Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Differentiate between the Internet and the World Wide Web.
  • Describe the function of a web server and a web browser.
  • Define a URL.
  • Identify HTTP as the protocol of the web.

The World Wide Web

The World Wide Web (or “the Web”) is the most popular service that runs on the internet. It is a system of interlinked hypertext documents that can be accessed via the internet. It is important to remember that the Internet is the network, and the Web is a service on that network.

Key Components of the Web

  • Web Server: A computer that stores web pages and serves them to users upon request.
  • Web Browser: The client software that users run on their computers to request and view web pages (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
  • URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The unique address for each resource on the web.
  • HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The protocol that web browsers and web servers use to communicate with each other.

Summary

The World Wide Web is a service that uses the internet to provide access to a vast collection of interconnected documents. It works on a client-server model, where web browsers (clients) use the HTTP protocol to request web pages from web servers. Every page on the web has a unique address called a URL.

Key Takeaways

  • The Web is a service on the Internet.
  • Web browsers are clients that request pages from web servers.
  • HTTP is the protocol used for communication on the web.
  • A URL is the unique address of a web page.

Discussion Questions

  1. In your own words, explain the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web.
  2. What happens when you type a URL into your web browser?
  3. What is the relationship between HTTP and TCP/IP?

1. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

HTTP is the protocol used to transfer data over the Web. It is a request-response protocol, which means that the client sends a request to the server, and the server sends back a response.

2. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

HTML is the standard markup language for creating Web pages. It is written in the form of HTML elements, which consist of tags enclosed in angle brackets. HTML tags are the building blocks of Web pages.

3. URLs (Uniform Resource Locators)

URLs are the addresses of Web pages. They are used to identify and locate resources on the Internet. A URL consists of a protocol, a domain name, and a path.

4. Web Browsers

Web browsers are software applications that are used to access and view Web pages. The most popular Web browsers are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

5. Web Servers

The Web in Nepal

The Web is a popular tool in Nepal for a variety of purposes, including communication, entertainment, and education. The most popular websites in Nepal include:

  • Google: Google is the most popular search engine in Nepal, and it is used by millions of people every day to find information on the Internet.
  • Facebook: Facebook is the most popular social media platform in Nepal, and it is used by millions of people to connect with friends and family, and to share news and information.
  • YouTube: YouTube is the most popular video-sharing platform in Nepal, and it is used by millions of people to watch videos on a variety of topics.
  • Onlinekhabar: Onlinekhabar is one of the most popular online news portals in Nepal.
  • Hamro Patro: Hamro Patro is a popular app and web portal that provides a variety of services, including a Nepali calendar, news, and horoscopes.

Nepali businesses are using the web in a variety of ways to reach customers. Many businesses have their own websites, and they are also using social media and online advertising to promote their products and services.