Navigating the Web

Key Concepts

• Understanding URLs
• Using Web Browsers
• Navigating with Links
• Using Search Engines

Understanding URLs

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of a specific webpage or file on the internet. It typically consists of several parts:

• Protocol: The most common protocol is "http" or "https" (secure HTTP).
• Domain Name: This is the website's address, such as "example.com".
• Path: The specific location of a file or page within the website, like "/page.html".

For example, in the URL "https://www.example.com/page.html", "https" is the protocol, "www.example.com" is the domain name, and "/page.html" is the path.

Using Web Browsers

A web browser is a software application that allows you to access and view websites. Common browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. To navigate the web:

• Enter a URL: Type the URL of the website you want to visit in the address bar and press Enter.
• Use Bookmarks: Save frequently visited websites as bookmarks for quick access.
• History: Use the browser's history to revisit previously visited pages.

Think of a web browser as a portal that connects you to different websites, much like a TV remote connects you to different channels.

Navigating with Links

Links, or hyperlinks, are clickable elements that take you from one webpage to another. They are usually highlighted text or images. To navigate using links:

• Click on a Link: Simply click on the link to go to the linked page.
• Right-Click: Right-click on a link to open it in a new tab or window.
• Hover: Hover your mouse over a link to see the URL it points to.

Links are like signposts on the web, guiding you from one place to another.

Using Search Engines

Search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo help you find information on the web by entering keywords. To use a search engine:

• Enter Keywords: Type what you are looking for in the search bar.
• Review Results: Browse through the search results to find relevant information.
• Refine Search: Use advanced search techniques like quotes for exact phrases or minus signs to exclude terms.

Search engines are like librarians who can quickly find the information you need from the vast library of the internet.