Section 1.1. Introducing the World Wide Web

1.1. Introducing the World Wide Web

Although it doesn't show its age, the Internet is older than you might think. The computer visionaries who created the Internet began developing the idea in the early 1960s. In 1969, the first transmission over the Internet took place, between a computer at the University of California at Los Angeles and one at the Stanford Research Institute. As far as pioneering moments go, it wasn't much to brag aboutthe computer crashed when it reached the G in the word "LOGIN." Still, the revolution was underway.

The early Internet was mostly traveled by academic and government types. It flourished as a tool for research and collaboration, allowing scientists everywhere to share information. In 1993 the first Web browser hit the scene. In the following years , the Internet was colonized by new types of people, including book shoppers, news junkies, hobbyists, and a lot of lonely computer programmers.


Tip: History buffs can follow the saga of the early Internet in much more detail at www.isoc.org/internet/history and www.walthowe.com/navnet/history.html.

Of course, the early Internet doesn't have much in common with today's Internet. In 1969, the Internet community consisted of four computers, all of which were beastly, complex machines that no one but a government lab or academic institution could love (or afford). In 1981, there were still fewer than 200 mainframe computers on the Internet, and most of the people using them were computer experts or scientists going about their day-to-day work. Today, well over eight million Web sitesand many more Web surfersare online. No wonder there's so much junk email flying around with shady sales pitches for anatomical self-improvement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
The Web vs. the Internet

Is there a difference between the Web and the Internet?

Newscasters, politicians , and regular people often use these terms interchangeably. However, technically, the concepts are differentand confusing them is likely to put computer techies and other self-respecting nerds on edge.

The Internet is a network of connected computers that spans the globe. These computers are connected together to share information, but there are a number of ways to get the job done, including emailing, instant messaging, transferring files through FTP (short for File Transfer Protocol), and downloading MP3 songs through peer-to-peer applications (which of course you don't do). The World Wide Web is one of the many ways to exchange information across the Internet. And how does this information get exchanged? You guessed itpeople use special programs called Web browsers to visit Web sites and Web pages spread across the globe.


1.1.1. Browsers

As you no doubt already know, a Web browser is a piece of software that you use to navigate (or, in techy speak, surf ) through Web pages. Without browsers, the Web would still exist, there just wouldn't be any way for you to turn on your computer and take a look at it.

A browser is surprisingly simplein fact, the bulk of its work consists of two tasks . First of all, it can request a Web page, which happens when you type in a Web site address (like www.google.com) or click something on the current Web page. At this point, the browser sends a request for a Web page to another computer. This far off computer, called a Web server , is typically much more powerful than a home computer, because it needs to handle multiple browsers that are all clamoring for its attention at the same time. The Web server deals with the request by firing the desired Web page back to the browser.

When the browser gets the Web page it wants, it puts its second skill into action and renders , or draws, the Web page. Technically, this means the browser converts the plain text it received from the Web server into a display document, based on formatting instructions that a Web site author has embedded into the page. The end result is a graphically rich page with different typefaces , colors, and links. Figure 1-1 shows the process.

Figure 1-1. A Web browser is designed to do two things really wellcontact remote computers to ask for Web pages, and then display them in a graphical window. Technically, browsers are called client-side programs, which means they run on your humble personal computer. The server-side is the part of the equation that takes place on the Web server, where the Web page content is actually stored (or, in a dynamic Web application, generated on the fly).


1.1.1.1. Choosing your Web browser

Depending on your personality type, choosing a Web browser is either a) a bore or b) an important expression of your personality, individuality , and overall computer savvy. If you fall into the latter camp, you've probably already settled on your favorite browser. But if you're searching for something a little different, or you're curious what else is out there, the following quick overview sums up your options.

Even if you're not interested in changing your browser, it's a good idea to be familiar with the most common options out there. That's because when you design your Web site, you'll need to prepare for a wide audience of people with different browsers. To make sure your nifty graphics don't turn funky when viewed in other browsers, it's a good idea to test your Web site on other computers, using other screen resolutions , and with other Web browsers. At a bare minimum, all Web authors need a copy of Internet Explorer, which is by far the most commonly used browser, so that you can see what your hard work will look like to 95 percent of the world.

  • Internet Explorer is the world's most used (and sometimes most reviled) Web browser. For better or for worse , Internet Explorer sets the standard that other browsers need to follow. The clear advantage of using Internet Explorer (or IE, as it's known for short) is that you'll never run into a Web page you can't readwith a market share of over 90 percent, IE is simply too successful to ignore. The downside is that the developers at Microsoft have grown complacent, which means you might not see dramatic innovations in IE in future versions. Success can also attract a little too much interestif you use IE, unethical marketers have a bull's eye on your computer with the latest spyware (see the sidebar "Spyware: When Good Browsers Go Bad" on Section 1.1.2).

    To download an updated version of Internet Explorer, visit www.microsoft.com/ windows /ie.


    Note: Mac owners with OS X will probably give Internet Explorer a pass. Not only does the Macintosh include a built-in Web browser of its own (see Safari, later in this list), Microsoft has now halted development of IE on the Mac. However, many Mac-heads running earlier operating systems like OS 9 report that Internet Explorer is still one of the best choices. For a full roundup of Mac browsers, check out http://darrel.knutson.com/mac/www/browsers.html.
  • Firefox is the modern response to Internet Explorera Web browser that's lean, secure, and knows how to block those annoying pop-up ads. You can easily extend Firefox with eye-catching themes (customizations that let you revamp the way Firefox buttons and icons look) and extensions (handy tools that enhance Firefox with extra features). Firefox is currently enjoying wide popularity with computer geeks , and a growing number of disillusioned Internet Explorer veterans are also trying it out. Best of all, Firefox is completely free, and kept rigorously up-to-date by an army of volunteer programmers, including many who designed the original Netscape browser.

    Give Firefox a go at www.mozilla.org/products/firefox.

  • Netscape Navigator is one of the first Web pioneers, and was once a formidable challenger to Internet Explorer. These days, Netscape is well past its prime. Although it's still the choice of a few nostalgic Web surfers, most find its installation process, user interface, and far-from-blistering speed as clunky as a '57 Chevy with a broken rear axle. Netscape development has slowed dramatically, with Firefox becoming the new successor.

    Download Netscape at http://channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/download.jsp.

  • Opera is a slimmed down, easy to install browser that has existed for several years as an antidote to the bloated size and pointless frills of Internet Explorer. Opera's chief disadvantage is that you need to pay for an ad-free version (the free version shows a small banner advertisement), unlike the other browsers in this list. You'll also need to adjust to its somewhat cluttered interface, which inspires either love or an intense headache . However, Opera has a small but loyal following, and it's clearly survived the browser wars.

    Check out Opera at www.opera.com.

  • Safari is the only browser in this list that's limited to Macs. Safari is an Appledesigned Web browser that's provided with the OS X operating system. It's quick, elegant, and sports a nifty Google toolbar for quick searches.

    Go on Safari at www.apple.com/safari.

Along with the browsers listed above, there are some specialty niche browsers. The most important of these is Lynx, one of the earliest Web browsers and one that's changed the least. Lynx is an entirely text-based browser that's perfectly suited for terminals that don't support graphics. (You can sometimes find these beasts lurking about computer labs in universities and colleges.) Lynx also supports the visually impaired, who can use Lynx in conjunction with a device that reads the text of a Web page aloud .

TROUBLESHOOTING MOMENT
Spyware: When Good Browsers Go Bad

Even though a Web browser is deceptively simple, many browsers are bloated up with plug-ins, extra frills (like the ability to send email), or even (shudder) spyware. Spyware is among the most hideous forms of computer software you'll encounter. Essentially, a spyware program is an unwanted plug-in that attaches itself, leech-like, to your browser or operating system without your permission. It then harasses you with advertisements, or just bogs down your computer with unnecessary operations (like recording your surfing habits and sending them to a Big-Brother-like marketing company). Spyware thrives like a weed, particularly on the Windows operating system.

Spyware is notoriously difficult to remove. If you see the telltale signsa sudden slowdown in Web access, Web page requests that get redirected to the wrong place, or pop-up ads that materialize out of nowhere, even when you aren't using your Web browseryou should have your computer checked out. The best remedy is a spyware removal tool that scans for delinquent programs and removes them, much like a virus scanner. Good bets include Spybot Search & Destroy (www.safer-networking.org), Microsoft's AntiSpyware tool (www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware), and Lavasoft's Ad-Aware (www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware).


1.1.2. Web Servers

On the other end of the line, the Web server receives browser requests and sends back the correct Web page. For a busy Web site, this basic task can require a lot of work. As a result, Web servers tend to be industrial-strength computers. Even though the average Windows PC with the right setup can host a Web site, it's rarely worth the effort (see the sidebar "Becoming a Web Host"). Instead, most normal people get another company to give them a little space on an existing Web server, usually for a monthly fee. In other words, you need to rent some space on the Web.

Often, you can rent this space from the same company you use for Internet access, or it may already be included with your Internet connection package for free. Alternatively, you can turn to a dedicated Web hosting company. Either way, you're going to take the Web sites you build and copy them to some far off computer that will make sure your talents can be enjoyed by a worldwide audience.

In Chapter 3, you'll learn more about how a Web browser navigates the Web to find a specific Web page. But for now, keep focusing on the big picture so you can start planning your first Web site.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Becoming a Web Host

Can I run a Web server?

In theory, you definitely can. The Web was designed to be an open community, and no one is out to stop you. But in practice, it's not at all easyno matter how many computer-savvy relatives you may have.

Several monumental challenges prevent all but the most ambitious people from running their own Web servers. The first problem is that you need to have a reliable computer that runs 24 hours a day. That computer also needs to run special Web hosting software that's able to serve up Web pages when browsers request them.

The next problem is that your computer requires a special type of connection to the Internet, called a fixed IP address . The IP address (described on Section 3.1.2) is a numeric address that identifies your computer on the Web.

In order to have your computer run a Web site and make sure others can find it, you need to make sure your IP address is fixedin other words, you need to lock it down so it's not constantly changing. Most ISPs (Internet Service Providers) randomly assign new IP addresses as they're needed and change them at a whim, which means most people can't use their computers to host a permanent Web site.

If you're still interested, you can call your ISP to ask them if they provide a fixed IP address service. The typical cost is usually far above what you'd pay for ordinary Web access.




Creating Web Sites. The Missing Manual
Creating Web Sites: The Missing Manual
ISBN: B0057DA53M
EAN: N/A
Year: 2003
Pages: 135

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