How the Internet & WWW Developed

The Internet began in 1969 as ARPAnet, a project developed by the U.S. Department of Defense.  Its initial purpose was to enable researchers and military personnel to communicate in the event of an emergency.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Internet grew slowly but steadily.  At first, the information was only text-based and it could only be accessed by learning complex computer commands.

In 1991, the World Wide Web was developed.  This graphical interface allowed the Internet to incorporate graphics, sound, and video with text-based information.  The Web also allowed users to quickly move or link to hyperlink sources of information without using commands.  Much, but not all of the information on the Internet is able to be accessed by the Web.

In 1993, the introduction of Web browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer made it even easier for users to search the Web.

The Internet continues to grow at an astonishing rate.

Uses of the Internet vary from communicating by e-mail, and searching for information, to selling products and services.  In a relatively short time period, the Internet has transformed how millions of people communicate, find information, work, entertain themselves, and even socialize.

It's no exaggeration to state that the Internet continues to transform our societies and cultures.