Internet milestones

In little over 10 years, the internet has become a global phenomenon. In 1995 it was used by about 45 million people around the world. By 2006 the figure has more than doubles to 1018057389 By the time you read this, the figures will have increased again,

1960s

During the 1960s scientists in the USA began trying to wok out how organizations could keep in touch with one another after a nuclear attack. In 1965 ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) suggested linking computers. In 1969 computers at four US universities were connected and were able to talk to e other for the first time.

1970s

The network was extended and in 1973 computers were connected between London and Norway. At the same time, electronic mail (e-mail) was being used more and more to send messages between computers. In 1976 Queen Elizabeth II became the first monarch to send an e-mail message. In 1979 the first Usenet newsgroups (online discussion groups) began 1980s

By 1981 the ARPA network had 213 hosts (sites to which users could connect). A new host was added approximately every 20 days. In 1982 a common language called TCP/IP was invented which allowed all Internet computers to communicate with each other and the network was first called an Internet. In the 1980s many more people and businesses began to use computers. The Internet began to be used commercially, as well as by governments and universities.

1990s

In 1991 the World Wide Web (www) was created. It combined words, pictures and sounds in a system that ordinary people could easily understand and use. By 1994 approximately 40 million people were connected to the Internet. They could exchange information, sell goods, and work from any computer with a phone line. The Rolling Stones rock group even broadcast a concert over the Internet. Schools started using the Internet as an electronic library. By 1996 users in almost 150 countries around the world were connected to the Internet

2000s

High-speed broadband and wireless access is now widespread and more and more businesses are using the Internet to promote and sell products and services. In 2001 there were 533 million Internet users worldwide. Experts predict that by 2007 about 1460 million people will be using the Internet.