I can remember it being used in a sparingly way back in 1993, maybe 92. Universities were using it as a means to communicate with other universities. it was at a very infant stage and no one thought it would become what it has become. I remember, as I'm sure many others do as well, thinking DOS was going to rule the internet. If you knew dos you had every fundamental needed. I would say the benefits have outweighed the negatives, at least so far.