When did the internet become big?

I hope this is the right forum for this question, sorry if it isn't. I need to write a report for school and need to know when the internet became widely used by the public. I know this is sort of vague as there is no definite year but any help would be apreciated. thanks

Check out chapter 2: http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/history...e_theorie.html

Early 90's...