Overview
This lecture introduces basic internet terminologies, key concepts, and definitions relevant to web use, online security, and digital systems.
Common Internet Terminologies
- A browser is a software application used to access and view websites (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
- A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the web address used to access specific web pages.
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS are protocols for transferring data online; HTTPS encrypts data for security.
- An IP address is a unique numeric identifier for devices on a network.
- Bandwidth is the maximum rate of data transfer across a network connection.
- A blog is a website regularly updated with informal or conversational content.
- Clickbait is attention-grabbing content designed to encourage link clicks, often with misleading headlines.
- Add-ons or extensions are small software programs that add new features to web browsers.
Errors, Storage, and Data Management
- A 404 error indicates a requested web page cannot be found.
- Archiving is moving data to long-term storage in a secondary location.
- A cookie is a small data file stored by browsers to remember user preferences or login details.
- Cloud storage allows data to be stored on remote servers and accessed via the internet.
Online Security and Privacy
- A firewall is a system that monitors and controls network traffic based on security rules.
- An ISP (Internet Service Provider) supplies internet access to users.
- Malware refers to software intended to harm or exploit systems.
- Phishing is a scam where attackers impersonate organizations to steal sensitive information.
- Spam consists of unsolicited and often irrelevant messages sent to many users.
- A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts internet connections and conceals online activity.
Networking and Web Systems
- Wi-Fi enables wireless internet access within a local range.
- DNS (Domain Name System) translates readable domain names into IP addresses.
- The World Wide Web is the information space accessed through web browsers.
Concepts in Digital Systems
- Information systems integrate digital hardware and software to create and communicate data.
- Peripherals are devices connected to a digital system for additional functionality.
- Computational thinking involves breaking problems into steps to solve them digitally.
- Branching refers to algorithm instructions causing varied outcomes based on conditions.
- Unplugged means using a non-digitally connected device.
- Computer coding is writing instructions for software operation.
- An algorithm is a sequence of steps to complete a task.
- Debugging is the process of finding and resolving software issues.
- Computer data can include text, images, audio, video, and software.
- Digital systems are integrated hardware and software working together.
- A digital footprint is the data trail left by online activities.
- Cyber security includes protections against digital attacks.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Browser — software to access web content.
- URL — the address of a web page.
- HTTP/HTTPS — protocols for data transfer online.
- IP Address — unique device identifier on a network.
- Cookie — data stored by browsers to remember user information.
- Firewall — security system for network traffic control.
- ISP — company providing internet access.
- Malware — harmful or exploitative software.
- Phishing — online scam to steal sensitive data.
- VPN — service to encrypt and privatize internet activity.
- Bandwidth — data transfer rate.
- Cloud Storage — saving data on remote internet servers.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review each term and definition for familiarity.
- Explore further examples of internet terminology in daily use.
- Practice identifying and defining terms in context.