(1) A worldwide Network of computer networks. It is an Interconnection of large and small networks around the globe. The Internet began in 1962 as a resilient computer network for the U.S. military and over time has grown into a global communication tool of more than 12,000 computer networks that share a common addressing scheme. (2) A computer network stretching across the world that Links the user to businesses, government agencies, universities, and individuals. The Internet provides computers with the ability to connect with other computers for communicating, disseminating and collecting information.