Internet facts for kids

Visualization of Internet routing paths.

The Internet is the biggest world-wide communication network of computers. It is a massive network allowing us to share information, play games, watch videos, and talk to people all over the globe, even those who live very far away.

History
- Early days (1960s-1980s)
- The World Wide Web (1989-present)
The Internet Today
The future of the Internet
Dangers
Staying safe
Interesting facts about the Internet
Related pages
Images for kids
See also

History

Early days (1960s-1980s)

The internet didn't just appear overnight; it was built gradually. It all started in the 1960s during the Cold War, a time when the US and the Soviet Union were rivals. Scientists wanted to create a communication system that could survive a nuclear attack. They wanted a network that wouldn't be easily destroyed if one part was damaged. This idea led to the creation of ARPANET(Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) in 1969. ARPANET was the very first network that would eventually lead to the internet we know today.

ARPANET was a small network, initially connecting just four computers at universities across the United States. Think of it like a tiny spiderweb. The first message sent was on October 29, 1969, and it was only the letters "LO." The whole message was meant to be "LOGIN," but the system crashed before it could send the rest. Even in the beginning, there were technical challenges to overcome.

During the 1970s and 1980s, more computers joined the network, and scientists developed new ways to connect them. They created protocols – a set of rules – that allowed computers to "talk" to each other, regardless of their differences. Imagine it like learning a new language so you can communicate with someone from a different country. One of the most important protocols was TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), created in 1983. This is the language that the internet still speaks today.

The World Wide Web (1989-present)

While ARPANET existed, it was difficult for regular people to use. Then, in 1989, a scientist named Tim Berners-Lee invented something amazing: the World Wide Web. This was like adding a super-easy-to-use map to the giant spiderweb of the internet. The World Wide Web uses "hypertext" – clickable words and pictures that take you to different pages of information – and this makes the internet much easier to navigate.

The World Wide Web used HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) – another crucial set of rules that allow computers to share web pages. Think of it like the directions on the map, telling your computer how to find and show you specific information.

The growth of the World Wide Web was explosive. In 1991, the first web browser, called WorldWideWeb, was created. Web browsers are like the windows through which we see the internet. Soon, other browsers, such as Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, were created. These made it even easier for people to use the internet.

The Internet Today

Today, the internet is used by billions of people worldwide. It’s changed the way we communicate, learn, work, and play.

Communication: We can instantly message friends and family across continents, video chat with loved ones, and even have online meetings with people from different countries.
Education: There are countless online learning resources, from educational websites to online courses from universities worldwide. You can learn anything you want – from the history of ancient Egypt to how to code a video game!
Work: Many people work remotely, connecting to their offices via the internet. Online businesses allow people to buy and sell goods and services all over the globe.
Entertainment: We can watch movies and TV shows on demand, listen to music, play video games online with friends, and explore countless websites for fun and entertainment.

The future of the Internet

The internet is constantly evolving. New technologies, like faster internet speeds and artificial intelligence, are changing how we use it. In the future, we can expect even more amazing developments, like even more immersive virtual reality experiences and even smarter ways to search for information.

Dangers

The Internet makes communication easy, and communication can be dangerous too. People often send secret information, and sometimes other people can steal that information. They can use the Internet to spread lies or stolen secrets or dangerously bad advice.

Some websites may trick people into downloading viruses that can harm a computer, or spyware that spies on its users (looks at what they are doing and tells someone else).
E-mails can have harmful files with them as "attachments".
In internet chatrooms, people might be preying on others or trying to stalk or abuse them.
The Internet contains content that many people find offensive, as well as content intended to be offensive.
Criminals may steal people's personal information or trick people into sending them money.

Remember, the internet is a powerful tool that can be used for learning, connecting, and having fun. Always remember to be safe online and ask a grown-up if you have any questions! Have fun exploring the amazing world of the internet!

Staying safe

Here are some basic rules for staying safe online.

Keep your personal information private

Personal information is anything that can identify you, like your name, address, phone number, school, or birthday. Sharing this information can let strangers know too much about you, which could be unsafe. Never share your personal information online without asking a trusted adult, like your parents or teachers. This includes on social media, in games, or on websites.

Use strong passwords

A strong password is a secret code that helps protect your online accounts. Weak passwords are easy for others to guess, which means someone could get into your accounts and pretend to be you. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Make your password at least 12 characters long. Don't use the same password for all your accounts. A good way to remember a strong password is to use a phrase that's easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. For example, "I love to read books about space!" could become "Il2rbaS!".

Think before you click

Be careful about clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources. Some links and files can contain viruses or lead to websites that try to trick you into giving away your personal information. If you don't know where a link or file comes from, don't click on it. Always ask a trusted adult if you're not sure.

Be kind online

Treat others with respect and kindness, just like you would in real life. Cyberbullying (bullying that happens online) can be very hurtful and can have serious consequences. Never say anything online that you wouldn't say in person. If someone is being mean to you or others, tell a trusted adult.

Keep Your Software Updated

Install updates for your computer, phone, and apps to protect against security vulnerabilities.

Use Antivirus Software

Install antivirus software on your computer to protect against viruses and malware.

Talk to a trusted adult

If anything online makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused, talk to a trusted adult, like your parents, teachers, or a school counselor. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Adults are there to support you and keep you safe.

Interesting facts about the Internet

The internet is so big that it's impossible to know exactly how many websites there are.
Over 5 billion people – that’s more than half the world's population – use the internet!
The internet handles an unimaginable amount of data every second. This data includes everything from emails and social media posts to online videos and financial transactions.
Tim Berners-Lee, the man who invented the World Wide Web, also created the first website.

Images for kids

The Internet Messenger by Buky Schwartz, located in Holon, Israel
T3 NSFNET Backbone, c. 1992.
ICANN headquarters in the Playa Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States.
2007 map showing submarine fiberoptic telecommunication cables around the world.
This NeXT Computer was used by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN and became the world's first Web server.
Share of population using the Internet. See or edit source data.