The Internet changed the world. It seems like an exaggeration to say so, but those who lived through the transition know there's no other way to describe its impact.

Today, we use the internet for almost everything: work, entertainment, education, and even finding new cake recipes.

But have you ever stopped to think about how it all began? Who came up with the idea? How did something so complex come about? Let's delve into this fascinating story.

Who Created the Internet?

The Internet wasn't the work of a single person. It was like a puzzle pieced together over the years. In the 1960s, scientists and engineers were looking for ways to connect computers.

The idea was simple (in theory): create a means for machines to exchange information quickly, regardless of distance.

One of the biggest names in this story is Vinton Cerf, often called the “father of the Internet.”

He, along with Robert Kahn, developed the TCP/IP protocol, which is basically the “language” that computers use to communicate.

Imagine two people from different countries trying to understand each other. Without a common language, that would be impossible. TCP/IP solved that problem for machines.

When was the Internet created?

Defining an exact date for the "birth" of the Internet is complicated. But if we had to choose a historical milestone, it would be October 29, 1969.

That day, the first message was sent between two computers connected by ARPANET, a project funded by the United States Department of Defense.

And you know what's the strangest thing? The message was supposed to be "LOGIN," but the system crashed and only the letters "LO" were transmitted. You could say the Internet was born with a bug.

In the 1980s, the TCP/IP protocol was adopted as a standard, enabling network expansion. In 1991, Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web, which made the Internet accessible to us mere mortals.

Thanks to him, we have websites, links, and the ability to lose ourselves watching kitten videos.

The Evolution of the Internet

From a simple research network to an indispensable global tool, the evolution of the Internet is impressive.

In its early years, it was used primarily by the military and scientists. It was slow, limited, and far from user-friendly. But, like everything with potential, it continued to grow.

Eventually, dial-up connections arrived. Who remembers the irritating noise of the modem?

Well, yes, at that time, that was magical. Slowly, we moved on to broadband, Wi-Fi, and today, we live in the era of fiber optics and 5G.

The emergence of social media was a turning point. First came Orkut (what memories!), then Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and so many others. The internet stopped being just a tool and became part of who we are.

We share our lives, learn new things, and, of course, argue with strangers about politics.

Which Country Took the First Steps?

The United States was the starting point. With the ARPANET project, they laid the foundations for what we know today as the Internet.

However, other countries also played important roles. In France, for example, the Minitel system pioneered connecting people and offering online services even before the World Wide Web.

Today, the Internet is a truly global phenomenon. From Asia to Africa, it connects millions of people, breaking down cultural and geographical barriers.

However, there is still a long way to go to ensure equal access for all.

Final Reflections

It's curious to think how quickly the internet has changed. In just a few decades, it went from being an experiment to something indispensable. Imagine a day without the internet today: it seems almost impossible, doesn't it?

Now that you know a little more about the advent of the Internet, how about sharing this post with your friends?

After all, the Internet was not only made for learning, but also for connecting people.

And you, how do you think the Internet will evolve in the coming years? Leave your opinion in the comments. We'd love to hear!

Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Advent

1. Who is considered the “father of the Internet”?

Vinton Cerf, along with Robert Kahn, is known as the "father of the Internet." They developed the TCP/IP protocol, which enables efficient communication between computers.

2. When is the Internet considered to have been born?

The Internet reached its first milestone on October 29, 1969, when the first message was sent over the ARPANET. Although incomplete, this event marked the beginning of a technological revolution.

3. What is ARPANET and what was its importance?

ARPANET was a United States Department of Defense project designed to connect computers and enable the exchange of information. It is considered the precursor to the modern Internet.

4. What role did Tim Berners-Lee play in the evolution of the Internet?

Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web in 1991. This breakthrough enabled the creation of websites, links, and the navigation we know today, making the Internet accessible to everyone.

5. Which countries played important roles in the development of the Internet?

The United States led the initial development with ARPANET, but France also played an important role with its Minitel system, which offered online services before the arrival of the World Wide Web.

6. How has Internet speed evolved over time?

From slow and noisy dial-up connections to fiber optics and 5G, the internet has dramatically improved its speed, making it easier to access data and content in real time.

7. What impact have social networks had on the history of the Internet?

Social media has transformed the internet from a practical tool to a social and cultural platform, enabling connection, learning, and the exchange of ideas around the world.