when was the internet made for public use
History of the Internet The first public dial-in networks used asynchronous TTY terminal protocols to reach a concentrator operated in the public network. Some networks, such as CompuServe, used X.25 to multiplex the terminal sessions into their packet-switched backbones, while others, such as Tymnet, used proprietary protocols. In 1979, CompuServe became the first service to offer electronic mail capabilities and technical support to personal computer users. The company broke new ground again in 1980 as the first to offer real-time chat with its CB Simulator. Other major dial-in networks were America Online (AOL) and Prodigy that also provided communications, content, and entertainment features. Many bulletin board system (BBS) networks also provided on-line access, such as FidoNet which was popular amongst hobbyist computer users, many of them hackers and amateur radio operators.[citation needed]
Internet in South Africa The first South African IP address was granted to Rhodes University in 1988.[3] On 12 November 1991, the first IP connection was made between Rhodes' computing centre and the home of Randy Bush in Portland, Oregon.[4] By November 1991, South African universities were connected through UNINET to the Internet. Commercial Internet access for businesses and private use began in June 1992[5] with the registration of the first .co.za subdomain. The African National Congress, launched its website, anc.org.za, in 1997, making it one of the first African political organizations to establish an Internet presence[6] around the time that the Freedom Front Plus (Vryheidsfront Plus)[7] registered vryheidsfront.co.za.[8]