Originally developed as a Cold War military project, the Internet, or ARPANET as it was known at its inception, was designed to ensure that America could maintain command and control over its missiles and bombers after nuclear attack.

From a mere four computers connected together in 1969, the Internet has developed into a vast matrix of computer systems that is accessed by millions of people across the globe.

In the UK alone, latest statistics from NetValue indicate that there are now approximately 14 million home Internet users, which equates to over 37 per cent of households.

Think beyond the technology, and the Internet is about people, communication and sharing knowledge. This network of networks enables computers of all kinds to communicate directly and share services. Now you really need not leave your home if social interaction is not your thing. From the comfort of your home, you can read the morning paper, order your lunch, listen to music, watch a film, check your share prices, book a holiday, visit an art gallery, exchange news with friends, as well as seeking answers to virtually any question you care to ask.

So, who controls the Internet? Technically speaking no one person, government or organisation is in charge. There are some fairly heavyweight corporations, such as Compuserve, AOL and Microsoft who have played a role in establishing the framework, and there are various organisational bodies concerned with the administration of the Internet.

Perhaps chief amongst these is the Internet Society which oversees a number of boards and task forces whose principal aim is to establish Internet best practice and technical standards.

The guidance that results from these boards is issued in the form of RFCs (or Request for Comments). For example, RFC 1087 is a statement of policy concerning ethical use of the Internet. It advises that unacceptable or unethical activity consists of seeking to gain unauthorised access to the resources of the Internet, disrupting its intended use, compromising the privacy of users and destroying the integrity of computer-based information.

In addition to the policy bodies, most countries now have their own computer-specific laws.

For example, in the UK we have the Computer Misuse Act (1990) that essentially turns the improper usage detailed in RFC 1087 into criminal offences.

To me, the beauty of the Internet lies in its absence of rigid governance, which encourages the free flow and exchange of information.

Of course, this quality is something of a double-edged sword in that along with all the positive, useful information and tools available, comes the offensive, the obscene, and the potentially destructive.

The unfortunate reality is that Internet abuse forces an increase in censorship and Internet-related laws and thus, betrays its original concept of encouraging freedom of speech and access to information.

In the next article we explore the darker side of the Internet in more detail, taking a look at some of the threats posed by Internet usage and practical ways in which users can safeguard themselves.