Internet & WWW Grade 10
The Internet and the World Wide Web are related but different. Learn how they work and how to use search engines effectively.
Internet vs World Wide Web
| Internet | World Wide Web (WWW) |
|---|
| Definition | The global network of connected computers | A collection of websites accessible via the Internet |
| Technology | Physical infrastructure (cables, routers, servers) | HTML pages, URLs, HTTP protocol |
| Analogy | The road network | The shops and buildings on those roads |
Key Concepts
| Term | Meaning |
|---|
| IP Address | Unique address identifying a device on the Internet (e.g. 192.168.1.1) |
| Domain | Readable name linked to an IP address (e.g. google.com) |
| URL | Full web address of a specific page (e.g. https://www.school.co.za/it) |
| HTML | HyperText Markup Language — coding language used to build web pages |
| HTTP | Protocol for transferring web pages (unencrypted) |
| HTTPS | Secure HTTP with encryption — look for the padlock icon |
| ISP | Internet Service Provider — company that gives you internet access |
Web Browsers
A web browser interprets HTML and displays web pages. Examples: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari.
Search Engine Techniques
| Technique | How to use | Example |
|---|
| Exact phrase | Use quotation marks | "fastest animal" |
| Exclude words | Minus sign before word | fastest animal -cheetah |
| Specific site | site: prefix | IT help site:wikipedia.org |
| Search social media | @ prefix | IT news @twitter |
| Filter by date | Tools → Any time | Past 24 hours |
Common Internet Threats
| Threat | Description | Protection |
|---|
| Phishing | Fake official emails stealing login details | Never click suspicious links; verify email address |
| Pharming | Fake websites stealing sensitive info | Check URL carefully before entering passwords |
| Spam | Unsolicited bulk emails | Use spam filter; don't open unknown attachments |
| Ransomware | Malware that encrypts your data and demands payment | Regular backups; don't open unknown attachments |
| Hoax | False information spread as if true | Verify with reputable sources before sharing |