Connectivity

What is Browser? According to GeeksforGeeks (2025) “A browser/Web Browsers is a free software tool, like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, that lets you visit websites, watch videos, and do everything else online. When you type in a website address, the browser finds that page on the internet and shows it to you on your screen” (geeksforgeeks, 2025) In my opinion, this quote explains simply and clearly what a web browser is. Personally, I find it helpful because it nicely summarizes how it works and why it's so important. I use browsers every day, whether it's to search for information, watch videos, or access my study platforms. I like that it's described as a free tool because we often take for granted how accessible internet browsing is. I also appreciate that it mentions examples like Chrome and Firefox, as that makes it easier to understand for those unfamiliar with the term.

  What is IP address? According to GeeksforGeeks (2024) “An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is a unique string of numbers assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.” (geeksforgeeks, 2024) In the quote, I liked how he mentions that an IP address is a "unique string of numbers," because it made me think about how important that identification is for devices to communicate with each other. I didn't quite understand why each device needed its own number before, but thanks to this explanation, it became clearer to me. I find it amazing how something as simple as a sequence of numbers can be so essential for the internet to function properly. In the following image I will show the IP classes

  What is DNS? According to cisco.com (N.D) “The Domain Name System (DNS) handles the growing number of Internet users. DNS translates names, such as www.cisco.com, into IP addresses, such as 192.168.40.0 (or the more extended IPv6 addresses), so that computers can communicate with each other.” (Cisco Systems) DNS is critical to the functioning of the internet, as it translates domain names, which are easy for humans to remember, into IP addresses, which are used by devices to locate and communicate with each other on the network. However, the quote could mention a little more information to provide a more complete understanding. For example, mention that DNS uses a hierarchical system of globally distributed servers to resolve domain names, allowing for efficient scalability and resilience. It could also briefly discuss the importance of DNS security, given the rise of attacks such as DNS cache poisoning.

  What is a Domain? Based on the from the sitechecker website (2023), “A domain, in the context of web technology and internet browsing, is the virtual address that people type into their browser to visit a specific website.” (Palii, 2023) From my perspective, this quote explains very clearly what a domain is. I like how it compares it to a virtual address, because it helps me understand it as if it were a home address, but on the internet. Reading it, I realize that every time I type something like "google.com" or "youtube.com," I'm actually using a domain to reach a specific site. Personally, I find it interesting how something as simple as a name can guide me directly to a place on the web without having to remember complex numbers like an IP address.

  What is firewall? According to cisco Systems (N.D) “A firewall is a network security device that separates a trusted internal network from an external network deemed untrustworthy, such as the internet.” (Cisco, N.D) This quote sums up the main function of a firewall very well. It seems clear and direct to me when it says that it separates a trusted internal network from an untrusted external network, such as the Internet. Reading it, I understand that the firewall acts as a kind of guardian that protects my private network from potential external threats. Personally, I value this function greatly, since in today's highly connected world, having a barrier that controls what enters and leaves my network is essential to maintaining the security of my information.

  What is hosting? According to Kinza Yasar (2023), “Web hosting -- also known as  website hosting  or  webhosting  -- is the process where a web hosting provider stores and maintains website files and applications on a server to make its customers' websites accessible on the internet. “ (Yasar, 2023) This quote simply explains what web hosting is and why it's so important. I like how it clarifies that it's a process in which a provider stores a website's files and applications on a server. For me, this is fundamental because without that service, a website wouldn't be available on the internet. Understanding this makes me appreciate everything that goes into a functioning website: it's not just what I see on the screen, but also the work of the server that keeps it active and accessible to any user.