Describe how to access the Internet. What are the providers? Define browsers and discuss URLs, HTML, javascript, AJAX, applets, and mobile browsers.

The Internet and the telephone system are similar-you can connect a computer to the Internet much like you connect a phone to the telephone system. Once you are on the Internet, your computer becomes an extension of what seems like a giant computer-a computer that branches all over the world. When provided with a connection to the Internet, you can use a browser program to search the Web.

The most common way to access the Internet is through an Internet service provider (ISP).

Browsers are programs that provide access to Web resources.

For browsers to connect to resources, the location or address of the resources must be specified. These addresses are called uniform resource locators (URLs).

Once the browser has connected to the Web site, a document file is sent back to your computer. This document typically contains Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).

javascript is often used to trigger simple interactive features, such as opening new browser windows and checking information entered in online forms.

An advanced use of javascript called AJAX can be found on many interactive sites. This technology is used to create interactive Web sites that respond quickly, like traditional desktop application software.

applets are written in the Java programming language. These programs can be downloaded quickly and run by most browsers.

Special browsers called mobile browsers are designed to run on these portable devices. Unlike a traditional Web browser that is typically displayed on a large screen, a mobile browser is displayed on a very small screen and special navigational tools are required to conveniently view Web content.