← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Web server

A computer that stores website files and sends them to a browser (the client) over the internet using HTTP when the browser asks for a page. It is always switched on and connected.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 5.1 The Internet and the World Wide Web — Module 30, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Interactions Between Users, Data and Digital Systems — Module 31

Understanding Web server in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: HTML is the type of file a web server stores for each web page. It sends this file to the browser, which then displays it. Users can visit at any time, so a web server needs to be on and connected all the time. HTTP is the protocol used to send requests and responses. HTML is the language the page is written in. A web server is a computer that hosts website files. Browsers store history, not web servers.

Common mistakes: The web server stores the files, so it is the server that sends the file to the client. The line should be 'Server sends file to client'. A web server finds the file it stores and sends it back. It does not delete it. The line should be ' FIND the requested file'.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 477–489) and word search (Modules 464–489).

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Learning

Duo

What does a web server do?

Displays web pages on the screen for the userStores website files and sends them to browsers that ask

Matches

The web server is the browser on your own computer that shows web pages.

↓

The browser is the client. A web server is a separate computer that stores website files and sends them to browsers.

Applying

Meanings

Term

web server

Meaning

A computer that stores website files and sends them to a browser (the client) over the internet using HTTP when the browser asks for a page. It is always switched on and connected.

Practice

WHILE server is switched on

Testing

Gaps

/index.html HTTP/1.1

Check Answer

Spots

3Server finds index.html

4Client sends file to server

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Quick Questions

1. What does a web server do?

A. Displays web pages on the screen for the user

B. Stores website files and sends them to browsers that ask ✓

A web server stores the files and sends them out. The browser is what displays the page.

2. Which one is the client and which is the web server when you visit a website?

A. Your browser is the client; the computer holding the site is the server ✓

B. Your browser is the server; the computer holding the site is the client

The client asks for a page (the browser). The server answers by sending the files.

3. A web server is usually...

A. Always switched on and connected to the internet ✓

B. Switched on only when someone visits the site

Users can visit at any time, so a web server needs to be on and connected all the time.

4. Which type of file does a web server store and send for a basic web page?

A. Browser bookmarks

B. HTML files ✓

A web server stores the HTML (and other) files of a website. Bookmarks are stored by the browser.

5. Which protocol does a web server use to receive requests and send back pages?

A. HTTP ✓

B. HTML

HTTP is the protocol used to send requests and responses. HTML is the language the page is written in.

Match the Pairs

GET /index.html HTTP/1.1 → A request a browser sends to a web server asking it to send back the file index.html

HTTP/1.1 200 OK → A reply from a web server saying it found the page and is sending it to the browser

A web server stores the HTML files of a website so they can be sent to a browser → <html><body><h1>Home</h1></body></html>

A web server is the computer that supplies pages, while the browser is the client that asks for them → client: browser -> request -> server

The web server is the browser on your own computer that shows web pages. → The browser is the client. A web server is a separate computer that stores website files and sends them to browsers.

A web server is only switched on when someone visits the website. → A web server must always be switched on and connected to the internet so it can reply to a request at any time.

Key Term

web server

A computer that stores website files and sends them to a browser (the client) over the internet using HTTP when the browser asks for a page. It is always switched on and connected.

Fill in the Blanks

1. GET /index.html HTTP/1.1

Hint: Type the HTTP method a browser uses to ask the web server for a page.

2. GET /index.html HTTP/1.1

Hint: Type the name of the protocol that a web server runs to talk to browsers.

3. HTTP/1.1 200 OK

Hint: Type the status code number the web server sends back when it found the page.

4. Web server stores: index.html, style.css

Hint: Type the file extension of a web page file kept on the web server.

5. client ← "browser" server ← "web server"

Hint: Type the variable name for the computer that stores the website files and sends them to the client.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A Client types www.site.com

B Browser sends HTTP request

C Server finds index.html

D Client sends file to server

Line D — The web server stores the files, so it is the server that sends the file to the client. The line should be 'Server sends file to client'.

Question 2

A WHILE server is switched on

B WAIT for a request

C DELETE the requested file

D ENDWHILE

Line C — A web server finds the file it stores and sends it back. It does not delete it. The line should be ' FIND the requested file'.

Question 3

A Client: the browser

B Server: asks for HTML files

C Protocol: HTTP

D Client asks, server sends

Line B — The server stores the HTML files. It is the client (browser) that asks for them. The line should be 'Server: stores HTML files'.

Question 4

A OPEN connection to internet

B WHILE TRUE

C RECEIVE request

D SEND request

E ENDWHILE

Line D — A web server receives a request and sends back a response. Only the client sends requests. The line should be ' SEND response'.

Question 5

A Browser sends HTTP request

B Browser finds the page file

C Web server sends HTTP response

Line B — The website files are stored on the web server, not in the browser. The web server finds the page. The line should be 'Web server finds the page file'.

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