Billions of people use a web browser to access the Internet every single day, but very few know how the technology actually works. While typing in a URL to go to a web page may seem like a simple action, there is a deceptively complex group of devices, networks and protocols behind it.

To aid your understanding of web browsing and related technologies, Kara Sherrer, writing for TechRepublic Premium, presents this quick glossary of key concepts.

Featured definition from the glossary:

SSI commands

Short for Server Side Includes, these commands are directives placed in HTML pages that are used to add dynamic content to the page.

Enhance your knowledge of web browsers with our in-depth 11-page PDF glossary. This is available for download at just $9. Alternatively, enjoy complimentary access with a Premium annual subscription. Click here to find out more.

TIME SAVED: Crafting this content required 22 hours of dedicated writing, editing and research.