History of the Internet Response

I thought "The History of the Internet" helped me to better understand how the development of the internet came to be and the technology that has gone through it. I won't lie, when I first read the Abbate article I was fairly overwhelmed and felt like the technology behind the internet had gone way over my head. Through lecture and the help of this video, I finally understand what packet switching is, among other things.

Its interesting to see the social context that the internet developed out of. I kind of assumed the internet was created in the 70's- who knew it had its beginnings in 1957 and the Cold War? You have to wonder whether the creators had any idea the impact their invention could have on society. Sure, they probably realized that it would make sharing information much easier and faster, and would therefore have an impact, but I don't think they had any idea the way the internet would consume the world. What started out as a scientific and military development has become the fastest growing medium probably ever.