From Proprofs

---

You are here: Home > Schools > Comptia > Wiki Home > i-Net+ Home

DOMAIN 1.0 INTERNET BASICS & CLIENTS

This domain requires that the candidate have the knowledge of a wide range of Internet basics, including: site functionality, caching, indexes, searching, and Internet infrastructure. In addition candidates should have the knowledge and skills required to use and update client software, and to assist in the administration of Internet/intranet sites.

[edit section] 1.1. Identify the issues that affect Internet site functionality.

Content may include the following:

• Performance, including:
  • Bandwidth (both client and server)
    • Bandwidth is the amount of data (in bits) that can be simultaneously transmitted across a medium at any given time. The lower the bandwidth, the slower the connection. For example, a 56K modem may transmit at 57,600 bps (bits per second), so it has 57,600 bps bandwidth. The amount of bandwidth that can be used by a site is usually equal to the bandwidth that can reach the site. This can be changed through "bandwidth throttling". Throttling allows a reduction in bandwidth offered, leaving the server with additional bandwidth for other services.
  • Internet connection types (both client and server)
    • The majority of users access the Internet through Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Internet connection points can be established through dial-up service, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable modem, proxy service, or dedicated lines (ISDN, T1, etc.). The speed at which you connect determines how fast the website appears. Internet Service Providers access the Internet through Network Access Points (NAPs).
  • Pages taking too long to load
    • Consider how your audience is accessing your site. If your users are primarily low-speed dial-up users, then downloadable files should be compressed. Instead of one 80-page PDF file, split the file into ten 8-page files to be downloaded individually. Consider how many users might connect at the same time. This will affect the speed at which your webserver will transmit.
    • Inability to open files can be caused by browser dependencies or file corruption. Avoid browser dependencies. The inability to open files can be due to missing plug-ins on your user's end or by files designed for particular browsers. Developing with common Internet standards will help reduce this problem.
    • A website may contain corrupt files. File corruption can occur at any time during transfer, on the webserver, or due to errors and prevent users from accessing your resources. It is important to test your files before posting or uploading them, and to check them periodically for corruption.
  • Resolution and size of graphics
    • The resolution and size of graphics can affect website performance. This is the determining factor in the clarity of the graphics, and is expressed in bits. The greater the number of bits, the better the graphic. 24-bit graphics are ideal, but 8-bit graphics will support a 256-color monitor. You can reduce the resolution and size to decrease the file size and speed up delivery of the graphic.

• Security, including:
  • Authentication
    • User names and passwords are provided to authenticate and prove identity. Specific privileges are assigned to the user, based on the identity established by the supplied credentials.
    • Today's systems are connected together through local networks and to the Internet. Passwords are often transmitted in clear text. With newer technologies like one-time passwords (S/Key), PGP, and token based authentication devices, password strings are used as secret tokens and pins. If not properly selected and protected, authentication may be at risk.
  • Permissions
    • Security permissions can be set on your web site to restrict access. Permissions determine whether an authenticated identity with proper attributes is permitted to access particular resources. Permissions are assigned to usergroups. Each user is a member of one or more usergroups. Permission changes affect all of the members of a usergroup. For members of more than one group, the "allow" permission holds priority over "deny" for certain permissions.
    • Setting permissions incorrectly can leave your site insecure. Understand the difference between Web site permissions and NTFS permissions for server access control configuration.
      • Web site permissions control user access to virtual directories on your Web sites.
      • NTFS permissions apply to specific user groups and control access to physical directories on your server. Includes file and directory browsing, uploading or downloading information, or running scripts on the site.
    • Certain techniques are used in granting and checking permissions. One method is to assign user classes to each object: owner, group and world.
      • Owner is the creator of the object. The owner permissions (read, write and execute) apply only to the owner.
      • Group is a collection of users which share access rights to an object. The group permissions (read, write and execute) apply to all users in the group.
      • World refers to everyone else with access to the system. The world permissions (read, write and execute) apply to all users.
    • Another method is to attach an Access Control List (ACL) to an object which contains the identity of permitted users or groups. ACLs are easily maintained and very easy to check. The disadvantages are the extra resources required to store such lists, and the number of lists required for large systems.
    • Physical access to hosts should be limited. Allow access only to those authorized to use the hosts. Hosts include terminals that allow unauthenticated use, and individual workstations connected to your network.
  • Data encryption

[edit section] 1.2. Understand and be able to describe the concept of caching and its implications.

Content may include the following:

• Web caching
• File caching
• Proxy caching
• Client side caching versus server side caching

[edit section] 1.3. Use different types of search indexes – static index/site map, keyword index, full text index.

Content may include the following:

• Index your site for a search
• Use Internet and Intranet search engines
• Meta search engines
• Spider search engines

[edit section] 1.4. Understand and be able to describe the infrastructure neede d to support an Internet client.

Content may include the following:

• Knowledge of client operating systems
• Knowledge of web server platforms
• Operating system TCP/IP stack configuration
• Network connection
• Web browser
• E-mail client
• Hardware platform
• DHCP
• Client software configuration

[edit section] 1.5. Use/configure Web browsers and other Internet/intranet clients, and be able to describe their use to others.

Content may include the following:

• Web browsers
• FTP clients
• Telnet clients
• E-mail clients
• All-in-one/universal clients
• When to use each type of client
• The basic commands (e.g., get and put) for each type of client (e.g., FTP, Telnet. POP3)

[edit section] 1.6. Update client software.

Content may include the following:

• Performing routine maintenance on client applications (e.g. updating virus data files)
• Applying service packs and maintenance patches
• Upgrading to newer versions of client software, or replacing existing client software with versions from a different software vendor.

[edit section] 1.7. Assist in the administration of Internet/intranet sites.

Content may include the following:

• Reset passwords
• Configure permissions
• Post content to server

	Web ProProfs.com