The Internet connects networks across the whole world. This chapter looks at how we connect to it, how the cloud works, and — most importantly — how to stay safe and act responsibly online.
1Architecture & internet connections
Networks are organised in two main architectures:
| Client-Server | Peer-to-Peer (P2P) | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | A central server provides services to many clients | All computers are equal — each can share with the others |
| Example | A website (server) and browsers (clients) | Sharing files directly between two laptops |
Ways to connect to the Internet
| Connection | How |
|---|---|
| Broadband | Fast, always-on (cable/fibre/DSL) |
| Cellular (3G/4G/5G) | Mobile data over phone networks |
| Satellite | Via satellites — reaches remote areas |
Key points
- Client-server: a central server serves many clients; Peer-to-peer (P2P): all computers are equal and share directly.
- Internet connections: broadband (fast, always-on), cellular (mobile data), satellite (remote areas).
- A website is a client-server example; sharing files between two laptops is peer-to-peer.
2Cloud computing
Cloud computing means using computing resources — storage, software and processing — over the Internet rather than on your own computer.
- Cloud storage — your files live on remote servers and you reach them from any device (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud).
- Collaborative web tools — many people edit the same document at once (Google Docs, Sheets).
| Benefit | Means |
|---|---|
| Access anywhere | Your files follow you across devices |
| Automatic backup | Less chance of losing data |
| Easy sharing | Work together in real time |
Key points
- Cloud computing uses storage/software/processing over the Internet, not your own machine.
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) lets you reach files from any device with automatic backup.
- Collaborative web tools (Google Docs) let many people edit the same file at once.
3Cyber safety, IPR & licences
Staying safe online takes good habits and some tools:
- A firewall is a security barrier that filters network traffic, blocking unwanted/harmful connections.
- Phishing — fake emails/sites that trick you into giving passwords or card details. Never click suspicious links; check the real sender.
- Identity theft — someone steals your personal information to pretend to be you. Protect it with strong passwords and privacy.
Acting responsibly
- IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) protect creators' work; copying without permission breaks them.
- Plagiarism — passing off others' work as your own — is dishonest; cite your sources.
- Software licences — proprietary (paid, code hidden) vs open-source (free to use/modify). Don't use pirated software.
Key points
- A firewall filters traffic to block harmful connections; phishing tricks you into giving secrets; identity theft steals your personal info.
- Protect yourself: strong passwords, don't click suspicious links, keep personal data private.
- Respect IPR & copyright, avoid plagiarism (cite sources), and use licensed/open-source — not pirated — software.
★ Practical: stay safe & fair
Answer in your own words:
- Give one example each of a client-server and a peer-to-peer setup.
- Name one cloud storage service you use and one benefit of it.
- Describe how you would spot a phishing email.
- Explain why using pirated software breaks IPR.
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