When I teach class, especially to beginners or when I’m talking with parents about Internet Safety, a question I’m often asked is “How does the Internet actually work?” Well, in reality it’s obviously a complex topic, but we can certainly break it down into familiar terms.

When you type in a web address, like http://www.palaestratraining.com, your computer actually does some work behind the scenes to translate that human readable name into an IP address. Just like if you wanted to call your friend Suzy’s house, you would translate that (in your head probably) from her name into her telephone number, and you would contact her by picking up the phone and calling her telephone number.

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