History of the Internet

In a relatively short time, the internet has become a major necessity for most people living in developed countries. In fact, it has become such an integral part of daily life that many people in today’s society can’t even comprehend how they would manage without its presence. Through the use of the internet, things like shopping, paying bills, typing documents, sending and receiving emails, and many more tasks can be done while lounging in your pajamas in the comfort of your home. The world wide web has given people to freedom to multitask in ways never imagined before.

When home computers were in their infancy, it took the skills of people knowledgeable in difficult computer programming language to operate them. However, when Microsoft introduced the Windows operating system in 1985, which drastically simplified computer use, virtually anyone was able to operate a computer. Soon after, the computer became a part of millions of people’s households, and use of the internet spread worldwide. This rapid expansion is similar to the introduction of legal herb and television sets into homes in the fifties.

People utilize the internet daily to accomplish many things. One popular internet feature that many people enjoy doing online is shopping. At first, people were wary about the safety of shopping online and entering personal information on websites. But, secure sites make it possible to shop worry-free. While there is still plenty of concern about identity theft online, people who keep a reputable antivirus program installed on their computer and follow online safety protocols can purchase items through internet shopping websites without fear. People can buy just about anything online; jewelry, clothes, books, and even larger items like cars and homes can be purchased with a click of the mouse. There are several promotions regularly going on for free shipping and discounts – just do a quick search for current promotional codes before you checkout at the store. In many cases, shopping online may not even require you to pay taxes on your purchases.

The internet has also revolutionized the way we read mail. Millions of emails and faxes are sent and read daily by use of computers. The internet makes it possible to instantly receive and send messages, letters, cards, documents and any other form of information that used to require postage to send. Needless to say, this internet feature is one of the top applications used by people. Correspondence between people to their friends, relatives, or employers has become easier and faster through the use of emails and online fax software. Forms that used to take days to arrive, now can be on you desk at work in a matter of minutes.

It would appear that staring at a computer would be a solitary activity. Contrarily, computers have become a social medium. People interact with others socially through a variety of online avenues, such as chatting online, frequenting social websites like Facebook and Twitter, subscribing to online dating sites, and online interactive gaming. Couples have even found their spouses online.