The complexities of the web and internet browsers explained in simple English

Relaxnews
Monday 22 November 2010 01:00 GMT
Comments
(Google)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between the web and an internet browser, had no idea what a "cookie" is or been afraid to ask how the web actually works?

For many of us, the internet can be complex and difficult to understand but a new guide put together by illustrator Christoph Niemann and internet giant Google helps to demystify the internet and explain commonly used terms in an easy-to-understand way.

The guide is called "20 Things I Learned about Browsers and the Web" and takes users on a journey of how the web works, from its very beginning to new web technologies expected to arrive in the near future.

"'20 Things' is written by the Chrome team, and continues our tradition of finding new ways to help explain complex but fascinating ideas about technology," explains Google's Product Marketing Manager, Min Li Chan, in a November 19 blog post.

"This handy guide is for those of us who'd like to better understand the technologies we use every day."

The short guide explains the meaning of terms such as HTML5, JavaScript, TCP/IP, Cloud Computing, Web Apps, CSS, AJAX Plug-ins, malware and phishing.

You can read "20 Things I Learned about Browsers and the Web" here: http://www.20thingsilearned.com/

For more informative "internet explained in plain English" resources visit the following pages:

Web 3.0 and the semantic web explained in a 15 minute video
http://www.wirefresh.com/web-3-0-and-the-semantic-web-explained-in-a-15-minute-video-sort-of/

Web 3.0 Concepts Explained in Plain English
http://www.labnol.org/internet/web-3-concepts-explained/8908/

World Wide Web - What happens behind the scenes and The Complete History of Internet explained in 8 minutes
http://www.labnol.org/internet/how-internet-works-video/8156/

The Internet Explained
http://www.searchandgo.com/articles/internet/net-explained-1.php

Simple Internet Glossary (slightly outdated but still useful)
http://www.2graphic.co.uk/web-help/internet-glossary.htm

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in