Go Home
The Program
Classes
Reporting Form
Curriculum
Curriculum - introduction
Curriculum - email
Curriculum - WWW
Curriculum - searching
Curriculum - advanced web
Curriculum - web pages
Web Design
Curriculum - web issues
Curriculum - volunteering

Curriculum - links
Curriculum - slides

  
Introduction to the Internet:
What is the Internet? | Uses | History | How it works: protocols, client\server, addressing | Getting connected | ISP's: costs, questions, locating | Supplemental Links

Internet Protocols

gavel.gif Computers connected to the Internet are able to communicate with each other because they all have software that understands the same protocol, or language, for transferring data. The protocols that make the Internet possible are called TCP/IP. This acronym stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. TCP/IP is a universal language of sorts that makes it possible to send information between computers regardless of their location or computer platform (e.g. Macintosh or Windows-based).

The TCP/IP protocol suite is made up of additional protocols that let us use the Internet for a variety of applications. There are special protocols for electronic mail, newsgroups, file transfer protocol, and the World Wide Web. Each protocol contains specific instructions for formatting and sending information. Some of the protocols used on the Internet include:

  • MIME, SMTP, or POP: Email protocols
  • FTP: File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
  • HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol (Web)

Internet Protocols


BACK | BEGINNING OF THIS SECTION | CONTINUE

The Master Internet Volunteer Program was developed by the University of Minnesota Extension Service and was adapted for use in North Dakota with permission. Copyright  © 2000  North Dakota State University. All rights reserved.

North Dakota State University Extension Service