Living Internet

Just what is this thing called the internet, anyhow?

When I first connected up to the 'net back in 1995, you needed to be at least semi-nerdy. Microsoft was still acting like the internet wasn't that big of a deal. Windows 95, while immensely easier to configure to connect up than its 16-bit predecessor, was still a pain.

Nowadays, though, a wizard quickly deduces your connection method and handles the rest for you. Soon, the rawest newbie is surrounded by the wonders of the web.

But many of us want to know more about the history, the structure, that many facets of this ubiquitous network. That's where today's FamilyFirst site comes in.

It's called Living Internet: The Internet describes the Internet. Here's its mission:

This site is a free, in-depth reference about the Internet, prepared to provide living context and perspective to this most technological of human inventions through popular access to a concise, complete description. The site includes 700-odd pages about the Internet and its main applications, and has received input from many people that helped build the Internet. The site was launched 7 January 2000, last updated 22 January 2006, and currently receives more than 60,000 human visitors a month.

You can begin with the origin of the 'net. Its earliest ancestor was Vannever Bush, born in 1890. He first envisioned the networked personal computer, which he called a “Memex,” in 1945:

It consists of a desk, and while it can presumably be operated from a distance, it is primarily the piece of furniture at which he works. On the top are slanting translucent screens, on which material can be projected for convenient reading. There is a keyboard, and sets of buttons and levers. Otherwise it looks like an ordinary desk.

But the site is not all history. Learn the ins and outs of email, IRC, MUD's, the web itself, netiquette, security, and lots more.

If you're curious about the technology that brings you your favorite website, this site is for you. Enjoy.

http://www.livinginternet.com

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