the low-level

nodes connect using star topology.

F. How do computers communicate with each other on the Internet?

Although computers interact at many different levels and there is a lot of variation between

the various types of computer systems involved, the basic communication method is

relatively uniform and standardized. Computers effectively communicate with each other

over networks that are connected through wire or wireless methods of communication. There

are many different types of networks, as well as many different types of methods for network

connection. Ethernet is a standard protocol that allows any number of computers to

communicate with one another.

G. What is a router?

Router is a hardware device is a first line security from intrusion into a network that is

designed to receive, analyze and move incoming packages to another network.

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H. What is a browser? Briefly explain three different browsers. Any advantage of one

over the other

Browser is a software application for accessing information on the World Wide Web.

Types of browsers are:

(i) Google Chrome – Is the most popular internet giant. It focuses on enhancing performance

of the web application. The major advantage of using Google chrome over other browsers is

that it is considered to offer fast performance and it is easy on computer hardware

(ii) Mozilla Firefox - It is designed for security, extensibility, simplicity yet flexibility and

power. Its main advantage is that it is considered easy to use with its minimalist interface and

has large add-ons library for expanded functionality.

(iii) Opera Web Brower – it is constantly evolving and improving the most mobile browser.

Its main advantage over other browsers is that it is email suite, has both phishing filter and bit

torrent.

What is TCP/TP?

Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the address system of the

internet and has the core function of delivering packets of information from a sourc device to

a target device. IP is the primary way in which network connections are made, and it

establishes the basis of the internet.

J. What is LAN? What are some advantages and disadvantages?

LAN stands for local area network. It is a group of computers and peripheral devices that

share a common communication link or a server within a distinct geographical area.

Advantages of LAN

(i) Communication is fast, easy, and time-saving – In LAN computers can exchange

messages and data easily and in a fast manner. It also help save time and make our work fast.
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(ii)Resource Sharing – Lan provides resource sharing such as computer resources like

scanners, printers, DVD-ROM drives, modems, and hard disks can be shared within the

connected devices.

(iii) Securing data – LAN keps data on the server which makes it more secure to use. In case

if you want to move one server computer to another computer, it is ade possible for access

and update of data.

(iv) Internet Sharing – LAN provides the facility to share a single internet connection among

all the LAN users.

Disadvantages of LAN

(i) Data security problem – In the case when computer is not set up accordingly and there is a

leak in security then unauthorized users can access the data as they wish.

(ii)High setup cost – The initial setup costs of LAN is high since there is special software

required to make a server. Also, other required communication devices like switches,

Ethernet cable, hubs, cables and routers are costly to purchase.

(iii) LAN maintenance job – LAN requires a administrator because there are problems such as

program faults, installations, cables disturbances or hardware failures that may hinder its

progress while working. An administrator is needed to maintain and keep theses issues intact

always or when they may arise.

(iv) Server crashes may affect all computers – In case when any file on the server is corrupted

or hard drive fails then all the attached computers face problems in functionality.

K. What is DNS?

Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and decentralized named system for services,

computers, or other resources that are connected to internet. It may also be referred to as

phonebook of the internet.

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L. What is an ISP?

Internet Service Provider (ISP) is an organization that provides services for accessing,

participating, or using the internet.

M. What is HTML

Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML) is a computer language devised to allow website

creation that is displayed in a web browser.

N. Discuss 3 methods for connecting to internet and WWW

The Word wide web is just one way to access information through internet. Other methods

that may be used are the use of;

(i) Cables – cables provide an internet connection through modem and operates over cable

TV lines. There are different speeds depending on it when downloading data transmission or

uploading.

(ii) Wireless – Wi-Fi or wireless as the name suggest does not use cables or telephone lines to

connect to the internet, instead, it uses radio frequency.

(iii) Cellular – Cellular technology provides wireless internet access through cell phones. The

speed on cellular varies depending on the provider. Most common cellular networks are 4G

and 3G speeds.