The internet and web browsers allow users to access websites, communicate online and use digital services.
- The internet connects devices and networks around the world.
- The World Wide Web is a collection of websites available through the internet.
- A web browser is an application used to open and interact with websites.
For example, when you open an educational website, your device uses the internet to communicate with the website’s server, while the browser displays its content.
What Is the Internet?
The internet is a global collection of interconnected computer networks.
It connects:
- Computers
- Smartphones
- Servers
- Data centres
- Home networks
- Business networks
- Mobile networks
The internet supports services such as:
- Websites
- Video calls
- Online gaming
- File sharing
- Cloud storage
- Social media
- Video streaming
Real-Life Example
The internet is like a worldwide road system. It provides the paths through which digital information travels between devices.
What Is the World Wide Web?
The World Wide Web, or Web, is a collection of connected websites and web pages accessed through the internet.
Web pages may contain:
- Text
- Images
- Audio
- Video
- Links
- Forms
- Interactive applications
Real-Life Example
If the internet is a road system, the Web is a collection of shops, schools, offices and libraries located along those roads.
The internet existed before the Web and supports many services other than websites.
Internet vs World Wide Web
| Internet | World Wide Web |
|---|---|
| Global network infrastructure | Collection of websites and web pages |
| Connects devices and networks | Uses the internet to deliver web content |
| Supports email, calls, games and other services | Mainly accessed through web browsers |
| Works through networking hardware and protocols | Works through websites, URLs and hyperlinks |
What Is a Web Browser?
A web browser is a software application used to access, retrieve and display content from the World Wide Web.
Popular web browsers include:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
- Apple Safari
- Opera
A browser converts website files into the text, images, menus and buttons users see on the screen.
What Does a Web Browser Do?
A browser can:
- Open websites
- Display web pages
- Search the web
- Play supported audio and video
- Download files
- Save bookmarks
- Store browsing history
- Run web applications
- Manage website permissions
- Protect supported web connections
Real-Life Example
A web browser is like a vehicle. The internet provides the road, and the browser helps you travel to different websites.
How Does a Web Browser Work?
When you open a website:
- You enter a URL or select a link.
- DNS finds the website server’s IP address.
- The browser sends an HTTP or HTTPS request.
- The request travels through your network and internet provider.
- The website’s server processes the request.
- The server sends the required files back.
- The browser processes those files.
- The web page appears on the screen.
This process can happen within a few seconds.
Files Processed by a Browser
HTML
HTML provides the structure and content of a web page.
Example: Headings, paragraphs, images and links.
CSS
CSS controls the visual appearance of the page.
Example: Colours, fonts, spacing and layout.
JavaScript
JavaScript adds behaviour and interactive features.
Example: Opening a menu, validating a form or updating content without reloading the entire page.
Main Parts of a Web Browser
Address Bar
The address bar is used to enter a URL or search query.
Tabs
Tabs allow multiple web pages to remain open in one browser window.
Back and Forward Buttons
These buttons move between recently visited pages.
Refresh Button
The refresh button requests the page again and displays updated content.
Home Button
The home button opens the browser’s selected homepage when available.
Bookmarks
Bookmarks save useful web addresses for future access.
History
Browser history stores a record of previously visited pages, according to the browser’s settings.
Downloads
The downloads section shows files downloaded through the browser.
Extensions
Extensions add extra browser features.
Only trusted and necessary extensions should be installed because extensions may request access to browsing data.
Website, Web Page and Homepage
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Website | Collection of related web pages | A complete educational website |
| Web Page | One individual page | An article about computer networks |
| Homepage | Main starting page | The front page of the website |
Real-Life Example
A website is like a book. Its web pages are like individual chapters, while the homepage is similar to the book’s main contents page.
What Is a URL?
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator.
A URL is the address of a resource on the Web.
Example:
It can contain:
- Protocol
- Domain name
- Path
- Additional query or page information
What Is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the readable name used to access a website.
It is easier to remember than a numerical IP address.
Real-Life Example
A domain name is like a business name, while its IP address is like the physical address used to locate it.
What Is a Hyperlink?
A hyperlink is clickable text, image or another element that opens a different page or resource.
Real-Life Example
A hyperlink is like a door connecting one room to another.
Connected hyperlinks are an important part of the World Wide Web.
Browser vs Search Engine
A browser and search engine are different.
| Web Browser | Search Engine |
|---|---|
| Software used to open websites | Online service used to find information |
| Can directly open a URL | Finds pages from keywords |
| Displays web content | Provides a list of relevant results |
| Installed or available on a device | Usually accessed through a browser or app |
Real-Life Example
A browser is like a car, while a search engine is like a map that helps you find a destination.
What Is a Browser Cache?
A browser cache temporarily stores parts of websites on the device.
It may store:
- Images
- Stylesheets
- Scripts
- Other web resources
When the page is visited again, the browser can reuse some stored files instead of downloading everything again.
This can make pages load faster, but old cache files can sometimes cause outdated content to appear.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small pieces of data that websites ask browsers to store.
They can be used for:
- Keeping users signed in
- Remembering preferences
- Maintaining shopping carts
- Measuring website usage
- Supporting advertising
Users can review or delete cookies through browser settings.
What Is Private Browsing?
Private browsing reduces the amount of local browsing information saved after the private window is closed.
It normally does not make the user anonymous.
Websites, internet providers, employers or network administrators may still be able to observe relevant network activity.
HTTP and HTTPS
HTTP
HTTP is a protocol used to transfer web content between browsers and servers.
HTTPS
HTTPS protects communication between the browser and server using encryption and authentication through TLS.
HTTPS helps protect:
- Passwords
- Messages
- Payment details
- Other transferred information
A protected HTTPS connection does not automatically prove that the website itself is honest.
Common Uses of the Internet and Browsers
- Reading information
- Online education
- Sending emails
- Online shopping
- Internet banking
- Social media
- Video streaming
- Downloading files
- Using cloud applications
- Completing online forms
- Joining video meetings
Basic Browser Safety
- Keep the browser updated.
- Use strong and unique passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication.
- Check the website address carefully.
- Avoid unexpected links and attachments.
- Download files from trusted sources.
- Install only trusted extensions.
- Review camera, microphone and location permissions.
- Do not ignore security warnings.
- Sign out on shared computers.
- Avoid saving sensitive passwords on unknown devices.
Advantages of Web Browsers
- Easy access to websites
- Simple navigation
- Support for multimedia
- Multiple tabs
- Bookmarking
- Download management
- Access to web applications
- Security and privacy controls
- Support for extensions
Limitations and Risks
- Malicious websites
- Phishing
- Harmful downloads
- Tracking and privacy concerns
- Fake information
- Unsafe extensions
- Dependence on internet connectivity for many services
- Security risks from outdated browsers
Topics Covered in This Chapter
The Internet and Web Browsers section can include separate pages on:
- Internet Basics
- World Wide Web
- Web Browsers
- Websites and Web Pages
- URLs and Domain Names
- Search Engines
- HTTP and HTTPS
- DNS
- Uploading and Downloading
- Browser History, Cache and Cookies
- Private Browsing
- Email Basics
- Cloud Services
- Safe Internet Browsing
- Online Privacy and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the internet?
The internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks.
What is the World Wide Web?
The Web is a collection of connected websites and web pages accessed through the internet.
What is a web browser?
A web browser is an application used to open and interact with websites.
Is a browser the same as a search engine?
No. A browser displays websites, while a search engine helps users find websites and information.
Can the internet work without a browser?
Yes. Email applications, online games, messaging apps and many other services use the internet without requiring a traditional browser.
Can a browser work without the internet?
A browser can open locally saved pages and cached content without the internet, but it normally requires a network connection to access online websites.
Is private browsing completely private?
No. It mainly reduces the local history and data saved on the device. It does not make the user anonymous on the internet.
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTPS encrypts and authenticates communication between the browser and server, while normal HTTP does not provide the same protection.
Conclusion
The internet, World Wide Web and web browsers perform different but connected functions.
- The internet connects networks and devices worldwide.
- The World Wide Web provides connected websites and web pages.
- A web browser retrieves and displays web content.
In simple words, the internet provides the connection, the Web provides the content, and the browser helps users access that content.
