What is the protocol used for accessing the web?

The correct answer is HTTP, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. HTTP is the foundational protocol used for transmitting data over the World Wide Web. It defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and how web servers and browsers should respond to various commands. When you enter a web address in your browser, it uses HTTP to request web pages from the server, facilitating the exchange of information and allowing users to access and interact with content online.

While HTTPS, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, also serves the purpose of web access, it adds an additional layer of security by encrypting the data exchanged between the browser and the server. Therefore, while both HTTP and HTTPS are related to web access, HTTP is the original protocol that underlies the communication.

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is used for transferring files between a client and a server and is not specifically designed for navigating the web. Similarly, SMTP, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, is used for sending emails, which is also not related to web access. Thus, HTTP is specifically the core protocol for accessing web content.