What is the Internet Anyway?

The Internet is basically a bunch of computers linked together through a network so computer users in different locations can have access to the same information. Most people use a modem linking their computer to an Internet service provider (ISP) through the phone line. Web pages are files stored on computers located all over the world.

The Internet is a client-server system. Your computer is the client, and the computer, which stores the data, is the server. When you click onto a website, your computer requests the web page from the specific server storing that file. That server sends the data file you've requested over the Internet to your computer. Your web browser interprets the data and displays it on your computer screen.

How the Information Superhighway was developed

In the early 60s there was an experimental Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA) network, which was part of the Department of Defence. The network was developed to address concerns generated by the threat of nuclear war.

At the same time, academic researchers were some of the first groups widely using computers. They needed access to the most powerful computers for their research. These computers were part of the military network. In the late 60s, a few supercomputers were installed around the country and a network was designed connecting universities to each other and the supercomputers.

There were no graphical interface operating systems (such as Windows or Macintosh systems) available. A group of computer network developers got together and decided on 'protocols' or standards that all computers could use to communicate with each other, eventually creating a world-wide network. College students were the primary force behind the expansion of this network toward what we know as the Internet today. They wanted the same access to this network they enjoyed as students even after they left school. At the same time, phone and cable companies were installing high-speed fiber optic cable   networks that can handle a tremendous amount of traffic.