Protocols were established to communucate not unlike a fax or similar devices. The data sent had to be readable so common formats were established. Seeing single files was not too difficult, but complex arrangements and graphic content were yet to arrive as we know it.

According to Encarta 95 there are two versions that account for the origin of the Internet and World Wide Web:

One version has it that American computer scientist Vinton Cerf developed it in 1973 as part United States Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). A Robert Kahn is cited as the Engineer and Manager of this project. In 1984 it is stated the technology was turned over to the private sector and government and other research agencies to develop further.

Another version states the World Wide Web was developed 1989 by English computer scientist Timothy Berners-Lee to enable information sharing between researchers at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) facility located in Switzerland, near Geneva. This led to the development of software that became the initial platform for the wider market. Further development is also credited to the WWW Consortium based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The original purpose of the web was based on the fears and needs of warfare and covert strategies. In the event of major nuclear attack for instance, the web could divert and re-route communications as needed and maintain a functioning network for the West and the USA.

Certainly researchers and academics were also developing their skills and relied on the web for other reasons, often equally related to warfare in a manner, but broadening with time. The secret was not easy to keep perhaps, and so wide use of the web and the rapid development of technology and applications thrust it into the public domain by sheer force and demand.

No doubt as computer-processing technology becomes publicly available once authorities acquire better ones, the Internet has served its purpose. Military communications and essential services may use other resources, satellite, microwave and mobile technology adding options continuously.

For most of us the future appears to hold a commercially driven medium of on-line music, sound and motion video that merges within the home and digital televisions as a simple to use entertainment plus device. Operation could be as simple as using a remote control, speech or other gestures to operate.

Presumably there will continue to be resources suited to research and education, but more shopping and related services will use the web to deliver their product. On-line supermarkets, grocers and butchers are already here, real estate, financial services, medical and personal services will grow as well.