The Internet
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) · Unit 5: The internet and its uses · 10 flashcards
The Internet is topic 5.2 in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) syllabus , positioned in Unit 5 — The internet and its uses , alongside Networks and Security. In one line: The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to communicate with each other. It's a network of networks allowing for global communication and data transfer.
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (computer systems theory) and Paper 2 (algorithms, programming and logic).
The deck below contains 10 flashcards — 9 definitions and 1 key concept — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 9 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.
The term 'Internet'
The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to communicate with each other. It's a network of networks allowing for global communication and data transfer.
What the Cambridge 0478 syllabus says
Official 2026-2028 specThese are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.
- Understand Understand the concept of a digital currency and how digital currencies are used
- Understand Understand the process of blockchain and how it is used to track digital currency transactions
Define the term 'Internet'.
The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to communicate with each other. It's a network of networks allowing for global communication and data transfer.
Explain the relationship between the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW).
The Internet is the infrastructure, the physical network of networks. The WWW is a service that runs on top of the Internet, providing access to interconnected documents using hyperlinks and browsers.
What is a URL, and what information does it typically contain?
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a web address that specifies the location of a resource on the Internet. It includes the protocol (
Describe the function of a web browser.
A web browser is a software application used to access and view web pages on the World Wide Web. It interprets HTML code and displays the content in a user-friendly format.
What is the role of a web server?
A web server is a computer that stores website files and delivers them to users' web browsers upon request. It receives HTTP requests from clients and sends back the appropriate HTTP responses with the requested data.
Explain the function of an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides users with access to the Internet. They offer various services such as broadband, dial-up, and wireless internet connections, acting as a gateway to the wider network.
Describe the purpose of a DNS (Domain Name System).
DNS translates human-readable domain names (
What is a domain name, and provide an example?
A domain name is a unique, human-readable address used to identify a website on the Internet.
Explain the purpose of HTML (HyperText Markup Language).
HTML is the standard markup language for creating web pages. It provides the structure and content of a webpage using elements, tags, and attributes, defining how the browser should display the information.
What are cookies, and what are they used for?
Cookies are small text files that websites store on a user's computer to remember information about them. They are used for various purposes, such as remembering login details, tracking browsing activity, and personalizing content.
Key Questions: The Internet
Define the term 'Internet'.
The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to communicate with each other. It's a network of networks allowing for global communication and data transfer.
What is a URL, and what information does it typically contain?
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a web address that specifies the location of a resource on the Internet. It includes the protocol (
Describe the function of a web browser.
A web browser is a software application used to access and view web pages on the World Wide Web. It interprets HTML code and displays the content in a user-friendly format.
What is the role of a web server?
A web server is a computer that stores website files and delivers them to users' web browsers upon request. It receives HTTP requests from clients and sends back the appropriate HTTP responses with the requested data.
Explain the function of an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides users with access to the Internet. They offer various services such as broadband, dial-up, and wireless internet connections, acting as a gateway to the wider network.
More topics in Unit 5 — The internet and its uses
The Internet sits alongside these Computer Science decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 0478 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Key terms covered in this The Internet deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
How to study this The Internet deck
Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.
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