Shocks and Struts! Suspension help!!?

Okay, so I'm not that much of a car person, but I've been doing some reading and now I'm confused. What exactly is the difference between a strut and a shock? I know that struts are better for your car based with handling and that they don't require you to use a upper control arm, but I've googled pictures of them and they look the same to me! Does a stock car come with shocks AND struts on it, because I've heard people refer to them as "shocks and struts" like it's ONE thing. Someone please help!!!!