• Proxy server: Acts as an intermediary between a Wide Area Network
(WAN) (like the internet) and a Local Area Network (LAN). • It processes requests from users, retrieves web pages from the internet, and sends them back to the user. • Caching: Pages retrieved from the internet are stored on the server, making future requests for the same page faster as it retrieves them from cache rather than re-fetching them from the internet. The Internet • It is global network that allows users to send and receive emails, browse the web, and communicate using text, voice, and other multimedia. • World Wide Web (WWW): Part of the internet where users access information through a web browser (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer). Websites • Consist of multiple linked web pages (documents with text, images, audio, or video). Websites can include hyperlinks to navigate between different web pages. • Example: A website like "www.hoddereducation.com" is made up of web pages. Hyperlinks • Hyperlinks are clickable links (often blue and underlined text) that let users navigate between web pages. • URL: Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is the address used to find a resource on the internet. • Structure: protocol://site address/path/filename • Protocol: Usually `http` • Site address: Made up of the host computer name, domain name, and country code (e.g., `.uk`, `.us`). • Path: Refers to the specific page on the website. • Filename: The file being accessed. Accessing the Internet • Internet Service Provider (ISP): A company that offers internet access for a fee. Users sign up, receive login details (username and password), and can access the internet and email accounts. • Email: A service for sending and receiving electronic messages (text, documents, files). • Example of an email: `example1@yahoo.co.uk` • Parts of an email: i. Username: Part before `@`, e.g., `example1` ii. Domain: Part after `@`, e.g., `yahoo.co.uk` Types of Internet Access 1. Dial-up Internet Access: • Slowest connection (about 60 kbps). • Requires dialing a phone number provided by the ISP. • Cons: Ties up the phone line while in use. 2. Cable Internet Access: • Uses a cable network for faster access. • Separate from the telephone line. 3. DSL Internet Access (Broadband): • Fastest type of connection (at least 11,000 kbps). • Uses a telephone line without blocking it. • Allows fast data transfer for tasks like Voice over IP (VoIP) and online chat rooms. Intranets (Nxt Lesson)