"We had an Instant Connection" 

The Internet.  

By definition, it's a global network of computers able to communicate and share information with one another. Sounds simple, right? Not so much...this enormous network has changed the world and the way we live. The Internet and the WorldWide Web are often mistaken for one another.  The WorldWideWeb is a way to use the Internet, such as browsing or surfing webpages/websites. Chat, IM, email and other daily activities are also ways to use the Internet.

Robert Kahn

Vinton Cerf

How did this all start?...Well, once upon a time,  back in the early 1960s...ARPANET became the world's first computer network.  ARPANET was a conglomerate of American educational academia, industry and government networks that became the core of what the Internet is today. ARPANET was able to connect computers to one another and share information from each via packet switching. Thanks to ARPANET, the TCP/IP was established and Internet pioneers like Lawrence Roberts, Vinton Cerf, Robert Kahn and Tim Berners-Lee laid the foundations of the modern Internet. 

Tim Berners-Lee

Lawrence Roberts

To connect to the Internet, people and businesses use several methods.  One option is by a LAN or Local Area Network.  This way connects computers together in a specific area, like a building, then the LAN connects to the Internet.  


An ISP or Internet Service Provider is a company that provides Internet access for home use and businesses.  ISP's are a hot topic at the moment because there is talk about providers limiting or trying to control what portion of the Internet can be used by the subscriber.  (more to come on this topic in the Net Neutrality debate)  ISP's use bandwidth to determine the speed of the connection.  Ever notice your connection at home being slower than usual?  Or trouble connecting to the Internet?  It could've been that too many people on your LAN were on-line at the same time as you.  All of this information flowing through the bandwidth got congested and caused a slow down.  


Other connections to the Internet for people and businesses alike include; Dial-up, Cable, Satellite, Microwave, Wi-Fi and Mobile wireless to name a few.  Each method to connect has Pro's and Con's; such as cost, installation, service, availability and so on.  I'd suggest doing research for your area to discover which option is best for you.  Personally, I have a need for speed!  What about you?