What Is the Internet?

The Internet is a worldwide system that connects computers, phones, tablets, and other devices so they can share information.

When you use the Internet, you may read news, send email, watch videos, listen to music, shop, take classes, use social media, or visit websites.

The Internet and the Web

The Internet and the World Wide Web are related, but they are not exactly the same thing.

The Internet is the large network that connects devices together.

The Web is one of the services that uses the Internet. It is made up of websites and web pages that you open with a web browser.

Web Browsers

A web browser is a program used to open and read web pages.

Common browsers include Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.

Websites and Web Pages

A website is a collection of related pages.

A web page is one individual page within a website.

For example, ListeningAcuity.com is a website. A lesson, article, or information page inside Listening Acuity is a web page.

Web Addresses

A web address is also called a URL.

A URL tells the browser where to find a page on the Internet.

For example: https://listeningacuity.com

Search Engines

A search engine helps you find information on the Internet.

Examples include Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo.

When you type words into a search engine, it looks for web pages that may match what you are looking for.

Information Moves Both Ways

You receive information when you read a page, listen to audio, or download a file.

You send information when you fill out a form, send an email, upload a file, or type information into a website.

Basic Internet Safety

Do not give personal information, passwords, banking information, or other private information to a website unless you trust the site and understand why it needs the information.

Be especially careful with unexpected messages, downloads, and links.

End of this lesson.