The Internet
The Internet is a worldwide network of connected computers. The World Wide Web (www) is the collection of web pages on it, viewed with a browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). A website has a URL such as www.example.co.tz, and the protocol https (the “s” means secure) controls how it is sent. Computers in a local area network (LAN) can be arranged in a star, bus or ring.
Internet search and email
A search engine (Google, Bing) finds pages by keywords. Use specific words, quotation marks for exact phrases, a minus sign to exclude words, and check that the source is reliable. An email address has the form name@domain. An email message has To, Cc, Bcc, Subject, a body and attachments. Be polite, check before sending, and do not open attachments from strangers.
Social media, webinars and online forms
Social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube) help people to share information and connect, but they can spread false news, waste time and lead to cyberbullying. Protect your privacy: use strong passwords, check privacy settings, and think before posting. Webinars and video meetings (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams) allow people to meet online. Online forms and surveys (Google Forms) collect responses in a spreadsheet.
Cloud storage and file sharing
Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) saves files on servers on the Internet, so they can be reached from any device, backed up and shared by a link with a permission (view, comment, edit).
Internet threats and protection
| Threat | Description | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Virus, worm, trojan | Harmful programs that damage files or spread | Antivirus, updates, do not open unknown files |
| Phishing | Fake emails or sites that steal passwords or money | Check the sender and link; never share passwords |
| Hacking | Unauthorised access | Strong passwords, two-step verification |
| Spam | Unwanted bulk messages | Filters, careful sharing of your email |
| Cyberbullying | Using the Internet to harass others | Block, report, tell a trusted adult |
| Identity theft and scams | Stealing personal data or tricking people to pay | Share little; verify offers |
A VPN (virtual private network) sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to hide it from others on a public network, and a proxy acts as an intermediary between you and a website. A firewall blocks unauthorised access.
Strong passwords
Choose the length and the number of different characters allowed.
Download time
Key terms
- Internet
- A worldwide network of networks.
- Browser
- A program for viewing web pages.
- Phishing
- A trick to steal information using fake messages.
- VPN
- A virtual private network that encrypts traffic.
Summary
- The Internet connects computers; the web is the collection of pages.
- Use search, email, cloud storage and online forms safely.
- Protect yourself from viruses, phishing and hacking.
- Use long, varied passwords and two-step verification.