The Internet: Its importance and how to identify if it is safe or not
The internet is a fascinating place, connecting people and information from all corners of the globe, it might be easy to use but sometimes hard to understand.
In this blog post, I will explore the concept of the internet, its importance, and provide insights on recognizing secure websites.
How does the internet work?
Imagine the internet as a giant library where information is stored in different books. These “books” are websites, and each one has a unique address called a URL. To access a website, you use a device like a computer or phone, and it connects to the internet through something called an ISP (Internet Service Provider).
When you type a URL into your browser, it’s like telling the librarian which book you want. Your request travels through a series of pathways known as servers, and these servers work together to bring you the content you’re looking for. It’s like a relay race where each server passes the baton until it reaches your device.
Have you ever wondered about the inner workings of airports? Similarly, let’s dive into a simple analogy to demystify how the internet works.
What Are the Most Important Characteristics of the Internet and their Purpose?
We cannot focus only on one important characteristic, the internet has too many uses and the importance will depend on the user and their intention, these are the most relevant features:
a. Accessibility: The internet is open to anyone, anywhere, at any time. This means you can connect with friends, explore new ideas, and access information from the comfort of your home.
b. Connection: Websites link to each other, forming a vast web of information. This connection allows you to jump from one idea to another with just a click, making the internet a web of endless possibilities.
c. Information Sharing: The internet is a platform for sharing information. From social media updates to educational articles, it’s a space where ideas and knowledge can be freely exchanged.
d. Communication: Email, instant messaging, and video calls — the internet enables seamless communication. You can connect with people worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers.
Here are more examples of how the internet is important to us:
What Is HTTP? What Is HTTPS?
Now that you know how the internet works and what is it importance in our lives, I want to you understand the difference between HTTP with HTTPS and you can identify is a connection is secure or not.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): Think of HTTP as the language websites use to communicate with your browser. When you type a URL (like http://www.example.com), your browser uses HTTP to request and receive information from the website’s server.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): The extra “S” in HTTPS stands for secure. It’s like adding a protective shield to your communication. When you see HTTPS in the URL (like https://www.example.com), it means the information exchanged between your browser and the website is encrypted, making it harder for unwanted eyes to see.
Put simply, the presence of HTTP in a website URL signals an insecure connection, while HTTPS assures a secure connection to the website.
To conclude, the internet is like a big library that allows you to explore, learn, and connect. Its characteristics make it a dynamic and constantly evolving space, and protocols such as HTTP may not be secure for your equipment and information; however, HTTPS provides a safe and fluid browsing experience. So next time you are browsing the web, remember: the internet is your gateway to a world of infinite possibilities!
