Genesis of the Internet

The Internet is a global structure of unified computer network that facilitates the exchange of information. It serves as an electronic communications link connecting users, networks, and computer facilities worldwide.  By using the standard Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) it allows various operating systems to interconnect, enabling synchronized communication of differing devices.

Developing from a 1969 U.S. Defense Department program called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network); its first purpose was to provide a secure communications system counter to war. It was primarily utilized by only a few specialized universities. But through numerous advancements in technology, other researchers advanced on its early capabilities. This expanded the use and number of ARPANET affiliates. By 1991 the public gained access to the World Wide Web. With the creation of the Gopher system and Mosaic Browser, the Internet’s desirability led to the explosion of World Wide Web sites and users. From there, the Web has been utilized in every facet imaginable, by companies and individuals. Access to the Internet can now be achieved by a variety of methods, from radio signals to fibre-optic connections.

                                     http://withfriendship.com/user/pintu/history-of-the-internet.php

Though the internet’s initial purpose was for academic and government research, it is now utilized by billions to conduct business and share information.  Companies use it to analyze sales or to promote products. Individuals may use it to shop or communicate with others. Schools, hospitals, and other government organizations utilize it for research and information exchange. Its advancements have incorporated media firms with an alternative method to reach the public, via blogs and RSS feeds. A trove of information is available at one’s fingertips.

The connection of the Internet to businesses and individuals begins with a request to your Internet service provider (ISP) for certain information. That request is routed until it reaches a domain name server (DNS) which locates the domain name and connects to the server's IP address. Once it reaches the web server, it will return the information to you in the form of packets. The packets will then be organized by your device thru rules of set protocols. Data is retrieved within seconds.

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/internet.htm

The entire creation and organization of the Internet is an incredible achievement, with profound impact upon humanity, presently and in the future.  The infinite drive to reach further with its technology is both a value and a peril. As we create this super expressway through life, each generation become increasing reliant on its use. Information is everywhere, perhaps before we are ready to ever know it.

Shelly, Gary B., Jennifer T. Campbell. Discovering the Internet: Complete Forth Edition. Cengage Learning. January 2012.