COMPUTER STUDIES RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT
Trainee Name: Judith Bragg
Course: Early Childhood Level # 3
Subject: Computer Studies
Class: 3H
Instructor Name: Mr. Clement Williams
Date: March 30, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page Number
Introduction...…………………………………………………………………………………1
Understanding Computers and the Internet ............................................................................ 2
2.1 What is a computer? ................................................................................................. 2
2.2 What is WWW (World Wide Web)? ........................................................................3
Networking and Communication Protocols ........................................................................... 4
3.1 What is HTTP? ........................................................................................................ 4
3.2 What is FTP? ........................................................................................................... 5
Internet Service and Security ................................................................................................. 6
4.1 What is an ISP? (Internet Service Provider) – Examples in Jamaica ..................... 6
4.2 What is Antivirus Software? – Examples ................................................................7
Web Browsers and Digital Rights ......................................................................................... 8
5.1 What is a Browser? – Examples ..............................................................................8
5.2 What is Intellectual Property Rights? .................................................................... 9
Legal and Technical Aspects of the Internet .........................................................................10
6.1 What is Copyright? .................................................................................................10
6.2 What is Bandwidth? ...............................................................................................11
Network Infrastructures ........................................................................................................12
7.1 What is LAN (Local Area Network)? ....................................................................12
7.2 What is WAN (Wide Area Network)? ..................................................................13
7.3 What is MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)? ......................................................14
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….....14
Bibliography............................…….………………………………………………….........15
II
INTRODUCTION
In today’s digital era, computers and the internet have become fundamental to modern
life, influencing communication, education, business, and entertainment. Understanding the key
components of computing and internet technologies is essential, as these systems shape how we
interact, work, and share information. This research assignment explores various aspects of
computer science, from the basic definition of a computer to more advanced topics such as
internet protocols, cybersecurity, and network infrastructures.
The study begins by defining a computer and the World Wide Web (WWW),
highlighting their significance in the digital age. It then delves into critical internet protocols
such as HTTP and FTP, which facilitate data transfer and web communication. The research
further examines the role of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Jamaica, the importance of
antivirus software, and the function of web browsers in accessing online resources.
Additionally, this assignment addresses key legal and technical aspects, including
intellectual property rights, copyright laws, and the concept of bandwidth, which influences
internet speed and connectivity. The final section focuses on network infrastructures, explaining
the differences between LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and MAN
(Metropolitan Area Network).
By providing clear and concise explanations of these topics, this research aims to enhance
understanding of fundamental computer and internet concepts, emphasizing their impact on
everyday life and global connectivity.
Page 1
UNDERSTANDING COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET
1. What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that processes, stores, and retrieves data according to
instructions provided by a user, enabling tasks like calculations, information storage, and
communication.
2. What is WWW?
The World Wide Web (WWW, also known as the Web) is an information system that allows
users to access and share documents and other resources over the internet. While the World
Wide Web is a major part of the internet, it's important to note that the internet is the underlying
network infrastructure, while the World Wide Web is one of many applications that run on top of
it.
Page 2
NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS
3. What is HTTP?
HTTP, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the foundation of data communication
on the World Wide Web, enabling the transfer of hypertext documents (like HTML) between
web browsers and servers. It (HTTP), operates on a request-response model, where the client
sends a request to the server, and the server responds with the requested data.
4. What is FTP?
FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol used to transfer computer files
between a client and a server over a TCP/IP connection. FTP allows users to upload (send files
to a server) and download (receive files from a server) files. FTP uses a client-server model,
where a client application connects to an FTP server to initiate the file transfer.
Page 3
INTERNET SERVICE AND SECURITY
5. What is ISP? Give three (3) examples in Jamaica.
In the context of computers and internet, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a company that
provides individuals and businesses with access to the internet, often through services like dial-
up, DSL, or broadband connections. ISP’s have their own networks and infrastructure that
connect to the main internet backbone, enabling users to access websites, email, and other
online services.
Examples of three (3) ISPs in Jamaica
Digicel Jamaica
FLOW (Cable & Wireless Jamaica)
Caricel Jamaica
Page 4
6. What is Anti-virus? Give three (3) examples.
Antivirus software is a type of cybersecurity program designed to detect, prevent, and remove
malicious software (malware) like viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware from computers,
networks, and other devices. Antivirus programs use various techniques, including signature
detection (identifying malware based on known patterns) and behavioural analysis (monitoring
software activity for suspicious behaviour).
Examples of three (3) Anti-virus Software
Norton 360
McAfee Total Protection
AVG
Page 5
WEB BROWSERS AND DIGITAL RIGHTS
7. What is a Browser? Give three (3) examples.
A (web) browser is a software application that allows users to access and view information on
the internet by displaying web pages, which are typically accessed through a URL. When you
type a web address (URL) into a browser, it sends a request to the web server, which then
sends back the requested web page (containing text, images, videos, etc.).
Examples of three (3) Browser
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Page 7
8. What is Intellectual Property Right?
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are legal protections that grant creators and innovators
exclusive control over their creations, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs,
and symbols, enabling them to benefit from their work.
IPR’s are crucial because they provide the legal framework for protecting and rewarding
creativity and innovation, encouraging further development and investment.
Page 7
LEGAL AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE INTERNET
9. What is Copyright?
Copyright is a legal term that grants creators exclusive rights to their original works of
authorship, like literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, allowing them to control how
their creations are used and distributed. Copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the
idea itself, and includes things like books, movies, songs, software, and artwork.
10. What is Bandwidth?
In computing, bandwidth is the maximum rate of data transfer across a given path. Bandwidth
may be characterized as network bandwidth, data bandwidth, or digital bandwidth.
Page 7
NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURES
11. What is LAN?
A LAN, or Local Area Network, is a group of interconnected devices (like computers, printers,
and other devices) within a limited area, such as a home, office, or school, that share resources
and communicate with each other. LANs typically consist of cables, access points, switches,
routers, and other network devices that enable devices to connect to internal servers, web servers,
and other LANs via wide area networks.
12. What is WAN?
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a telecommunications network that spans a large geographical
area, connecting multiple Local Area Networks (LAN’s) or other networks, allowing devices and
users to communicate and share data across vast distances. The primary function of a WAN is to
enable communication and collaboration between users and devices that are far apart.
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13. What is MAN?
In computer networking, "MAN" stands for Metropolitan Area Network, a network that connects
computers and other devices within a geographic area the size of a city or a large campus, larger
than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. MANs are often built by interconnecting multiple Local
Area Networks (LANs) using high-speed connections, such as fiber optic cables.
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