The world's largest computer communication system, with an estimated 100-million users. Originated in the United States, though now operating world-wide, the Internet is a loose confederation of principally academic and research computer networks. It is not a network but rather the interconnection of thousands of separate networks using a common language. Developed by the Pentagon, the Internet first linked government agencies and colleges. Now the Net also connects thousands of companies and millions of individuals worldwide who subscribe to on-line services.