Goes to show you how much I really know...

As a frequent user of the internet I considered myself an expert of sorts.  I am able to Facebook, LinkIn, IM and even Tweet.  I could google just about anything!  As of recently I've even blogged. What I've failed to due is truly understand it.  The it of course is the all encompassing "internet."

Working in a highly technical industry I have often heard the reference of protocol and now have a better understnading of the interworkings.  The interconnected network of networks is made possible by the protocol used to transmit and receive data.  Every computer, smartphone or wireless devise utilizes a TCIP/IP in order to allow communication across multiple devices.



Photo courtesy of HowStuffWorks http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet-connection-pictures.htm

Honestly who knew there was a difference between the internet and the world wide web?  The idea that there are these network of computers that make all of this possible is amazing when you actually think of the complexity of it all.  The internet allows so much of our daily functions possible.  Simple things we take for granted such as browing the world wide web, communicating through various medias as well as conducting business.

To think this all began in 1960 is hard to believe. Being a Generation X'er I don't recall much computer interaction until highschool in the late 90's.  ARPANET began development in the early 60's and continued to develop through the 1970's.  The actual first international connection was not made until the late 80's and early 90's. Internet protocol was developed in 1972 but not mandated until 1983. Growth continued through the 1990's with the development of a directory based system known as Gopher as well as the development of Hypertext and HTTP protocol which led to the rise of HTML documents. 

Where would the world be without HTML? 

More importantly where would this blog be without HTML?