The domain name system is structured as a hierarchy of names, and .edu is what is referred to as a gTLD , a generic top level domain name. A second level domain name consists of a top level domain name, with another name preceding it, separated by a dot. The browser then requests this information from the computer on which it is stored, and the information is sent back to the web browser, which displays it on your screen. In addition to entering a URL directly into a web browser, search engines and directories are available to assist individuals in sorting through the millions of web pages accessible from the web. Common search engines include AltaVista, Excite, and WebCrawler, among others.
Search engines use several methods for obtaining information on particular sites on the web.
This information, in turn, assists search engine administrators in classifying documents. No two search engines are likely to produce identical results for the same search query because of the differing methods employed by administrators in gathering and classifying information about specific web sites. This section will introduce you to the origins of the World Wide Web, in addition to the fundamentals of web operation. To view an article, simply click on the button next to your choice. Return to this page by clicking the back arrow on your browser.