NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY KEFFI
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
INTERNET AND INFORMATION SEARCHING SKILLS
ASSIGNMENT
BY
NKIRU JOSEPH
FT24LIS0043
TO
MR: WISON OSERADA,(DL)
AUGUST 15th 2025
THE HISTORY OF INTERNET
DEFINATION
Internet is global communication system that links together thousands of
individual networks. It allows exchange of information between two or more
computers on a network. Thus internet helps in transfer of messages through
mail, chat, video & audio conference, etc.
HISTORY OF INTERNET
The Internet has transformed modern life, connecting billions across the globe.
Initially created as a tool for military and academic communication, it has evolved
into a vast, decentralized network that is now integral to daily life. This article
traces the history of the Internet, exploring its development, underlying
technologies, and societal impact. From ARPANET to the World Wide Web and
beyond, the Internet’s journey is a story of technological breakthroughs and rapid
growth. We aim to offer an overview of how the Internet became vital to modern
communication, business, and entertainment while highlighting its ongoing
evolution.
The Birth of the Internet
The short history of the Internet begins in the 1960s with the development of
ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), initially funded by
the U.S. Department of Defense. This network connected various universities
and research institutions, allowing them to share resources. The development of
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol) by Vint Cerf and
Bob Kahn in the 1970s laid the groundwork for inter-network communication,
forming the basis of what is the history of the internet that we experience today.
In 1991, Tim Berners-Lee’s introduction of the World Wide Web marked a
significant milestone. His work in developing web protocols (HTML, HTTP, URLs)
allowed the public to access the Internet in a user-friendly way, expanding its
global reach.
How the Internet Works
To explain the history of the internet, it’s essential to understand how it
functions. The Internet operates through a decentralized network of
computers, each with its IP address.
These devices communicate by transferring small data packets, which are
routed through various paths across the network until they reach their
destination.
Routers direct these packets, ensuring that information arrives intact and in
the correct order.
The history of the internet chart can help visualize how these components
came together, with milestones such as the development of packet
switching and TCP/IP protocols.
Key Milestones and Development
Tim Berners-Lee and the World Wide Web
In 1989, Tim Berners-Lee proposed the idea of the World Wide Web, introducing
a revolutionary way to share and access documents through hyperlinks. By 1991,
the first website went live, and the brief history of the internet marked a new era
in how information was shared globally.
HTML, HTTP, and the Growth of Web Technologies
The concept of hypertext, introduced by Vannevar Bush in 1945, influenced Tim
Berners-Lee’s invention of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), HTTP
(Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and URLs (Uniform Resource Locators). These
web technologies became the backbone of the Internet and facilitated the rapid
expansion of web pages, making information sharing easier and faster.
The Rise of the Internet: From ARPANET to Global Connectivity
The history of the Internet summary can be seen through the transition from
research networks to a commercialized Internet. The 1990s saw the emergence
of web browsers like Mosaic and Netscape, which allowed people to interact with
websites more easily. The commercial adoption of the Internet led to the dot-com
boom, where businesses began leveraging the web for e-commerce, advertising,
and content distribution.
The 1990s and Beyond: The history of the Internet during this time is
characterized by the global expansion of the Internet, as broadband Internet
became more accessible and personal computers became common household
devices.
Evolution of Internet Use
The history of the Internet for students in the early days focused largely on
research and military applications. However, in the 1990s, with the advent of
user-friendly web browsers and the commercial boom, the Internet became part
of everyday life. As more people gained access, the number of Internet users
grew exponentially, creating a more connected world.
Types of Computer Networks
1. Local Area Network (LAN): A network of devices such as computers,
printers, and servers within a single geographical location like a building or
home.
2. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A wireless network using Wi-Fi to
connect devices without physical cables.
Advantages of the Internet
The history of the internet shows that the technology has had an incredible
impact on various aspects of modern life.
It has increased communication, revolutionized commerce through e-
commerce, and provided endless opportunities for entertainment and
learning.
Online banking, social media, and educational platforms have made daily
tasks more efficient and accessible.
Conclusion
The history of the internet is a fascinating tale of technological evolution that has
shaped the modern world. From its early days as a tool for military
communication to the vast global network we use today, the Internet has
revolutionized how we access and share information. Whether for business,
entertainment, or education, the Internet continues to evolve, providing endless
opportunities for global connectivity.
REFERENCES
1. Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn (1970s) Developed TCP/IP (Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol), fundamental to the internet's infrastructure.
2. Tim Berners-Lee (1991) Invented the World Wide Web, enabling easy
access to web pages via HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
3. Jon Postel (1970s-1990s) Managed IP address assignment and
contributed to early internet standards.
4. Larry Roberts (1960s)*: Managed ARPAnet project, one of the first
operational packet switching networks.
5. Steve Crocker (1960s) Developed Request for Comments (RFC) series,
documenting internet protocols and standards.
6. Marc Andreessen (1990s) Co-authored Mosaic web browser and co-
founded Netscape Communications.
These individuals played crucial roles in shaping the internet's development and
growth.