The Internet

The Internet only became possible after computer networks were developed. Read more about these networks below.

This module gives you understanding of the history of the Internet through three time periods.

1960’s and 1970’s.
The Internet began in the 1960s by creating a small, computer network to transmit data.

1980s and 1990s
During this time period, the Internet really took shape. Networks began to increase in size, the demand for higher data capacity increased, and as a result of the World Wide Web, many "dot-com" businesses started.

2000 and Beyond
During the 2000s, the web continued to evolve especially with the introduction of Web 2.0 which focused on interactive and collaborative websites. As you can see in the timeline below, social networking sites became very popular during this time.

Read the following text elements that guide you through these decades.

Now that you understand how the Internet evolved into what it is today, let's learn the basics of how the Internet works. When you meet Niki and Anu on the next page, their story will help you understand the following:
• Accessing the Internet
• Making page requests
• Transmitting data

The Internet has greatly evolved through the years, including how the web has progressed. Early web technology, referred to as Web 1.0, enabled various features such as e-commerce shopping sites and information sites. However, it was not as effective in allowing the general public to contribute their own content to the Internet and making web pages more dynamic. Advancements to web technology, known as Web 2.0, added the ability for more user interaction and collaboration. The focus on user-generated data allowed social media sites, blogs, and web-based applications to exist.

Web 2.0 is possible because of many new innovations, such as:

• Scripting languages
• Dynamic web pages
• Cascading style sheets
• Web applications
• Mobile applications

Anu’s blog is a great example of Web 2.0. Let's first look at the power behind Web 2.0 features, the scripting languages.

Knowing the Internet’s history, how it works, and how it is evolving is important background information that will help you understand today’s Internet technology.

Now that you’ve completed this course, you should be able to:

- Describe the history of the Internet.
- Explain the key components of how the Internet works.