Although it’s sort of a cliche, many people envisioned the twenty-first century as something from a Ray Bradbury novel where people were half robot, cars were spaceships and our cities looked more or less like something from the Jetson’s cartoon. And while we’re not quite there yet, the last two decades have brought some amazing technology.

Take for instance, the Internet. Who would have thought 30 years ago that a global system of interconnected computer networks would come together to form a system that is now dubbed the “information super highway,” a virtual encyclopedia that could be accessible from any computer with a connection?

And although it’s been around for a few decades, can you ever imagine a world where information wasn’t instantly accessible via the Web? Where answers to just about every question weren’t just a click away?

The Internet has truly revolutionized the way we do everything. Want to find a great recipe for eggplant Parmesan or learn how to refinish your kitchen cabinets? Perhaps you’re driving cross-country and you need directions or want to book a hotel. Rest assured, somewhere on the Internet is the answer. Beyond quick bits of information, the Internet houses loads of educational information, including reference materials from many of the world’s best libraries, along with media and artwork from some of the most renowned museums. Add a warehouse of video and audio files and the Internet is a one-stop source for education and entertainment. There’s also endless shopping possibilities, as most retailers know the one way to stay financially viable is to have a store online, and oh, the ability to find an answer to any technical question you might have so you can continue to surf worry free knowing that you have the proper anti-virus, that your system will back itself up, and that you can pick up a driver download at the click of the mouse.

And not only does the Internet serve as an educational tool, entertainment source, shopping mecca and general all around solutions giver, it’s a social connector, a sort of a human relations tool that facilitates relationships and allows us to electronically expand our network of friends in ways we could never imagine. We can chat via social networking sites, e-mail, video conferencing, forums and blogs. Whatever our preferred method, the Internet makes it possible for people from all over the world to chat, connect and do business.