Which network protocol handles transactions between a Web server and your computer?

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to facilitate the transmission of data over the web between clients (like your computer) and web servers. When you enter a URL into your web browser, HTTP enables the request for web pages and the transfer of data, such as HTML files, images, and scripts, necessary for browsers to load and display websites.

HTTP operates at the application layer of the Internet protocol suite and is a request-response protocol. This means that when your computer sends a request for information to a web server, the server processes that request and returns the appropriate response, such as the requested webpage or an error message. This interaction is fundamental to how the web functions, allowing users to browse and access content seamlessly.

In contrast, the other protocols mentioned serve entirely different purposes. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used for transferring files between computers, but it is not specifically tailored for web transactions. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is designed for sending emails, whereas Post Office Protocol (POP3) is used for retrieving emails from a server. Each of these protocols serves significant roles in computing and networking but does not handle the web transaction processes between servers and clients like HTTP does.