Introduction to computer science dessalegn Mequanint Yehuala Foreword

Unit 3: The Internet
This unit presents a brief history of the Internet, which is one of the most critical and
indispensable technological tool of our time. It describes the origin of the Internet, the initial
internetworking, and all the important milestones that the Internet technology has gone
through since its emergence.
Unit Goals
Upon completion of this unit the learner should be able to:
• Describe the important milestones that led to the establishment of the Internet as
we know it today;
• Describe the application of the Internet;
• Explain the Internet as the most crucial vehicle of resource repository in the
teaching and learning process; and
• Describe the components of the Internet technology.

Key Terms
Protocol: rules that computer use to exchange
data and communicate
World Wide Web: the World Wide Web (www,
W3) is an information space where documents
and other web resources are identified by
unique identifiers which are known as uniform
resource locators ( or URIs), and can be
accessed via the Internet.
Website: a location connected to the Internet
that maintains one or more pages on the World
Wide Web
Classified website: a website where businesses
post their advertisement for free.

---

---

Unit 3: The Internet
49
Learning Activity: History of the Internet
Introduction
The early Internet was proposed, designed and implemented by American research institutes,
universities, and telecommunication companies. Many believe the Internet today is the initial
prototype of what is often called the National Information Infrastructure. It is a widespread
information infrastructure with rich history that entails many aspects - technological,
organizational, and community. It has a tremendous impact upon society with its influence
transcending beyond the technical fields of computer communications[1].