Rewiring the World: From Edison to Google

A sweeping history of the individuals and institutions that shaped the development of the internet, from the early days of the telegraph to the present day.

The internet is one of the most important inventions in human history. It has revolutionized the way we communicate, learn, work, and play. But how did the internet come to be? And who are the individuals and institutions that shaped its development?

The Big Switch: Rewiring the World, from Edison to Google

by Nicholas Carr

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	881 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages

FREE

In his new book, Rewiring the World: From Edison to Google, historian Daniel Akst tells the story of the internet's origins. He traces the development of the internet from the early days of the telegraph to the present day, focusing on the key individuals and institutions that played a role in its creation.

Akst's book is a fascinating and informative read. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of technology and innovation.

The Early Days of the Internet

The internet has its roots in the early days of the telegraph. In 1844, Samuel Morse invented the telegraph, which allowed people to send messages over long distances using electrical signals. The telegraph was a major breakthrough in communication, and it quickly became an essential tool for businesses and governments.

In the late 1800s, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, which allowed people to talk to each other over long distances. The telephone was another major breakthrough in communication, and it quickly became popular for both personal and business use.

In the early 1900s, Guglielmo Marconi invented the radio, which allowed people to send messages over long distances without using wires. The radio was a major breakthrough in communication, and it quickly became an important tool for both military and civilian use.

These early inventions laid the foundation for the development of the internet. In the 1950s, the United States military developed the ARPANET, which was the first network of computers. The ARPANET was used to connect computers at different universities and research institutions, and it was the precursor to the internet.

The Birth of the Internet

In the 1970s, the internet was born. The first internet protocol, TCP/IP, was developed in 1974, and the first internet service provider, CompuServe, was launched in 1979.

The internet quickly became popular for both personal and business use. People used the internet to send email, chat with friends, and access information. Businesses used the internet to conduct commerce, share files, and communicate with customers.

The internet has continued to grow rapidly in the 21st century. The number of internet users has grown from around 1 billion in 2000 to over 4 billion today. The internet has also become increasingly important for businesses and governments. The internet is now an essential part of the global economy, and it is used by businesses of all sizes to reach new customers, sell products, and manage their operations.

The Individuals and Institutions That Shaped the Internet

Many individuals and institutions have played a role in the development of the internet. Some of the most important include:

• Samuel Morse: Invented the telegraph in 1844.
• Alexander Graham Bell: Invented the telephone in 1876.
• Guglielmo Marconi: Invented the radio in 1895.
• Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn: Developed the TCP/IP protocol in 1974.
• Tim Berners-Lee: Invented the World Wide Web in 1989.
• Google: Founded in 1998, Google is one of the most important companies in the history of the internet.

These are just a few of the many individuals and institutions that have played a role in the development of the internet. The internet is a truly global phenomenon, and it has been shaped by people from all over the world.

The Future of the Internet

The internet is still in its early stages of development. It is difficult to predict what the future of the internet will hold, but there are some trends that suggest that the internet will continue to grow and evolve.

One trend is the increasing use of mobile devices to access the internet. In 2023, over 50% of internet users will access the internet from a mobile device. This trend is likely to continue in the years to come, as mobile devices become more powerful and affordable.

Another trend is the increasing use of the internet for business. Businesses of all sizes are using the internet to reach new customers, sell products, and manage their operations. This trend is likely to continue in the years to come, as the internet becomes more essential to the global economy.

The internet is a powerful tool that has the potential to change the world for the better. It is important to understand the history of the internet and the individuals and institutions that have shaped its development. This knowledge will help us to make informed decisions about the future of the internet.

The Big Switch: Rewiring the World, from Edison to Google

by Nicholas Carr

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	881 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages

FREE