Internet

Sources and Online Definitions

Web-o-pedia

"A global network connecting millions of computers.  More than 100 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and opinions.  Unlike online services, which are centrally controlled, the Internet is decentralized by design.   Each Internet computer, called a host, is independent.  Its operators can choose which Internet services to use and which local services to make available to the global Internet community.  Remarkably, this anarchy by design works exceedingly well.  There are a variety of ways to access the Internet.  Most online services, such as America Online, offer access to some Internet services.  It is possible to gain access through a commerical Internet Service Provider (ISP)"

Smart Computing

"A global TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) network linking millions of computers for communications purposes.  The Internet originally was developed in 1969 for the U.S. military and gradually grew to include educational and research institutions.  During the industries, corporations, and home users all communicate over the Internet, sharing software, messages, and information.  Users can access the Internet through commercial online services such as AOL (America Online) or local ISPs (Internet service providers).  The most famous aspect of the Internet is the World Wide Web (WWW), a system of graphical files saved in a standard format known as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language).  Web browsing applications can view such files.  Email is the most popular use for the Internet."