The system, of course, crashed after only a few letters. It was a critical point in computer development. Many wanted centralized, large computers. Those behind the internet wanted it spread out to many more, smaller computers.

1. The First Internet Message
Was Sent On
29 October 1969

2. In the late 1960’s, scientists face a fundamental
question regarding computing.
In what direction will the future go?
The big corporations, IBM and others, want to
build centralized, large computers that people
must go to.
Others want computers to be smaller and not
centralized and be linked together remotely.
The link?
A thing that will become known as the Internet.

3. ARPANET. Advanced Research Projects Agency Network
There are two versions why ARPANET was started:
1. To exploit new computer technologies to meet the needs
of military command and control against nuclear threats,
achieve survivable control of US nuclear forces, and
improve military tactical and management decision making.
2. Out of the frustration that there were only a limited
number of large, powerful research computers in the
country, and that many research investigators, who should
have access to them, were geographically separated from
them.

4. Regardless. What we call the
Internet would never have
happened if ARPANET had failed.

5. The first message ever sent was from a
computer in a lab at UCLA to a computer in a lab
at Stanford, on 29 October 1969.
The image below is the entire extent of the
Internet at the end of 1969 via landline.

6. The first message consisted of:
L O
and then the system crashed before the LOGIN
could be completed.
This also foreshadowed the future of the Internet.

7. What if none of that first message ever
made it?
What if ARPANET was destroyed?
How would that change history?

8. Los Angeles, California. 29 October 1969.
Scout is in the middle of free love, drugs, and the counter-
culture. At UCLA, it is the day the first internet message is
sent. And someone doesn’t want that message to be
transmitted.

9. Los Angeles, California. 29 October 1969.
Of course, as with many Time Patrol missions, it isn’t
that clear cut. Is the birth of the Internet the target?
Or is the real target, Scout herself?

10. What will Scout decide? Will she survive?
This mission along with
29 Oct 1929: Black Tuesday
29 Oct 1980: Last test flight of Operation Credible
Sport.
29 Oct 999: A Viking raid on an English Monastery
29 Oct 1618: Sir Walter Raleigh heads for the
chopping block
29 Oct 1972: Survivors of a plane crash in the
Andes struggle to live
Are all in:

12. Free audiobook shorts on Soundcloud from the
Time Patrol series.
Roland’s complete mission from Independence Day.
4 July 1865, at Gettysburg. HERE
Mac’s complete mission from D-Day.
6 June 1944. HERE
Moms mission from Ides of March.
15 March 44 BC. HERE

13. Click on Image for links

14. Print
Book
Free downloadable Powerpoint
slideshows on survival, history
writing, and interesting information
are available HERE

15. New York Times bestselling author, graduate of West
Point and former Green Beret. He’s had over 80 books
published, including the #1 bestselling series Green
Berets, Shadow Warriors, Time Patrol, Area 51, and
Atlantis. Born in the Bronx and having traveled the world
he now lives peacefully with his wife and dogs.
For free eBooks, audio, slideshows and more go to:
www.bobmayer.com