Internet History, Technology, and Security from Coursera

The impact of technology and networks on our lives, culture, and society continues to increase. The very fact that you can take this course from anywhere in the world requires a technological infrastructure that was designed, engineered, and built over the past sixty years. To function in an information-centric world, we need to understand the workings of network technology. This course will open up the Internet and show you how it was created, who created it and how it works. Along the way we will meet many of the innovators who developed the Internet and Web technologies that we use today.

What You Will Learn:

After this course you will not take the Internet and Web for granted. You will be better informed about important technological issues currently facing society. You will realize that the Internet and Web are spaces for innovation and you will get a better understanding of how you might fit into that innovation. If you get excited about the material in this course, it is a great lead-in to taking a course in Web design, Web development, programming, or even network administration. At a minimum, you will be a much wiser network citizen.

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started

Welcome to the class. We will first look at the history of the Internet and Web, followed by a look at how the network works and then examine how we secure information on the Internet and Web.

History: Dawn of Electronic Computing

World War II emphasized the strategic importance of computation, communication, and information. There was unprecedented investment in the development of new technologies during the war. We start with Alan Turing and others at Bletchley Park.

History: The First Internet - NSFNet

In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a great deal of research done to build the first wide-area packet switched networks for the US Department of Defense. In the 1980s, the first “Internet” was formed to allow academic researchers to access supercomputer resources.

History: The Web Makes it Easy to Use

The World-Wide-Web was invented in 1990 but it was not an overnight success. But by 1994 - “the year of the web” - the web was being widely used and Internet usage was growing by leaps and bounds.

History: Commercialization and Growth

The late 1990’s saw the web and Internet used increasingly to revolutionize how business was done. Companies like Amazon were founded and grew very rapidly.

Technology: Internets and Packets

The Internet is designed based on a four-layer model. Each layer builds on the layers below it. The Link and Internetwork layers are the lowest layers of that model.

Technology: Transport Control Protocol (TCP)

The Transport layer is built on the Internetwork layer and is what makes our network connections reliable.

Technology: Application Protocols

With reliable “pipes” available from the Transport layer, we can build applications like web browsers, file transfer applications, or email clients and servers.

Security: Encrypting and Signing

Using simple examples, we examing how to shield data from prying eyes and make sure that the data was not altered while in transit.

Security: Web Security

We apply the basic ideas of encryption and signing to who we actually secure the connections that we use on today’s Web and Internet.

Final Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the impact of technology and networks on lives, culture, and society

Provides an overview of the history and evolution of the Internet and Web

Examines the underlying technologies and protocols that make the Internet and Web work

Discusses the security and privacy issues related to Internet and Web use

Taught by Charles Russell Severance, a renowned expert in network technology

May require some background in computer science or technology

Reviews summary

Internet history, technology, and security

learners say this well-received course largely positive reviews that it provides a broad overview of Internet history, technology, and security. Engaging assignments help bring the subject matter to life, while the accomplished instructor, Dr. Chuck, presents information with clarity and a bit of humor. While some learners may find the course difficult, it is suitable for beginners in IT or those looking to broaden their knowledge of the subject.

The course is a great value for the price.

"I learned a lot from this course and I feel it was worth the investment."

"I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in the history of the internet."

"This course is a great way to learn about the foundations of the internet."

Assignments are engaging and help students retain information.

"The quizzes and assignments helped me to test my understanding of the material."

"The hands-on assignments were a great way to apply what I was learning."

"I appreciated the opportunity to work on real-world projects."

The course content is well-organized and well-presented. It covers a wide range of topics in a logical manner.

"This course gave me a solid foundation in the history of the internet and its underlying technologies."

"I particularly enjoyed the interviews with the pioneers of the internet."

"The course materials were well-organized and easy to follow."

Dr. Chuck is a wonderful instructor who is knowledgeable, clear, and concise.

"Dr. Chuck is awesome…one of the best MOOC teachers out there) and the class is interesting and informative. Highly recommended!"

"Very informative background history on the internet and the forefathers and mothers of modern day internet and internet security."

"Amazing course! I learned so much from Dr. Chuck about the beginnings of the Internet and its basic infrastructure. Highly recommend it!"

The course can be challenging, but it is manageable with effort and dedication.

"Some of the concepts were difficult to understand, but I was able to learn them with some extra effort."

"The course was well-paced and I felt like I had enough time to complete the assignments."

"I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning about the history of the internet."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Internet History, Technology, and Security with these activities:

Review foundational networking concepts

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Refreshes core networking concepts to strengthen the foundation for the course

Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals

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Review lecture notes or textbooks from previous networking courses
Take practice quizzes or online assessments to test understanding

Read 'The Internet Book' by Douglas Comer

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, architecture, and protocols of the Internet

View The Cloud Computing Book on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of the book
Read and understand the key concepts and principles
Take notes and highlight important information

Organize and review course materials

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Helps in consolidating and understanding course content

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Gather lecture slides, notes, and assignments
Review and summarize key concepts
Identify areas where further clarification is needed

Five other activities

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Gather resources

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Helps solidify understanding of topics covered across the course materials

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Create a digital or physical notebook
Gather resources - online articles, tutorials, videos
Categorize resources by topic
Summarize key learnings from each resource

Network troubleshooting exercises

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Develops problem-solving skills and strengthens understanding of network concepts

Browse courses on Networking

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Find online platforms or resources with network troubleshooting exercises
Practice solving different types of network issues
Analyze and understand the underlying causes of network problems

Discussion group on emerging network technologies

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Engages in discussions on cutting-edge network technologies to stay up-to-date

Browse courses on Emerging Technologies

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Join online forums or discussion groups
Read and research recent advancements in networking
Contribute to discussions and share insights

Tutorials on encryption concepts

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Enhances understanding of encryption techniques used in Internet security

Browse courses on Encryption

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Search online tutorials on encryption algorithms
Follow tutorials and explore different encryption techniques
Implement simple encryption algorithms in a programming language

Design a network for a small business

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Provides hands-on experience in applying network concepts to real-world scenarios

Browse courses on Network Architecture

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Gather requirements for the small business
Research and select appropriate networking equipment
Design a network layout and topology
Create a documentation of the network design

Career center

Learners who complete Internet History, Technology, and Security will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design and implement computer networks. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different layers of the Internet model, how to design and implement network security measures, and how to troubleshoot network problems. This knowledge will help you to design and implement secure and reliable computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for the design and development of websites and web applications. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different layers of the Internet model, how to encrypt and sign data, and how to secure web connections. This knowledge will help you to build secure and reliable websites and web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of network security threats, how to implement network security measures, and how to investigate and respond to network security incidents. This knowledge will help you to protect computer networks and systems from a variety of threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course provides a strong foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different layers of the Internet model, how to design and implement software applications, and how to secure software applications from a variety of threats. This knowledge will help you to design, develop, and maintain secure and reliable software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of cybersecurity threats, how to implement cybersecurity measures, and how to investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents. This knowledge will help you to protect computer networks and systems from a variety of threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different layers of the Internet model, how to configure and manage network devices, and how to troubleshoot network problems. This knowledge will help you to manage and maintain secure and reliable computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn how to collect, clean, and analyze data, and how to use data to solve business problems. This knowledge will help you to become a more effective Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for computer software and hardware. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of technical documentation, how to write clear and concise technical documentation, and how to use technical writing tools. This knowledge will help you to become a more effective Technical Writer.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of computer systems, how to design and implement computer systems, and how to secure computer systems from a variety of threats. This knowledge will help you to become a more effective Systems Analyst.

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Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware and software, how to troubleshoot computer problems, and how to provide customer service. This knowledge will help you to become a more effective Computer Support Specialist.

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Web Designer

Web Designers create the visual look and feel of websites and web applications. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different design principles, how to use web design tools, and how to create user-friendly websites and web applications. This knowledge will help you to become a more effective Web Designer.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts identify and solve business problems. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different business analysis techniques, how to use business analysis tools, and how to communicate business analysis findings to stakeholders. This knowledge will help you to become a more effective Business Analyst.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of databases, how to design and implement database systems, and how to secure databases from a variety of threats. This knowledge will help you to become a more effective Database Administrator.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different project management methodologies, how to use project management tools, and how to manage project teams. This knowledge will help you to become a more effective Project Manager.

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IT Manager

IT Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of information technology systems. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the history, technology, and security of the Internet and Web, which are essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different layers of the Internet model, how to manage IT budgets, and how to lead IT teams. This knowledge will help you to become a more effective IT Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager