Which best describes the Internet?

The Internet is best described as a global network of interconnected computers that communicate using standardized protocols. This definition captures the essence of the Internet as a vast system that facilitates communication and information exchange among countless devices worldwide.

Interconnected computers can refer to a variety of devices, including personal computers, servers, smartphones, and more, all linked through various networking methods such as wired and wireless connections. The use of standardized protocols, such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), allows these diverse systems to understand and communicate with each other seamlessly, ensuring that data can be sent and received reliably across different networks and platforms.

In contrast, the other choices do not encapsulate the comprehensive and global nature of the Internet. A local storage system for data implies a limited and isolated arrangement, rather than a sprawling network. A software package for video conferencing is a specific application that operates on the Internet, not a description of the Internet itself. Lastly, a type of hardware used for network connections refers to physical devices that may help form networks but doesn't capture the global and multifaceted aspect of the Internet as a whole.