Internet Services Grade 10
The internet provides far more than just web browsing. This page covers plug-in applications, common internet services, and the technologies that power them.
Plug-in Applications
A plug-in is additional software installed into an existing application (e.g. a browser) to extend its functionality.
| Plug-in | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PDF converter/reader | Allows browsers to open and display PDF files |
| Flash Player | Allows browsers to display interactive animations and videos (mostly obsolete now) |
| Java | Allows Java programs to run within a web browser |
| QuickTime / RealPlayer | Stream and play audio/video directly from the browser |
| Silverlight | Enhanced interactivity for web pages (replaced by HTML5) |
| Ad blockers | Block advertising content from loading |
Internet Services Technologies
Internet services technologies cover web development, web design, networking and e-commerce. They are used together to create functional, interactive websites.
| Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|
| HTML | Structures and displays web page content |
| CSS | Controls the visual styling of web pages (colours, fonts, layout) |
| JavaScript | Adds interactivity to web pages (animations, form validation) |
| PHP / ASP.NET | Server-side scripting — processes forms and connects to databases |
| SQL | Queries and manages database data for websites |
| FTP | Transfers files between computers over a network |
Common Internet Services
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| World Wide Web | Collection of web pages accessed via browser using HTTP/HTTPS |
| Electronic mail — send and receive messages | |
| FTP | File Transfer Protocol — upload and download large files |
| VoIP | Voice over IP — phone/video calls over the internet |
| Streaming | Audio and video delivered in real time without downloading first |
| Cloud storage | Store and access files on remote servers (Google Drive, OneDrive) |
| Online banking | Manage bank accounts and transfer money via the internet |
| E-commerce | Buy and sell goods and services online |
W3C — World Wide Web Consortium
The W3C sets the standards that all web browsers and websites should follow to ensure web pages display correctly across all devices and browsers. Web designers follow these standards.