"The midwives for the modern era of communication were scientists at the University of Los Angeles in California (UCLA), who connected the neighbouring machines with a 15ft grey cable.
"The data these early computers exchanged was tiny and meaningless – merely a test message – but it prepared the ground for the inter-university network ARPANET that eventually grew into the internet that is now so indispensable.
"But with many vital breakthroughs along the way and several candidates for the title of "inventor of the internet", there is dispute and uncertainty over whether September 2 is indeed the most appropriate anniversary.
"Here is a run down of the internet's "other" birthdays:"
