Hello!

Welcome to this beginner-friendly guide on how the internet works! Even if you are not familiar with technology, this article will explain basic internet terms in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

The Basic Structure of the Internet

The internet is a vast network of computers connected worldwide, exchanging information. More specifically, it is made up of many smaller networks (like home or office networks) connected together. When these networks communicate, they use communication rules called protocols. Thanks to these protocols, we can access websites, stream videos, and send emails.

What Is an IP Address?

An IP address is like a “postal address” on the internet — it identifies a specific computer or device. Just as you need an address to send mail, the internet needs an address to send information to the right destination.

There are two types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 has been used for decades and is still common, but IPv6 is a newer format designed to support the growing number of connected devices.

Domain Names and DNS

A domain name is the name of a website (e.g., netguide.jp). But computers communicate using IP addresses, not names. Remembering IP addresses for every site would be impossible. That is where DNS (Domain Name System) comes in. DNS automatically converts domain names into their corresponding IP addresses, so you can access websites without typing numbers.

HTTP vs HTTPS

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (HTTP Secure) are communication protocols used to access websites.

• HTTP is the standard protocol for transferring data on the web.
• HTTPS adds a security layer to HTTP, encrypting data in transit. When handling sensitive information like credit card numbers or passwords, HTTPS should always be used to prevent eavesdropping.

That wraps up this beginner’s guide to the basic structure of the internet! Learning these fundamental terms will make the world of IT much more approachable. Thank you for reading!