Wednesday, August 7 th 2013 By the Improvisors

 An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a protocol rule which contains the address of a digital device connected to the internet and similarly to a mailing address a computer needs an IP address to communicate with other computers over the internet (website).  IP addresses consist of four sets of numbers, for example

 However some IP addresses will be subject to change, each IP address is either a static or dynamic IP address. Static IP addresses never change as opposed to dynamic IP address which are only temporary addresses and always change. A static IP address has been set for this computer, it will never change.

 A Domain Name Server (DNS) is a web server which stores IP addresses to other more commonly known web servers such as Microsoft. However unlike a URL, the domain for Microsoft is split into Microsoft and.com. All of these are parts of a domain name which are stored with their associated websites in a DNS

 The client/server model consists of computers or devices and server(s)  The clients are the computers or devices ◦ Computers, mobiles, tablets.  The server is the information provider ◦ A server in a company, school or university or ISP

This is how a C/S model works. When the client is ‘waiting’ information is being sought from the server. When the server is ‘waiting’, it is awaiting instruction from you!

 So this a more ‘real’ view.  The clients are requesting information  The server is supplying the requested information.

 Client requests a web page – enters URL  This goes to the operating server  The domain name server then converts this to an IP address  Web browser then sends request to web server  The info is sought  The client is given the page on their screen – request granted! Key Blue server waiting Green client waiting Source: Information Processes and Technology. “The Client Server Model ” (2009) Available at (accessed 10/07/2013)

 Cookies are used by websites in an effort to gather information about the user viewing the web page. This is to offer a better user experience due to that page ‘remembering’ you.  Cookies are stored on the users local machine and can be accessed/edited/deleted by that same machine.  Advantages :- Tailors user experience, holds preferences for next time  Disadvantages :- Can hold personal Data, can grow to large sizes if not emptied BBC. (2013)

 Internet cache is commonly used in the context of "browser cache".  Cache is designed to speed up the computer by prioritizing its contents for quick access.  cache holds copies of recently accessed data such as a web page and pictures on web pages. It keeps this data ready to "swap" onto your screen within fractions of a second.  Advantages:- Can deliver web pages quickly using saved versions  Disadvantages:- Can grow to a large size if not emptied, Has to update every time a change is made on a web page Gil, P. (2013).

 A song is played  It can be stored locally  The song is Downloaded To a location on the computer  Can be accessed whenever

MAC stands for Media Access Control It is a 12 digit hexadecimal number (48 bits in length) which uniquely identifies an adapter on a Local Area Network. The 1 st half is the ID number of the adapter manufacturer The 2 nd half represents the serial number assigned to the adapter by the manufacturer. For example: 00:A0:C9:14:C8:29 00:A0:C9 means that it belongs to Intel Corporation

MAC addresses allow computers to uniquely identify themselves at the data link layer (layer 2 in OSI model.  OSI refers to Open Systems Interconnection Model

It supports the hardware implementation of the network stack Remains fixed whereas IP addresses change as the device changes from one network to another Follows the network device Bradley Mitchell, An introduction to MAC addresses [10/07/2013] MAC addresses image

 BBC. (2013). Privacy & Cookies. Available: Last accessed 10/07/13. Last accessed 10/07/13  Gil, P. (2013). Definition: "Cache" in Computers. Available: Last accessed 10/07/13. Last accessed 10/07/13  Information Processes and Technology. “The Client Server Model ” (2009) Available at (accessed 10/07/2013)  whatismyipaddress (2013) "What is an IP address?" [accessed 10th July 2013].  Gill, P (2013) What is a Domain Name? [accessed 10th July 2013].  Bradley Mitchell, An introduction to MAC addresses  [10/07/2013]  MAC addresses image 48_Address.svg/475px-MAC-48_Address.svg.png