VIDEO: What the Internet Looked Like in 1996

This 1996 instructional video called “Learn PC: The Power to Perform” was digitized from a VHS video tape by YouTube user OldUncleGuy. It’s extremely corny, but at the same time provides a fascinating look at how the average person was introduced to the concept of the Internet and the World Wide Web decades ago. In comparison, the average 5-year-old could teach most of these basic concepts.

The host of the video talks about a variety of new technologies and software like Netscape, modems, and web browsers.

To help put this video into comparison, there’s an infamous video clip from 1994 where the hosts from the popular American morning TV show, the TODAY Show, try to figure out what an email address is.

What year did you first start using the Internet? Have you ever used a modem before? Please tell us in the comments below.

J. Frank Wilson

Frank Wilson is a retired teacher with over 30 years of combined experience in the education, small business technology, and real estate business. He now blogs as a hobby and spends most days tinkering with old computers. Wilson is passionate about tech, enjoys fishing, and loves drinking beer.