Netscape Navigator quickly becomes the dominant Web browser. The White House goes online. Microsoft launches the Microsoft Network. Many insiders predict that Gates' innovative MSN will crunch AOL within a year. With the economy booming, individual investing online becomes a phenomenon.
Computer games displace video games in popularity.
1999 - present Online music community Napster, which allowed anyone with a computer to download and store music without paying for it. The Commerce Department reports that the Internet has contributed to 30 percent of U.S. economic growth since 1995. One day while at the service desk of the large discount store I worked for, I saw a hand reach over and pick up the microphone for the public-address system. I assumed it was one of the assistant managers and didn't bother to look up. I'm ready to go.