The Internet – what is it and how does it work


Good reading: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet-technology-channel.htm

Watch this clip: Mysteries of the Internet


1. Brainstorm the hardware & software that you need?
2. What type of connections are there?
Visit the Brunet site and test the speed of your connection!
a. Make notes from CC p 344 – 352 and visit www.brunet.bn/ , http://www.dst-group.com/dstcom/broadband/index.htm and http://www.bmobile.com.bn/index_zoom.htm Create a table to compare the different options available in Brunei to connect to the Internet. Include name of Provider, Plan on Offer, Description of access, Price, Internet speed. b. Define the term ‘bandwidth’
c. Identify the units that Internet speed is measured in.
d. Research different connection speeds around the world and write down your findings.
e. Wimax is a new Internet connection technology being developed, research what it is and describe your findings.

3. How does data travel the Internet? Understanding Internet Protocols TCP/IP and packet switching and how data travels
a. Read CC p 343 and visit www.learnthenet.com and http://www.open2.net/ictportal/comm/internet/protocols1.htm
b. In your own words describe how the Internet using TCP/IP and packet switching for data to travel over the Internet. Using a diagram would also be useful.

Point of Interest IP addresses are running out at present there are 3 billion IP addresses available but we are running out. So the new IPv6 is being developed.
4. Identify the exact number of IP addresses available for both IP4 and IP6.

5. Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Online Service Providers (OSP). Read CC p 349, Describe what each of these is?
6. Describe the difference between the Internet and the WWW?
7. Describe the difference between the Internet and an Intranet?
8. URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the naming system and addresses for each web address. Explain.
9. Cookies
a. Define the term ‘Cookies’
b. Identify two pieces of information that would be stored by cookies.
c. Discuss the use of cookies and their impact on web surfing.
10. Web Browsers – research and list the main web browsers being used in the world.

11. Describe the features of a web browser.


Now for some revision: Read the following:
Discovering Computers 2008 Chp 2 Key Terms and Chapter Review http://oc.course.com/sc/dc2008/index.cfm?action=review&chapter=2
Try out the Practice Test and tell your teacher the score( You will need to register to participate in this quiz)

Resources: WWW: How it works

Student Activity

12. Internet 2 – What is the future of the Internet? – read DC p70 Look Ahead. Internet Speeds of the Future and CC p371
  • Not to be confused with web 2!!

Web 2.0


1. So what is Web 2 – is it a new phenomenon or just a name for a bunch of new tools such as blogging, wikis and podcasting...more
Read the following file and create a wiki page about the different technologies. Link your page to these:


On each page.. include some visual evidence e.g. video clips embedded and pictures; what it is and how it is being used; any issues that arise because of using it.