What Was on the Internet When It First Became Open to the Public: Popular Websites and Key Developments

When the internet became publicly accessible in the early 1990s, it was a text-based environment with limited multimedia content. However, the introduction of key technologies and popular websites transformed it into a platform that has revolutionized communication and information sharing. Here we explore what was available and some of the most notable websites from that era.

Key Developments in the Early Internet

The early internet saw the emergence of several groundbreaking technologies that laid the foundation for the web as we know it today.

World Wide Web (WWW)

World Wide Web (WWW) by Tim Berners-Lee was created in 1991 and was the first web system that allowed users to access and share information via hyperlinks. This revolutionary technology enabled a more connected and accessible internet for all.

Web Browsers

The First Web Browsers WorldWideWeb (later renamed Nexus): Developed in 1990, it was the first web browser but was not widely adopted. Mosaic: Released in 1993, Mosaic was the first widely used graphical web browser, making the web more accessible to the general public.

Popular Websites of the Early 1990s

Several influential websites arose during this period, shaping the internet as we know it today. Explore some of the most notable ones:

Yahoo! – A Directory of Websites

Yahoo! launched in 1994 as a directory of websites. It quickly became one of the most popular web portals, helping users access information more easily.

Geocities – Creating Personal Websites

Geocities was established in 1994 and allowed users to create their own personal websites, which were organized by categories. This platform democratized web content creation, enabling individuals to share their own content with the world.

AOL America Online – An Online Service Provider

AOL (America Online), while primarily an online service provider, offered a web portal and played a vital role in bringing many users online. Its simple interface and user-friendly environment made the internet more accessible to the general public.

Amazon – From Online Bookstore to Multichannel Retailer

Amazon, founded in 1994 as an online bookstore, rapidly expanded to offer a wide range of products. Its success laid the groundwork for the e-commerce industry as we know it today.

eBay – A Pioneer in Online Auctions

eBay launched in 1995 as AuctionWeb, becoming one of the first online auction platforms. It revolutionized the way people bought and sold items online.

CNN – News on the World Wide Web

CNN launched its website in 1995, providing news coverage online. This marked a significant milestone in the evolution of online media consumption.

The Internet Archive – Preserving Digital History

The Internet Archive was founded in 1996 with the aim of preserving web pages and other digital content for historical reference. It continues to be a crucial resource for internet historians.

Other Notable Mentions

Eastern Online Communities and Services

The WELL (Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link) is one of the earliest online communities, founded in 1985. It was popular among early internet users, fostering a sense of community and discussion among its members.

CompuServe, an early online service provider, offered forums, email, and news, contributing to the growth of online communities and information sharing.

Early Search Engines

Lycos, launched in 1994, was one of the early search engines. It played a crucial role in helping users find information on the web, paving the way for more advanced search technologies.

Conclusion

The early internet, characterized by simple text-based content and the beginnings of web-based services, laid the foundation for the online world as we know it today. The introduction of graphical browsers and user-friendly interfaces played a crucial role in expanding access to the internet and enabling a more connected and accessible online experience.