The ability to buy things online has changed our lives immeasurably. We can now all get access to much greater variety and value, to say nothing of the gains in terms of convenience.

In the old days if you wanted to rent a film you would have to go out to your local video store (during it's opening hours~), then you would have a choice of whatever nobody else had wanted to watch. Services such as Netflix and LoveFilm have changed all that - with thousands of titles available at the click of a mouse.

Cats and babies doing funny stuff on video. How did the world cope before we had millions of hours of this kind of stuff to peruse at will? Historians will doubtless remember the pre YouTube era as a dark and humourless time.

Being able to find information on legal matters is very empowering. Having access to some facts on employment disputes or personal injury claims can provide reassurance when it is needed most.

Doctors can be expensive. Fortunately thanks to the internet it is now possible to get a diagnoses without a qualified individual being involved at any point in the process.

These days, as long as you have a smartphone, you can check your mobile balance online just about anywhere and anytime you feel like. How did we manage before?