History
To understand what the Internet is, you must first understand where it
came from. During the Cold War a research project was started by the U.S.
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to investigate techniques
and technologies for connecting computer networks of various kinds. The
goal of this inter-netting project was to produce communication protocols
which would enable different computers to communicate across linked networks
even in the case of a nuclear attack. The scientists at the National Science
Foundation (NSF), many of whom were with the Department of Defense, soon
discovered the advantages of connecting their computers together. For example,
one such network, Bitnet, was developed by research scientists, many who
were professors to help promote collaborative research efforts between
their different universities. For years this network existed independently
of the NSF network but the advantages of joining the NSF was too hard to
dismiss. Others began to connect to this NSF network of networks as well.
Then in 1986, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) started the NSFNET
which provides the backbone communication service connecting most of these
smaller networks, like Bitnet, together. This network of networks system
was called the "Internet" because it was the inter-link between many networks.
As these scientists and university professors began to meet and communicate,
primarily through electronic mail (Email) a special community began to
develop.
Community
With the growth of the Internet over the past few decades, this new community
grew as well. However, this was not an ordinary community. Because the
Internet provided only an "electronic environment," these people formed
a very different kind of community. This community has been described as
a "virtual community" where people communicate, conduct business, meet
new friends and discuss a wide range of topics - all electronically. That
means that they never really meet in person. Not being tied to time or
space, permits communication between people in different places or time
zones. In addition, communication can be with a single person or a multitude.
However, because of this electronic environment, there is no way of knowing
if the person you are communicating with is truly who they say they are.
Because of the problems inherent in an electronic environment, the new
"virtual community" began to establish some rules to help govern themselves.
These rules are known as the "Net-Etiquette." These rules include being
honest, about your communication, remaining legal in your activities, and
polite when dealing with others. However, we are only just beginning to
understand the ramifications of what is legal or illegal. For example,
cyberspace has spawned a brand new commercial industry. Companies such
as CompuServ, Prodigy, America Online, as well as others are providing
commercial networking services creating a new outlet for commercial ventures.
No one organization, (department, company or country) owns the Internet.
There are organizations and companies that help manage different parts
of the networks that tie everything together, but no single governing body
controls what happens on the Internet. In addition, the networks within
the Internet that reside in different countries are funded and managed
locally according to local policies. Congress is currently looking at how
this expanding medium should best be regulated or controlled within the
United States, but establishing laws are yet to be written.
As you know, rules are often broken in our traditional society. "Net-Etiquette"
rules are also broken occasionally. Because of that, many are careful with
whom they communicate and locations they visit. As with any society, caution
is always suggested when traveling to new or unknown communities.