1 The
Internet, which means interconnected network of networks, links tens of
thousands of smaller computer networks. These networks transmit huge amounts of
information in the form of words, images, and sounds. 2 Network users can search through sources
ranging from vast databases to small electronic "bulletin boards", where users
form discussion groups around common interests. Much of the Internet’s traffic
consists of messages sent from one computer user to another. These messages are
called electronic mail or e-mail. Internet users have electronic addresses that
allow them to send and receive e-mail. Other uses of the network include
obtaining news, joining electronic debates, and playing electronic games. One
feature of the Internet, known as the World Wide Web, provides graphics, audio,
and video to enhance the information in its documents. These documents cover a
vast number of topics. 3 Much of the Internet operates through worldwide telephone networks of fiber
optic cables. These cables contain hair thin strands of glass that carry data as
pulses of light. They can transmit thousands of times more data than local phone
lines, most of which consist of copper wires. 4 At that time, the Advanced Research Projects
Agency (ARPA) of the United States Department of Defense developed a network of
computers called ARPAnet. Originally, ARPAnet connected only military and
government computer systems. Its purpose was to make these systems secure in the
event of a disaster or war. Soon after the creation of ARPAnet, universities and
other institutions developed their own computer networks. These networks
eventually were merged with ARPAnet to form the Internet. By the 1990s, anyone
with a computer, modem, and Internet software could link up to the
Internet. 5 . Many
experts believe the Internet may become part of a larger network called the
information superhighway. This network, still under development, would link
computers with telephone companies, cable television stations, and other
communication systems. People could bank, shop, watch TV, and perform many other
activities through the network. Fill in each blank with one
of the following statements, two of which are useless. Put the letters A, B, C,
D, E, F or G in each blank according to the theme development.
A. The history of the Internet began 1960s and ARPAnet formed the
foundation of the Internet nowadays. B. In the future, the
Internet will probably grow more sophisticated as computer technology becomes
more powerful. C. The Internet is a vast network of computers
that connects many of the world’s businesses, institutions, and
individuals. D. There are many uses of the network.
E. People usually access the Internet with a device called a modem.
Modems connect computers to the network through telephone lines.
F. ARPAnet now can connect many computer systems. G. The
Internet was information on virtually every topic.