TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)

TCP/IP, or Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is a set of rules that govern how data travels across the internet. Think of it as the postal system for digital information. TCP ensures that messages are sent accurately and in the correct order, similar to ensuring a letter arrives with all its pages intact. IP addresses each computer on the network, like a mailing address, so data knows where to go. Together, these protocols enable different devices to communicate seamlessly, making the internet functional and reliable for everything from browsing to streaming.