17 Iconic Images That Show How the Internet Looked in the ’90s

The 1990s was a defining decade for the internet. It was a time when dial-up connections, clunky computer screens, and pixelated graphics ruled the digital world. It was a time of experimentation, where the possibilities of the online world were just starting to unfold, and every website was like a new adventure. Before we reached the sleek, high-speed experiences we have today, the internet was a place of nostalgia and early innovation. We hope you’re ready to travel back to the ’90s because we’re ready to take you there. Here are 17 photos that show what the internet looked like in the 1990s.

1. Who remembers when the internet came on a CD?

Three colorful CDs are displayed on a floral fabric. The top CD offers AOL 7.0 with three months free. The bottom left features an Internet Access Kit, and the bottom right is a CD for AOL/RBC clients, also offering three months free.

Popping a disc into your computer and having internet access is revolutionary. It’s more amazing that it’s just floating in the air around us now, but putting the internet on a CD was pretty crazy.

2. I remember Netscape Navigator.

Screenshot of an early Netscape Navigator browser window displaying version 1.0N. The interface includes a basic menu bar, URL bar, and text stating copyright information and a license agreement. The Netscape Communications Corporation logo is visible.
u/ultimate_kurix/via reddit

Netscape Navigator is the single reason for over half of people in tech. This revolutionary browser and “view source” shaped the future.

3. If you could return to a world of ’90s internet, would you?

Retro computer graphic showing "Dialing Progress." Features an old-style desktop computer connected by a telephone to a globe, symbolizing internet connectivity. Classic pixel art style on a teal background.
u/resaurantesq/via reddit

There’s dial-up, but no social media. I’d go back to the way it was in the ’90s for sure.

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4. Now that’s a screen I haven’t seen in a while.

A retro computer setup featuring a CRT monitor displaying the Windows 98 logo, a beige tower PC, a keyboard, a mouse on a mousepad, speakers, and a desk phone.
u/nostalgia_history/via reddit

I can still feel the anxiety of the old laggy software. We took the stress for granted.

5. People today couldn’t understand this trust.

A vintage 3.5-inch floppy disk labeled "America Online" with instructions to insert into a floppy disk drive to access online services. The label is yellow with blue and red text and a starburst graphic.
u/rtuite81/via reddit

Imagine getting random storage media in the mail and not even thinking twice about sticking it in your computer for free internet. The ’90s were truly the Wild West.

6. The long-dead website, rotten.

A person holds a telephone handset up to their mouth while using a computer featuring a website with "rotten dot com" on the screen. They are leaning close to the monitor, typing on a white keyboard.
via reddit

The last bit of true horror from the internet. Who dared to go here?

7. Who remembers this ’90s internet kid?

A retro illustration shows a boy in a red shirt and green cap surfing on a keyboard above the Earth. Other kids follow, each on keyboards. They are wearing 90s-style clothing, and the word "Internet" is at the top.
u/ceazer4l/via reddit

There’s nothing like good old ’90s internet education. This photo made my imagination soar.

8. Government websites from the 1990s embody nostalgia.

A webpage for the California National Guard featuring four images of soldiers in different uniforms at the top. Below, there's text with links to various sections, such as Adjutant General, Army Home Page, and Office of the Adjutant General.
u/blankverse/via reddit

Simple and to the point, this site sums up the 90s in a nutshell.

9. Webrings.

A collage of nine colorful web ring banners for various fan groups and interests, including music bands like The Beach Boys and Backstreet Boys, European history, Enterprise, Disney, dogs, and scholarly pursuits. Each features navigation links.
via reddit

It was like an adventure going through these sites, but you never knew what you would come across.

10. Can you hear the connection attempts?

A vintage computer dialog box shows "Dialing Progress" with "Dialing attempt 1 of 5" under "Action" and "Dialing..." under "Status." An Internet globe icon and a computer icon are displayed. The caption reads, "Who else can hear the connection attempts?
u/no_definition427/via reddit

I heard if you make the noise with your mouth it helps with the connection.

11. The Discovery Network webpage was next level.

Discovery Networks On Demand menu with a dinosaur image on the left. Categories listed: Premieres, Animals, Travel, Lifestyles, Real Life, Sci-Tek, Crime and Justice, History and Adventure. Network logos: Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Travel, Discovery Health.
u/jaxermd/via reddit

After a long day at school, I could spend hours on this website and never get tired of it.

12. When websites went down in the ’90s.

A screenshot of an old Windows operating system displaying an Internet Explorer window. The message reads, "The page cannot be displayed" due to technical issues. The desktop background features the My Documents and Recycle Bin icons.
via reddit

It looks like a Google Doc. I prefer the thinking dinosaur when my websites crash.

13. We miss AOL.

A two-panel comic featuring America Online's classic dial-up interface. The top panel shows "Dialing..." with an AOL logo and running man icon. The bottom panel shows "Connected!" with the logo, running man, and colorful triangle design.
u/djf47021/via reddit

Who remembers the old promotions for free internet hours on the CDs for the internet?

14. You get home in 1997.

A vintage desktop computer setup with a CRT monitor, keyboard, and mouse sits on a desk. The monitor displays a cartoon image of a computer with the text "BRAAAP!" in a speech bubble. The computer tower is off-white and rectangular.
via reddit

I miss MLRC so much. The teen rooms were so out of the ordinary, and questionable.

15. Did you go to the public library for internet access?

A vintage computer setup in a library displays "Public Library" on the screen. The computer tower and CRT monitor are beige, with a keyboard labeled "10.4 PAGE PRINTING GUIDE" in front. Wooden shelves are in the background.
u/djf47021/via reddit

I sure did. The tricky part was hiding from Mom so she thought I was reading instead of sitting on the computer.

16. The most real meme this century.

A four-panel comic: A person in a red dress sends a pigeon. The pigeon returns and lands on their hand. The person smiling opens a small note from the pigeon that reads "A/S/L?
via reddit

This was such a corny way to get to know someone. Why not just talk to them like a real person?

17. After years of service, Internet Explorer is being shut down.

An image showing a large Internet Explorer logo with two tweets overlaying it. The tweets express nostalgia and farewells to Internet Explorer on the occasion of its shutdown.
u/techvivek22/via reddit

Thank you for your service old friend.