The Internet, sometimes called simply “the Net,” is a worldwide system of computer networks-a network of networks in which users of one computer, if given permission, can obtain information from any other computer (and sometimes talk directly to users of other computers).

It was developed in 1969 by the U.S. government’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) and was first known as ARPANET.

The original intent was to create a network that would allow users of a research computer at one university to “talk” to research computers at other universities.

A side benefit of the ARPANet concept was that the network could continue to function even if parts of it were destroyed in a military attack or other disaster, because messages could be forwarded or rerouted in more than one direction.

Today, the Internet is a public, cooperative, and self-sustaining entity accessible to hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

It is used by many as a primary source for information consumption and has fostered the creation and growth of its own social ecosystem through social media and content sharing.
In addition, e-commerce, or online shopping, has become one of the most important uses of the Internet.