What is the world wide web? - Twila Camp
What is the World Wide Web?
Understanding the Basics
- The World Wide Web is a platform used daily by millions for various activities, including communication and information sharing. It operates independently from the Internet, which serves as the underlying network connecting computers.
- Initially, computers communicated directly over the Internet. Today, networks facilitate seamless communication for various applications like email and file transfer, with web browsing being the most prevalent use.
The Structure of the Web
- Websites are likened to rooms in skyscrapers (web servers), where individuals can rent space to store and organize information. Anyone can set up a web server with appropriate resources and knowledge.
- Website addresses consist of domain names that function similarly to physical addresses, guiding users to specific locations on the web.
How Browsers Work
- Information on websites is coded in languages such as HTML and JavaScript. Web browsers interpret this code into user-friendly formats like text and graphics, eliminating the need for users to understand programming languages.
The Nature of Ownership
- The World Wide Web resembles a vast virtual city without ownership; it belongs collectively to all users. Access requires payment to service providers but does not confer ownership of the web itself.
The Conceptual Framework of Information