Internet

The term Internet is used to describe the interconnected servers, computers, and networks that work through a standard protocol and provide the structure for information to be accessed on "The Web." In popular culture, the terms "Internet" and "Web" are sometimes used interchangeably to refer to the publicly-accessible websites and servers that can be reached using a Web browser. The Internet gives its users global broadcasting abilities, access to and the ability to add to world knowledge, as well as make it possible for collaboration regardless of location. ^[1]

History[edit | edit source]

United States[edit | edit source]

To counteract the perceived threat of Russian space exploration during the Cold War, the United States boosted investment in research and computer science. Fearing the potential destruction of the national telephone lines, the United States turned to J.C.R. Licklider, a psychologist and computer scientist at MIT and DARPA to develop a robust alternative.^[2] Beginning in 1962, Licklider strengthened his "Galactic Network" idea, which included an expansive network of computers that would offer its users access to data and programs from a series of sites. After becoming the first head of DARPA's computer research program in October 1962, Licklider successfully convinced colleagues of the vision's merit.

It wasn't until Leonard Kleinrock pursued the feasibility of packet switching a method of delivery that sends information in small packets, or portions through different routes, that the idea gained traction in a concrete manner. Kleinrock, along with a few other colleagues conducted a small experiment including two computers used at different geographic points, one in Massachusetts and one in California. Using a low-speed dial-up line, the researchers developed a connection, testing the packet transmission. The experiment was a minor success, scientists in Stanford received the 'L' and 'O' of 'LOGIN', and the transmission crashed ARPA's fragile network. ^[1]

First Nodes of ARPANET[edit | edit source]

Network Measurement Center at UCLA, led by Kleinrock
Stanford Research Institute (SRI), led by Doug Engelbert
Network Information Center, led by Elizabeth J. Feinler
UC Santa Barbara
University of Utah

ARPANET Email[edit | edit source]

The first public demonstration of ARPANET's capabilities was at the International Computer Communication Conference in October 1972. This exhibition is thought to have inspired confidence in developing network technologies and support for further development grew. ^[3] In May of that year, Ray Tomlinson completed programming an application that would allow inter-network messaging, from user to user. The program expanded, giving users the ability to not only read messages, but file, forward and respond directly to messages. ^[2]