Since its creation in 1983, the Internet has grown exponentially in terms of numbers of networks connected to it. By 1985, the number was approximately one hundred. As the Internet has grown its underpinnings have changed. The most commonly used services of the Internet are electronic mail, file transfer, and remote login. Of these three services, electronic mail is probably the most widespread because it is often the only way to exchange information between the Internet and networks that do not use Internet protocols.
Electronic mail allows computer users to exchange messages via a communications network.
Internet users can invoke the FTP command to copy computer files containing information in a variety of formats, such as software, documentation, and maps. FTP is available on machines at sites across the Internet. It is the Internet standard protocol for remote terminal connection service. Some interactive programs allow any network traveller to log in with no password or a password that is advertised. The Internet Resource Guide is an on-line reference that describes many of the services available on the Internet.