Internet Has Lots of Room to Grow

In developed nations, the Internet is now a staple, like TV and running water. Well, okay, so sometimes the connection goes down, or you have to load another plug-in to watch that video. But here's a stat that suggests changes ahead: Only 5 percent of Africans use the Web. Globally, only 23 percent of people are online. Some say mobile access will change all that. "The Web as I envisaged it, we have not seen it yet. The future is still so much bigger than the past," said Tim Berners-Lee who, despite what Al Gore said, was the main creative force behind the whole thing. Final thought: In 1994, there were about 500 web sites. Now there are more than 80 million.

In our new Etc. format, Live Science provides links to articles of interest around the web. It is in Beta.

For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.