1. Syllabus outcomes 5.2.1 Describes and applies problem-solving processes when creating solutions. 5.2.2 Designs, produces and evaluates appropriate solutions to a range of challenging problems. 5.2.3 Critically analyses decision-making processes in a range of information and software solutions.

2.  A protocol is a set of rules that governs the transmission of data between computer devices.  Some of the protocols used on the Internet include TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP and SMTP.

3.  Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a common language for data transmission and error detection across the Internet.  It works by breaking information into smaller packets of data. Each data packet contains the information and the address of the receiving computer.  The TCP standards inform the receiving computer what is inside the data packet and the IP standard tells the computer where and how to send the packet.  Each data packet might take a different route but eventually reaches the same destination where all the packets are reassembled into the original information.

4.  Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) is a standard for transferring the contents of a web page into a browser for viewing.  HTTP is a one-way system as data is only transferred from the web server to the browser.  Whenever ‘http’ appears in a URL the user is connecting to a web server and using the HTTP standard.

5.  File transfer protocol (FTP) is a standard to upload and download files.  An FTP server is a computer that allows users to upload and download files using FTP.  Whenever ‘ftp’ appears in a URL the user is  connecting to a file server and not a web server.

6.  Simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) is a  standard for outgoing email.  Most email messages are sent using SMTP.  POP3 (Post Office Protocol) is a standard for incoming email.