What Is the Internet?

The Internet refers to the global network of computers. Every computer that is connected to the Internet, regardless of its location,  is considered to be part of that network. This means that every time you log on to the Internet, you instantly have access to an almost infinite number of computers that are simultaneously connected around the world.

The Internet is a giant network made up of millions of computers. These computers are all connected by phone lines, coaxial cables, satellites, fiber optic lines, and wireless connections.

All these computers use a language called Internet Protocol or more commonly known as, IP to communicate with each other. IP is the technology that allows different types of computers to be able to communicate with each other.

You may also encounter references to a longer abbreviation, TCP/IP which refers to Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Every computer uses the TCP/IP software in order to be able to link to the Internet.

Connecting to the Internet

There are several ways to connect to the Internet. Popular connection methods include subscription with an ISP or Internet Service Provider through a modem, Internet-ready cable, DSL or Digital Subscriber Line. You can also use a computer connected to a network at a school, in a public library, or at the office. In addition, with the advancement of technology, you can easily get a wireless connection to the Internet using a notebook computer or a handheld PC.

When you are connected to the computer, you have the capacity to do many things by just sitting and clicking a few buttons. You can write, send, and receive email or you can text chat or voice chat. Perhaps the most notable and popular feature of the Internet, however,  is the ability to browse the World Wide Web.

What Happens On the Internet

In the simplest terms, the Internet resembles a postal service or parcel delivery system, but much faster. For instance, if you are currently in New York and would like to send an email to a relative in Japan, after hitting the “send” button, your email immediately goes to your mail server (mail servers are not part of your computer but part of the computer network of your internet service provider).

The mail server will then attempt to contact your relative’s mail server in Japan. Should your mail server not have a direct line to connect with your relative in Japan, it can still pass through other lines by contacting servers in Chicago, followed by a contact to Washington DC, which eventually can contact the Japan server via a satellite or undersea cable. –It’s a virtual delivery service!

Invention of the Internet

The Internet was not invented at just one instance and no person in particular can be credited with having invented it. It was more of a gradual evolution involving different groups of people. 

The Internet originated from Sputnik and from the US governments’ response to the Advanced Research Projects Agency, which eventually was integrated into the Department of Defense.

The original foundations of the Internet came into being as a result of the innovative minds of the scientists at Berkeley and Stanford, plus other parties from around the world who wanted to have the capacity to exchange data and to perform research easily and quickly. Little by little, their applications continued to be refined and soon became standardized.

It was a 20-30 year evolution that allowed computers to be networked together, and that encompassed the development of the infrastructure of the World Wide Web, and the creation of the applications that we are all using today.

Content on the Internet

So who decides what becomes available in the Internet? Everyone does. The Internet is a virtual space where every single person who has a computer connection can share his or her thoughts, work, photos, and any other information. Whether through a website or blog site, you can easily post whatever you want to share with the world. It is like a public bulletin board online.

The Internet is truly a dynamic world. Available routers and servers can try to connect with the best lines and servers to give you the best connection possible. The good thing about it is that for the users, all these server connections are invisible. Everything will appear like one simple and direct connection between you and the rest of the world.