CS 150 Computer Literacy

Internet
                                             
                                             

 

Searching All the search engines have a trait that might be favorable to you. I prefer google for most searches, but I do use other engines for unique searches. I suggest you pick your favorite, use it, but do not exclude the others. Sometimes you won't get the results you are looking for and if you go to another search engine you might get better results.

 


The following is a list of things you will see while surfing the net:     


Java Applets - Client-side applications, they download to the browser and run on the client, they are usually applications that are embedded into the Web page
Javascript  - Small set of instructions for the Browser to interpret and display. Javascript is also embedded in the HTML. The snowflakes on the home page are in javascript.
VRML - Virtual Modeling Language - allows 3D content over the Internet, you need a special browser plug-in to view VRML worlds
Streaming Audio/Video - Real Player is one type of application that allows viewing streaming video and audio.
Shockwave/Shockrave/FLASH - Flashgames.com has a whole list
Secured Data Encryption - At the bottom of most browsers you can see lock when you enter a secured data encryption site. These sites take the information given the browser by the user (filling in forms, such as the login page on my quizzes) and scrambles the information before it sends it back to the server. After the information gets back to the server it is de scrambled and then it is used by a CGI program that is mentioned above. The information is scrambled so anybody that intercepts the info between client and server can not de scramble the info and use it (eg. Credit Cards).
Server Side Programming - Used to process code on the server instead of the client. Often used with databases to provide dynamic content for sites. JSP, ASP, PHP.
CGI - Common gateway Interface - a program that resides on the server (server-side application) that can handle forms and information from the Web Browser.

Each of these might be on the test. Make sure you know what they are, and how to view or use each of the items. Below are some links to help you with your search. Downloads/plugins - A whole lists of downloads. Games, business, and many more misc free programs.

  • Shareware vs Freeware - Both types of items are available on this site.
    • Freeware is public domain
    • Shareware is good for firms or programmers that can't afford marketing. The program is a trial version, it might expire, be a limited version or some the application will have some other annoying criteria that will make the user want to pay for a full version.

    Java game - Just a small Java Applet that Hunter programmed, a Hangman game, no need for plug-ins to play Java Applets.
    Shockwave/ Flash   - This is a plug-in for browsers that allow you to play games, watch videos, and listen to lectures.
    Real Audio - Place to download the newest Real Audio Player. It allows you to watch the next link.
    VRML example (you have to have a browser) -
    you need to download a  VRML plugin for your browser
    More Internet Entertainment:
    Atom Films
    Honkworm
    Underground films
    Comedian showcase
    Comics
     

    • You should know what a plugin is. Go to this free plugin page and read about plugins and all the plugins that are available

    ECommerce
    Used to purchase things over the internet

    Make sure it is secure - look for the padlock on the browser

    Check shipping / tax/ insurance charges