GCSE > Computer Science > OCR > GCSE Computer Science > COMPUTER SYSTEMS: The internet > Accessing the internet
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COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Encoding and compression

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Network topologies

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Wired and wireless networks, protocols, and layers

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Threats to computer systems and networks

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Operating systems and utility software

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Types of data

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Producing robust programs

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Designing, creating, and refining algorithms

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Component Example Purpose
Protocol https:// Defines how to connect data between your browser and the server
Domain name www.example.com Identifies the website/server
Port [optional] :443 Specifies communication channel used by the protocol (usually hidden as browsers use default ports: 80 = HTTP, 443 = HTTPS, 21 = FTP)
Path /path/page.html A directory that locates resources on the server
Query string [optional] ?user=123 Sends additional parameters or data, often used in searches or form submissions
Fragment [optional] #section2 Jumps to a section within the page
  • HTTP and HTTPS:
    • HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): is used to transfer webpages and resources (HTML, images, etc.) over the web.
    • HTTPS (HTTP Secure): is the same as HTTP but with encryption via SSL/TLS. Used for secure transactions (e.g. shopping, banking). Always use HTTPS when sensitive data (e.g. passwords, card info) is involved.
  • Domain Name System (DNS):
    • Translates domain names (like www.google.com) into IP addresses.
    • DNS servers query other DNS servers if they don’t have the requested address.
  • How web pages are located and displayed:
  1. URL entered into browser.
  2. Browser contacts a DNS (Domain Name Server) to translate the domain name (e.g. www.bbc.co.uk) into an IP address.
  3. Browser sends an HTTP/HTTPS request to the web server hosting the site.
  4. Web server responds by sending back the HTML code.
  5. Browser renders the HTML and displays the web page to the user.
  • Cookies: small text files stored by a web browser to remember user data and preferences; often subject to privacy regulations (e.g. the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU), so users may be asked to accept or reject cookies.
    • Session cookies: are temporary and are deleted when the browser is closed (e.g. tracking cart items while shopping).
    • Persistent cookies: are stored long-term (e.g. login details or user preferences).

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