The journey of the Internet began in 1969, birthed from the United States Department of Defense’s initiative, ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network).
The key intention behind this project was to develop a robust national network that could endure major disasters. Its decentralized framework allowed parts of the network to continue functioning, even if one segment was compromised.
Initially, only four computers in the United States were linked to ARPANET. Fast forward to today, and millions of computers globally are connected. Many people perceive the Internet as a network of interconnected computers, but what does the term “network” actually mean?
The Internet connects more than just devices it links entire worlds (Photo: Alamy)
A network refers to a collection of computers, typically two or more, that communicate with one another using cables. These computers all adhere to the same protocols, ensuring seamless information exchange, regardless of the type of hardware or software used.
During the Internet’s early days, which spanned the 1960s and 1970s, only government, military, and academic institutions had access. It was originally created for research and scholarly communication.
However, as its usage expanded, new applications emerged, including informal communication, entertainment, and eventually commerce. By the 1990s, businesses started to tap into the Internet, contributing to its explosion in popularity. As of September 2002, a staggering 605.60 million people worldwide were online, as per Nua Internet Surveys Ltd.
Structure of the Internet Today
While the Internet remains decentralized, it no longer revolves solely around government-run systems. It now consists of a variety of independently managed networks, each varying in size. The larger networks that provide high-speed connections are often referred to as backbone providers.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) act as intermediaries, leasing Internet access from these backbone providers and offering connectivity services to individual consumers. For most home users and small businesses, the Internet is accessed through dial-up connections, made possible by modems and specific communication software.
How the Internet Benefits Libraries
The Internet holds particular importance for libraries, as it provides a means for individuals who may not own computers to access vital services, be it for business or academic purposes.
Public libraries play an essential role in bridging the so-called “digital divide,” offering patrons free access to online resources. Without these services, many people would find it challenging to access the Internet for educational or business use.
Some of the services libraries offer through the Internet include:
- E-mail: Allows libraries and users to send messages to others.
- Telnet: Enables users to connect to remote computers and use them as if they were physically there.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Facilitates the transfer of files between computers.
- Usenet: Lets users participate in online discussions about various topics.
- IRC (Internet Relay Chat): Offers a platform for real-time communication among users.
- World Wide Web: Provides access to millions of websites globally.
Understanding the World Wide Web
The rapid expansion of the Internet is largely attributed to the popularity and ease of use of the World Wide Web, which was introduced in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee, a scientist at the European Particle Physics Laboratory (CERN) in Geneva. Lee sought to organize and make research information more accessible on the Internet.
The Web operates using hypertext, a system that links documents through embedded hyperlinks, which can either be text-based or graphical. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), a special coding language, is employed to create documents for the World Wide Web. HTML enables simple formatting and incorporates clickable links within the text.
These HTML documents are stored on servers, which are powerful computers designed to manage large volumes of data. Any individual using a web browser can access these documents.
A web browser is a program that can interpret and display hypertext documents and interact with servers to fetch HTML files. The communication between browsers and servers is governed by HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Websites on the World Wide Web are made up of individual pages, each with its unique address, known as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).
A URL might look like this:
- http://www.cnn.com/WEATHER/cities/asiapcf.html
Breaking it down:
- http://: This is the protocol used to fetch the document.
- www.cnn.com: This is the domain name of the server storing the document.
- /WEATHER/cities/: This is the path to the document in the server’s directory.
- asiapcf.html: This is the name of the actual document.
When you enter a URL or click on a hyperlink in a browser, the browser sends a request using the HTTP protocol to the server indicated in the URL. The server then responds by sending the requested document back to the browser, which displays it on your screen.
How Domain Names and Extensions Work
Understanding URLs and Internet addresses can significantly enhance your web experience. The domain name, part of the URL, is the unique identifier for a computer hosting a website. Companies and individuals can register domain names for their websites.
The early Internet was a government tool; now it’s a global lifeline (Photo: Getty Images)
To find out how to register a domain name, simply search for “domain name registration” online. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) maintains a comprehensive list of accredited domain name registrars at www.icann.org.
Domain names come with various extensions, which help categorize the type of organization owning the domain. Here are some common domain name extensions:
- .com: Typically used by commercial organizations.
- .net: Generally used by large networks but also for broader purposes.
- .edu: Designated for educational institutions.
- .gov: Reserved for U.S. government agencies.
- .mil: Used by U.S. military bodies.
- .org: Commonly used by non-profits and other organizations.
In response to the increasing demand for domain names, new extensions were introduced. In 2000, ICANN introduced seven new top-level domains (TLDs):
- .aero: For the aviation industry.
- .biz: Intended for general business use.
- .coop: Used by cooperatives.
- .info: A domain with unrestricted use.
- .museum: Exclusive to museums.
- .name: For individual websites.
- .pro: Reserved for professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants.
For international websites, domain names often end with country-specific codes. For instance, Canadian websites use .ca, while U.S. state and county websites may end with .us.
