The Internet started out in the 1960s as a communication network by the US government that could function even if a large portion of it were destroyed in a nuclear war or natural disaster. The network that evolved was used primarily by academic institutions, scientists, and the government.

In 1992, the U.S. government began pulling out of network management. It was taken over by commercial entities which offered Internet access to the general public. At the same time, personal computers became increasingly powerful and affordable. These combination of factors fuelled the astonishing expansion of the Internet.

Nowadays, the Internet is also used for e-commerce and e-learning.

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