Internet : Introduction

The Internet is the largest WAN in the world. It was developed by the United States Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency in the 1970s and was initially known as ARPANET. The Internet was designed to be used by companies and Universities doing military research so that they could share information. Since then the number of people who use the Internet, and the services that are provided on the Internet have grown tremendously. Over half of the population of the United Kingdom can now access the Internet.

Unlike other WANs, such as a lottery ticket machine network, the Internet is not owned or controlled by any one organisation. In fact the Internet is made up of lots of smaller computer networks (LANs) and individual computers connected together by a WAN to enable computer users to exchange information. Each small network that is part of the Internet is known as a subnet.

To connect to the Internet you will need some equipment such as a modem and telephone line or a broadband connection. Once connected you will be able to gain access to services such as electronic mail and the World Wide Web.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004