← AP Computer Science Principles

Unit 1 Notes: The Internet

Manil Mehta
  min read
·
  Mar 14, 2024

The Internet is a global network that connects millions of computers and other devices worldwide. It allows for the exchange of data and information across vast distances. 

Basic Concepts

  • Protocol: A set of rules governing the exchange of data between devices.
  • Packet: A unit of data transmitted over a network.
  • IP Address: A unique identifier assigned to each device connected to a network.
  • DNS (Domain Name System): Translates domain names into IP addresses.
  • HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): A protocol used for transmitting hypertext documents over the Internet

Internet Structure

The Internet is composed of interconnected networks, including local, regional, and global networks. Data is transmitted through a series of routers and switches.

Clients request services or resources, while servers provide those services or resources. Common examples include web browsing (client requests a web page from a server) and email (client requests email from a mail server). 

 

A system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet. Web Pages are typically written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and can include multimedia content like images, videos, and audio.

Encoding data to prevent unauthorized access is a large portion of security in Internet related matters.

  • Firewalls: Security systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic.
  • HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): A secure version of HTTP that encrypts data sent between the client and server.

Concerns about the collection, use, and sharing of personal information online. Various laws and regulations govern internet privacy, such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the European Union.

Internet access and usage can impact individuals' rights, including freedom of speech and privacy. Issues such as online harassment, cyberbullying, and digital divide are important considerations.

Continual evolution of internet technologies, such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and blockchain. Impact of these technologies on society and the internet's infrastructure.

Various organizations and entities involved in managing and regulating the internet, including ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).