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===A Little History and Perspective===
:'''The concept of collaborating on-line is <u>not</u> new'''. Even the predecessor to the Internet ('''ARPAnet''') which was developed by the U.S. military in the 60's , created a system of networked computers connected by fast and complex communication networks used to discourage any Soviet "first nuclear strike". Out of this system rose the '''MAD doctrine''' (Mutually Assured Destruction). This, in turn, led to reduction of nuclear arms and non-proliferation treaties.
:In the 70s and 80s, there was a need for nuclear and rocket scientists to collaborate in order to advance nuclear missile research. All scientists needed a way see the "big picture" as opposed to only their own particular contribution. Since '''these scientists worked in research organizations (universities and colleges), this allowed other participants, such as instructors and students, to also use many of these collaboration tools such as e-mail, and web-browsers to access the World Wide Web'''.