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Relationships Aren't Just for People
The relationship between the Web and the Internet is one that can be compared to the relationship between the data on a computer and the graphical interface used by the computer�s user to manipulate and work with that data. The Web provides an easy-to-use interface for Internet users, much like graphical interfaces make it easier for computer users to move, copy, create, rename and otherwise manipulate files, documents, and other data on their computers.

The relationship between the Web and the Internet is one that can be compared to the relationship between the complex machinery that makes an automobile go and the controls that people use to drive that car (steering wheel, pedals, and so on). The Web provides an easy-to-use interface for Internet users that hides the connections that need to be made and the commands that must be issued for Web pages to display, much like an automobile's controls hides the complex interactions that power the automobile; the fuel mixing with air, the spark plugs firing, the drive shaft turning, and so on.

In the early days of the Internet, it was necessary to learn to use many different client programs to be able to access Internet information resources, but with the advent of the World Wide Web, this is no longer necessary. The client software for the Web, called a Web browser (or just browser) issues all the commands, makes all the connections, and presents information to the user in a easy to use point-and-click interface. Using a browser, an Internet user can access FTP sites, Web sites, Gopher sites, send and receive e-mail, and so on. Almost all the Internet�s services can be used from within the Web browser.

Jargon: Browser�an interface that enables you to manage information on the Web. The browser speaks to the servers to which you�re connecting, grabs the Web pages you want, and displays the files within the browser interface.


In addition to providing the information that fuels the Web, the Internet is also the medium by which that information is transported. The Internet, by its worldwide nature, is what makes the Web worldwide. The Internet provides the physical network upon which the Web operates. You will notice that WWW servers, the computers that store and �serve� or provide access to Web documents, are also members of the Internet. They are usually full-fledged Internet �host computers� and sometimes even provide other Internet-based services, such as FTP and Telnet.

Jargon: WWW servers�computers that store and �serve� or provide access to Web documents.

It is interesting to note that the technical definition of the Web does not specify that the Web should use the Internet. In fact, companies routinely create distributed information systems based upon Web concepts on their internal networks, called intranets. But it is the Internet that makes the World Wide Web truly �worldwide�. The Internet is thus part of and backbone to the World Wide Web.

The technical definition of the Web does not specify that the Web should use the Internet. In fact, companies routinely create distributed information systems based upon Web concepts on their internal networks, called intranets.