Dec1999 WW221 : World Wide Web Fundamentals (Question 5) Suggested Solutions

(a)

Information about web users can be collected in a number of different ways.Briefly describe three current methods.

Any three from:

HTTP logs (1)The HTTP server collects data on each page requested,URL used,client IP address etc.This data can be logged and analysed (1).

Surveys /Guestbooks (1)Users are invited to write their comments in a web-based form.(1).

User /password authentication (1)Users are required to register for a password; individual use can then be monitored (1).

Cookies (1)Servers can save a set of limited information in the user ’s browser,to be sent back when the user next visits that site (1).

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(b)

Explain the drawbacks of one of the methods you have described in part (a).

Also give credit for valid alternatives:

HTTP logs Limited information (1);logs machines,not users (1).

Surveys /Guestbooks Responses are from self-selecting sample (1).Respondents may not tell the truth (1).

User /password authentication Meets with user resistance (1).Causes problems when users forget their passwords (1).

Cookies Browser-dependent (1);only contain limited information (1).

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(c)

The development of the Web has seen an enormous growth in Internet usage,and a major shift in the demographics of users.Explain why this is,and the nature of the shift.

Award marks for any reasonable points,including these:

Previously,the Internet was the preserve of professional scientists and computing people (1).Non-technical users found it hard to use (1).The Web ’s use of hypertext (1) has made net usage much more accessible to a wide range of users and age groups (1). The gender balance has changed very markedly (many more women now)(1), reflecting the way that a much wider cross-section of society is gaining access (1).The use of the Web in schools is accelerating these changes (1).

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