Book Review: Technologies of Freedom. by Ithiel De Sola Pool

Telematics and Informatics, 1987

Knowledge and information fuel the growth in most sectors of today's global society. Individuals need access to information in order to make the most basic to the most complex analyses and decisions. The linking of "computers and communications" enables one not only to access large quantities of information in a timely manner, but also manipulate it to meet one's needs. What effect will the linkage have on individuals in developing countries? Will a low cost, effective computer communications system be developed that focuses on meeting developing countries needs? Will individuals in developing countries find barriers in accessing information reduced or magnified? What opportunities might exist for individuals in developing countries to participate in the "information age"? This paper seeks to address these questions by reviewing several computers and communications concepts and exploring a case study which uses the concepts for practical applications. The author proposes enhancements to the case study for increasing the effectiveness of developing country access. An explosion in the amount of knowledge and new information has taken place over the last several decades. This explosion is not only taking place in the sciences and engineering but in almost every facet of the industrialized world. One need only look at the role that on-line computer databases play. Not only do these electronic libraries hold a vast array of the knowledge generated in recent history but they are now accessible to the individual. Over the last five years, increasing numbers of microcomputer users have developed the necessary skills to access these storehouses of knowledge and extract the facts they need to carry their work or personal enjoyment forward. This is an important development when the scope of "print" publications is viewed and one considers the number of new articles published in a specific field much less the entire knowledge base. On-line databases are not limited to the scientific and engineering fields, although these fields powered the development of the computerized libraries. Now, financial, health, business management, law, education and almost every conceivable part of the industrialized economy is reported on. Databases exist in the United States that allow one to plan their travel itinerary (Official Airline Guide), make an airplane reservation (Easy Sabre), or analyze one's stock portfolio and then make a purchase (Quick & Reilly, Inc.). Each of these elements have one relatively new component that separates them from the early computerized databases. They allow a responsive action to take

Opportunities offered by new technologies, 2021

This study tries to highlight several aspects of the rise in internet users while also presenting an argument for a possible path toward the Information Society. However, individuals who only see a large wall rather than a network of connected people must be highlighted, with an emphasis on equitable education. The multistakeholder approach and international implementation have proven to be a valuable asset in moving the WSIS themes and Action Lines forward. The establishment of the technologies seen in this decade and how much the use had spread in the world are a consequence, therefore, the paper will give an outlook on some solutions to reduce the factor called as “digital divide” and the importance of open-source documents. The paper will additionally underline an outcome of the potential of social media and how they can lead a community of citizens to rise up against political power leading to various confrontations. The most relevant results that came up are an outline of today’s society and how people behave with themselves.

Performance Measurement and Metrics, 2009

Purpose-This paper aims to offer early insight into ongoing research comparing public access venues such as libraries, cybercafés and telecentres in 25 countries around the world. Design/methodology/approach-The authors studied information needs and uses of information and communication technologies (ICT) in these public access venues, with a particular focus on underserved populations. Findings-Understanding trends, differences and similarities across venues and across countries offers an emerging map that will help researchers and policymakers conduct future research and make better decisions to strengthen public access to information through ICT. Originality/value-The research was done in partnership with local research teams in 25 countries around the world, and studied public libraries, telecentres and cybercafés side by side, while most studies in the past have looked at them independently of one another.

Inclusiva-net, 2008

International Journal of Parallel, Emergent and Distributed Systems, 2019

The following chapter will discuss the relation between home computer history and computer programming-with a focus on game programming. The nurseries of the early 1980s are the origins of the later computer game industry and the private use of microcomputers becomes an essential part of the 'playful' exploration and emancipation of technology. This is why the contribution that home computing added to the history of digital economics, culture and even thought cannot be estimated high enough. After the definition of central terms and discussing the main problems of the historiography of technology and computing, the main topic separated in decades will be portrayed. The milestones of home computer technology will be linked to the scenes and (sub)cultures of their users. Some of these links will be highlighted. My presentation will not be exhaustive but will try to highlight some of the playful uses of computers-from the perspective of this technology.

Media, Culture and Public Relations, 2002

This is a revised text of the paper published long ago; the text is reshaped, some things are added and some are left out. The paper puts forward a collection of features of contemporary world and life, and seeks optimal responses to the challenges this world brings about. We speak about noise and about the procedural nature of the life in technological world. We address issues of public discourse, manipulation, surveillance and freedom. Technology gives people great operative power; we question what impact may technology exert on morality and aesthetic experience, on aggressive behaviour and cooperation. The development and use of technology have been directed by socioeconomic system; we examine the issue of the shaping of such system, and point out what leaders and poets of this world should aim at.

1994

This thesis examines policy initiatives which may improve the likelihood that electronic computer networks will be universally accessible, with respect to the production and the reception of information, to all Canadians. I begin by describing the technologies and industries which will be involved in the development of new high speed computer networks. I then examine the notion of universal access, and policies which have been applied to existing communications systems with the objective of improving access through affordability.

The Information Society, 2006