Internet, E-mail and Web Basics
Internet, E-mail and Web Basics
This domain tests how the internet works and how to use web and email services safely. Expect questions on URLs, protocols, browsers, search techniques, email fields, attachments, netiquette and common security threats.
Core rules
- A URL identifies a web resource. It includes a scheme, host, optional port, path and query string.
- HTTP transfers web pages; HTTPS adds encryption. FTP transfers files. SMTP sends email; POP3 and IMAP retrieve email.
- DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. An IP address identifies a device on a network.
- In email, To names primary recipients, Cc names visible copies, and Bcc names hidden copies.
- Attachments are encoded for transport and may be limited by size or blocked by type.
Worked example
URL: https://www.example.edu/notice/result.html?sem=2. The scheme is https, the host is www.example.edu, the path is /notice/result.html, and the query string is sem=2. The browser uses DNS to find the host, connects using HTTPS, requests the path, and sends the query to the server. The reasoning is that each part tells the browser how to reach the server and what resource to request.
Traps
Do not put undisclosed recipients in Cc; use Bcc to protect addresses. Reply All can send to unintended people. HTTP is not secure for passwords. A domain name is not the same as a full URL. Never open unexpected attachments, and check links for misleading domains before signing in.