The History of the Internet

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Internet Explorer
Most Internet traffic was carried by backbones of independent ISPs for a fee. Microsoft saw this gigantic potential for the Internet and soon released its own browser, the MS Internet Explorer, for free.

Java
1996 also saw the release of Sun Microsystems' Java programming language. Java 1.0 was released to the public in January 1996. It provided more interactivity with users by giving developers a way to produce more interactive web pages. Over the years it has evolved as a successful language for use both on and off the Internet. A decade later, it’s still an extremely popular language with over 6.5 million developers worldwide.

Flash
In December 1996, FutureWave Software was sold Macromedia, and FutureSplash Animator became Macromedia Flash 1.0. Flash would become synonymous with animation on the Internet. Macromedia was later purchased by Adobe who continues to produce Flash.