What is the Internet? What is the Internet? Part of the LINK Internet Orientation: March 12, 1996
"Actually, the Internet is no more difficult to fully comprehend than , say , life." ...John Edwards.
To get a picture of what the Internet looks like, cook up about 5 pounds of very long spaghetti. Then drain it and dump it on the floor -- that's what the Internet looks like. A tangled mass of conduits and connections . ...Mark Beatty, WILS Librarian.
The Internet is the collection of services available on the interconnected computer networks that span the globe.
A world wide network of networks by which computers may be connected to each other using the IP Protocol.
Think of the Internet as being much like the telephone system: it's a collection of linkages and destinations that you reach with a computer rather than with a telephone. In fact, in many cases you will be using the same lines. With your telephone you can connect to another telephone in your building, in an office across town, across the country, or anywhere in the world. The call is routed along lines, according to agreed upon standards. Likewise, with your computer you can connect to a local BBS, a local library catalog, or a location elsewhere in the world. Here, also, your "call" is handled according to agreed upon standards; TCP/IP.
Remember that the Internet is a decentralized, disorganized, distributed system. No one is in charge. This can be difficult for librarians to deal with since we are accustomed to organizing, classifying, and indexing everything we come into contact with. While there are a growing number of searching aids on the Internet, it can still be very difficult to find something unless you already know where it is located.
What is now the Internet was started in 1969 as 4 networks run by the U.S. Defense Department. The intention was to build a communication network that could withstand partial outages, caused by nuclear war and other disasters. The theory was that the network could continue to function even if part of it was destroyed; traffic could be successfully routed around the damaged section. The theory was successfully implemented and is still in operation today, even though the number of interconnected networks has expanded.
In the 1980's the National Science Foundation network was started so that researchers could easily share information. This allowed connections between Universities and expanded the number of sites on the Internet. It also increased the nnumber of individuals with Internet access and appreciation of what the Internet can provide.
Until recently, commercial traffic was not allowed on the Internet; it was not part of the acceptable use policy. But now, more and more businesses are utilizing the Internet for commercial purposes. Many Web sites use colorful and sophisticated graphics, as well as sounds and moving images. There are lots of ads; it's starting to look a lot like T.V!
First offered isolated service, then extended users services to email, then to Usenet and other Internetservices, then World Wid Web access. Now, there is some belief that the online services have been marginalized by easy availabilty of access through local Internet providers and will decline in importance.
All large communites, and a growing number of small communites, now have local Internet providers. For a monthly fee, individuals can have and email address and access to a variety of Internet Service.