The '90s and early 2000s brought the first wave of casual internet and PC users, as companies in the 80s mainly used the machines for technical purposes, meaning only a select few could access and understand the technology.

The period was marked by chunky monitors lighting up homes across the country, the instantly recognizable dial-up connections and families crowding around in anticipation of their turn on the family PC, often stationed in the kitchen or living room.

While today’s world is dominated by instant access and almost immediate responsiveness, back then, patience was a virtue, and every new connection felt like a victory. Whether it was downloading songs or navigating early browsers, those memories of the '90s and early 2000s are precious, and we decided to share 18 images that encapsulate part of that magic time.