Have you ever wondered how your computer actually talks to other computers across the globe? The internet has become such an important part of our lives, but most of us don't know the fascinating journey it took to get here.
The internet wasn't always the gateway to information as we know it today. It all started in the surprising context of the Cold War! Read along to learn about the history and evolution of the internet, starting from ARPANET (1960s) to HTTPS which we have today.
How it all started
Back in the 1960s, the U.S. Department of Defense wanted a communication network that could survive a war. Imagine if important information could still flow even if some parts of the network were damaged after a nuclear attack. This led to the creation of ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), the first stepping stone to the internet.
On October 29th, 1969, computers at UCLA and Stanford, two universities in the USA, were connected for the very first time. They were trying to send the message "login" to start a conversation, but after just the first two letters ("lo"), the whole thing crashed! Even though it wasn't the smoothest start, this marked the beginning of the internet as we know it.
In the 1970s, two key things happened that shaped how computers communicate:
Packets
Chopping Up Information for a Speedy Delivery: Imagine sending a large package across town. Wouldn't it be faster and safer to break it down into smaller, more manageable parcels? That's exactly how the internet works! Data is chopped up into tiny packets that travel independently across the web. These packets contain not only the information itself, but also addressing information so they know exactly where to go. Once they reach their destination, they're reassembled like puzzle pieces to deliver the complete data.
TCP/IP
Robert Kahn and Vint Cerf developed the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). Think of TCP as a reliable postal service for data. It breaks information into packets, ensures they arrive in the right order, and guarantees delivery between computers.
These advancements paved the way for another exciting development - email! The first email was sent in 1979 by programmer Ray Tomlinson. He's also credited with using the "@" symbol to separate the email address from the provider's name. Email quickly became a revolutionary way to send messages electronically, laying the groundwork for future communication tools.
DNS(1983)
With the invention of the Domain Name System (DNS), the common use of TCP/IP, and the rise of email, internet activity boomed. The DNS served as the internet's phonebook that translates user-friendly website names into numerical IP addresses.
On January 1, 1983, ARPANET adopted TCP/IP as its standard protocol. This event is considered the official birthday of the internet, marking the point where the internet truly began to take shape as we know it today.
The Rise of FTP (1970s)
As people started using the internet more, sharing files became more important. This is where the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) came in. It allowed users to upload and download files between computers, like sending vacation photos to a friend. While not as common today, FTP remains a valuable tool for developers to manage files on web servers.
The Rise of HTTP (1980s)
This was the invention of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 marked a turning point. It transformed the internet from a network of connected computers into a platform for interconnected web pages. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) became the communication language of the web, allowing for easy linking between web pages and the seamless flow of information.
HTTPS Takes Over (1990s)
As the internet became more commercial and people started using it for online shopping and banking, security became a major concern. Imagine sending a secret message through the mail—you'd want some extra protection!
This is where HTTPS, a secure version of HTTP, was developed. It encrypts data transmission, scrambling the information during transfer so only authorized parties can access it. That padlock symbol and "https" you see in the address bar when you visit secure websites? That's HTTPS at work!
The Internet Today
Today, the internet is a comprehensive web of interconnected networks, protocols, and devices. From social media to online learning, it has reshaped how we communicate, access information, and go about our day-to-day activities. The story of the internet shows great human ingenuity and collaboration, and its potential continues to improve as new technologies emerge.
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