Since the early 1990’s when Microsoft revolutionised the way we used computers, the amount of time we spend on them as a nation is phenomenal. Microsoft made it possible to use a computer at the click of a button, without having to program it first. The use of icons on screen made life easier for the computer user, and computers soon took over the use of electric type writers in offices. Back in the mid 1990’s computers were a new appliance in most work forces, and although many companies had had computers in their offices, they were not used to their full potential. Sales were still being done via the telephone, although computers were beginning to be used for more than just typing and accounting purposes.
Internet Explorer was launched in 1995, although back then most modems were dial up and keeping any sort of sustainable connection was relatively hard. The internet was a new gadget and little was known about how useful it was, and what impact it would have on life 10 years later. Over the next 10 years that followed, broadband and fast internet modems were becoming the thing to have, more and more people were getting internet connections into their homes, and email and making money from business over the web was becoming popular. Soon emailing became the way to buy and sell, with many people choosing to shop over the internet, to save their legs in the Christmas rush, or just to bag a bargain.
People now use the internet for much more than just shopping and business. Online communities and web2.0 have become a popular way to socialize, with many people linking up with old school friends through communities like Facebook and Bebo. As well as communities many people choose to write blogs about what they have done, or are doing, and are able to create forums about certain topics of discussion. There is also often a downside to online communities, when not properly monitored and school children have found themselves the victim of bullying, and had un-welcomed attention from older men and women who pose as children. It is important to remember that the internet is a useful tool, that 99 percent of the time is harmless, but parents should be vigilant about what their teenagers and children are looking at on the web, to ensure their safety.