Chapter 3 E-business infrastructure
Self-assessment questions
1. What is the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?
Use TV analogy. Internet is the network for transmitting data globally, web is the method of delivering the
content (channels).
The Internet
The Internet refers to the physical network that links computers across the globe. It consists of the
infrastructure of network servers and communication links between them that are used to hold and transport
information between the client PCs and web servers.
World Wide Web (WWW)
The most common technique for publishing information on the Internet. It is accessed through web
browsers which display web pages of embedded graphics and HTML/XML encoded text.
2. Describe the two main functions of an Internet Service Provider (ISP). How do they differ from
Applications Service Providers?
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
A provider giving home or business users a connection to access the Internet (1). They can also host webbased applications (2).
ASPs can host specific business applications.
Applications Service Provider (ASP)
An application server providing a business application on a server remote from the user.
3. Distinguish between intranets, extranets and the Internet.
Internet is public, intranet is restricted to an organization’s employees, extranet has restricted access
beyond company.
Intranet
A private network within a single company using Internet standards to enable employees to share
information using e-mail and web publishing.
Extranet
Formed by extending the intranet beyond a company to customers, suppliers and collaborators.
4. Describe the standards involved when a web page is served from a web server to a user’s web browser.
Request page and deliver page (HTTP), transfer request and information (TCP/IP), render page in browser
(HTML).
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
HTTP or Hypertext Transfer Protocol is a standard which defines the way information is transmitted across
the Internet between web browsers and web servers.
TCP/IP
The Transmission Control Protocol is a transport layer protocol that moves data between applications. The
Internet protocol is a network layer protocol that moves data between host computers.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
HTML is a standard format used to define the text and layout of web pages. HTML files usually have the
extension .HTML or .HTM.
5. What are management issues involved with enabling staff access to a web site?
 Cost of access.
 Time spent in access is lost from main activities.
 Access to illegal material.
6. Explain the following terms:
 HTML
 HTTP
 XML
 FTP
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
HTML is a standard format used to define the text and layout of web pages. HTML files usually have the
extension .HTML or .HTM.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
HTTP or Hypertext Transfer Protocol is a standard which defines the way information is transmitted across
the Internet between web browsers and web servers.
XML or eXtensible Markup Language
A standard for transferring structured data, unlike HTML which is purely presentational.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
Standard used for uploading and downloading files to and from web servers.
7. What is the difference between static web content written in HTML and dynamic content developed using
a scripting language such as JavaScript?
Static content appears the same to all users. Dynamic content can be updated to reflect the environment,
e.g. time or personal preferences.
8. What software and hardware is required to access the Internet from home?
Software: web browser, operating system, TCP/IP stack.
Hardware: PC plus modem.