Windows 101 - Internet Basics

Windows 101: Lesson 11 - Internet Basics

In this lesson, we’ll cover the fundamental concepts of the Internet, including what it is, how it works, and some basic terminology that will help you navigate it more effectively.

What is the Internet?

The Internet is a global network that connects millions of computers and devices, allowing them to communicate with each other. It’s what enables you to visit websites, send emails, watch videos, and much more. Think of it as a digital highway that carries information from one computer to another, no matter where they are in the world.

How Does the Internet Work?

When you use the Internet, your computer connects to it through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP is like a bridge between your computer and the rest of the Internet. When you visit a website, your computer sends a request through the ISP, and the website’s server sends the information back to your computer, displaying the page on your screen.

Basic Internet Terminology

Website: A website is a collection of related pages that you can visit on the Internet. Each website has its own web address (also called a URL), which you can type into a browser to visit it.

Browser: A browser is a program on your computer that allows you to access websites. Popular browsers include Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.

Search Engine: A search engine, like Google or Bing, helps you find websites by typing in keywords. Instead of remembering a website’s address, you can search for it using words related to what you’re looking for.

Link: A link is text or an image on a website that you can click to go to another page. Links are usually underlined or highlighted in blue.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a wireless connection that lets your computer access the Internet without needing cables. Your device connects to a Wi-Fi network, usually provided by your home router.

Ethernet: Ethernet is a wired connection that links your computer to the Internet through a cable. Many workers use Ethernet to connect directly to their modems for a more stable and faster Internet connection.

Download: When you download something from the Internet, you’re transferring a file from a website to your computer.

Upload: Uploading is the opposite of downloading. It’s when you transfer a file from your computer to a website or service, like sharing a photo on social media.

Router: A router is the device that connects your home or office to the Internet. It manages both wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections, distributing Internet access to your devices.

Modem: A modem connects your home or office network to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). In most cases, ISPs provide a modem and router combination device, which manages both the connection to the Internet and distributes the connection to your devices. For simplicity, we often just refer to this combination device as the modem.