The Internet is a worldwide computer network which consists of collections of smaller computer networks. The Internet is essentially a telephone system for computers. The Internet uses a specific protocol called TCP/IP that allows the computer networks to "talk" to each other. This protocol using packet switching.

Each computer on the Internet has an Internet address. This address can be an IP address consisting of four groups of numbers, or a domain name consisting of a group of words.

The Internet started as an experimental network developed by DARPA. This became so successful that the National Science Foundation created NSFnet, which connected academic institutions and research labs. Similar networks like EARN and PACCOM developed overseas. These were soon connected to the NSFnet to form the Internet, as we know it today.

Finally, the World Wide Web is the graphical part of the Internet that provides easy access, and ease of use. Computers called Web severs display Web pages. Web pages are designed with HTML and contain text, graphics, and links. A Web browser allows you to access Web pages.

And now, for a quiz!