tölvunetið

Tölvunetið, commonly referred to as the internet, is a global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies. The internet carries a vast range of information resources and services, such as the interlinked hypertext documents and applications of the World Wide Web, electronic mail, telephony, and file sharing.

The origins of the internet can be traced back to research commissioned by the United States federal government in the 1960s to build robust, fault-tolerant communication via computer networks. The primary precursor network, the ARPANET, initially served as a backbone for inter-university and government research. Funding for ARPANET came from the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). Commercial and other private individuals and organizations then joined the development, and by the 1990s, the internet had grown into a global, publicly accessible network.

The internet has revolutionized communication, commerce, education, and entertainment. It allows for instantaneous global communication through email, instant messaging, and video calls. E-commerce has transformed how businesses operate and consumers shop. Educational resources are now widely available online, and vast amounts of entertainment content are accessible through streaming services and other platforms. The internet continues to evolve, with ongoing developments in areas like mobile technology, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), further expanding its reach and impact on society.