When people talk about being “on the Internet,” they often mean browsing websites, scrolling social media, or searching Google. But did you know the World Wide Web (WWW) and the Internet are not the same thing? Let’s clear up the confusion and go back to the origins of the web itself.
The Birth of the World Wide Web
The World Wide Web (WWW) was created by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist, in 1989 while he was working at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research).
He wanted to make it easier for researchers across the globe to share and access information. To achieve this, he proposed a system that used hypertext to link documents across different computers.
- He built the first web browser and the first web server.
- The very first website went live on August 6, 1991, explaining what the World Wide Web was and how to use it.
This invention changed the world, shaping how we communicate, work, and do business today.
The Internet vs. The World Wide Web
It’s common to hear people use “Internet” and “WWW” interchangeably, but they are two different things:
The Internet
- The Internet is the global network of computers connected together.
- It’s the infrastructure: the cables, satellites, servers, and routers that make worldwide communication possible.
- Think of it as the highway system.
The World Wide Web
- The WWW is a service that runs on the Internet.
- It uses HTTP/HTTPS protocols to link and share information stored in websites.
- Web browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox are the vehicles we use to access it.
- Think of it as the cars and buses driving on the highways.
Other Services on the Internet
The Internet also powers many services that are not part of the WWW, such as:
- File transfer (FTP)
- Messaging apps and video calls
- Streaming services
These services rely on the Internet but don’t necessarily involve the World Wide Web.
In Short
- The Internet = the global network.
- The World Wide Web = one way of sharing and accessing information on that network using web browsers.
So, the next time you go online, remember — you’re not just “on the Internet,” you’re actually riding the World Wide Web, thanks to the vision of Sir Tim Berners-Lee.
At eBlix Technologies, we thrive on using innovations like these to build powerful digital solutions for businesses. The Web continues to evolve, and so do we, helping companies embrace technology to grow in the modern digital world.
