In All Things (Tech), Moderation...

A good friend of mine is more convinced than ever that our modern world is leading humanity down a primrose path to failure. His biggest concern is that technology is making us lazier. In that aspect, I think he's right. In the past couple of years, I've found myself swinging between luddite and technologist. The best of both worlds is the middle path; use technology, but do not let it use you.
The world we live in is going to move forward whether or not we ourselves are active participants. In my lifetime alone, we've gone from few households with televisions to most American households owning computers (no doubt that has to stick in the craw of former DEC president Ken Olson; way back in 1977, he said "there is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home". DEC has been gone for a while, incidentally). The march of technology is in one direction, and that is more of it.
One can choose not to participate in it, if one chooses. This approach works for many individuals and groups. This is surely their right, one that I will gladly defend. However, if one wishes to live amongst the great mass of Americans and modern civilization, it is important to have at least a basic appreciation of the fact that it is here, like it or not.
What I'd like to suggest is moderation. I'm a firm believer in useful personal technology. By useful, I mean to the individual. It is not my place to tell the individual what they need. When considering useful tech, you must think about what you need. It's like groceries. While that 14 ounce porterhouse may look good, just how much of it can you eat? Is it worth the price? Wouldn't it be better to just settle for sirloin if that is all your budget will allow?
Certainly, the technology companies would prefer that you always buy the latest and greatest; that's how capitalism works. Is it worth it, and do you really need it? In my case, I certainly attract a lot of attention when I write on my old Palm IIIxe and GoType keyboard (both five years old), or more so when I use my beloved Tandy Model 102 (where this is being written, 17 years old!). Could I use a newer computer? Yes. Why? These machines are more than capable of the task I use them for. If I wanted to play the latest generation of computer games, then yes I suppose that a newer laptop would be a good idea. But I rarely play computer games of any sort (guess that makes me a fuddy duddy). The newest computer I own is already five years old, and I got it because it was being tossed. For my needs, the equipment I use is good enough. Why use a tank to crack a nut?
Again, though, it comes down to the individual. You have to decide what works for you. If you feel that there is too much technology in your life, try living without it for a while to see if you're any happier. If you are, then you've found your answer. If not, then you know how it effects you. As I've written in another column, and is oft quoted, all things in moderation. You do not have to let technology govern you. In our world, it exists for us.

It Seems Like A Good Idea, But...: Municipal vs. Business Supplied WiFi

There is a very strong socialist bent in some of my ideas from time to time; not that I'm a socialist or anything. One idea that has always appealed to me is the idea of free or cheap Internet access for lower income people. Before the Internet boom in the mid-1990's, that very idea was met with boos and hisses from the online providers at the time. Keep in mind that at that time, most services sold time by the hour; it wasn't unusual for me to get AOL bills of $70USD or more. The market drove the prices down, and eventually the idea that municipalities provide service seemed passé, especially when you have ISPs such as United Online with monthly fees of $10.
Now, we've entered the latest phase of digitally connecting the world, wireless or WiFi. And, not surprisingly, the whole municipal versus business-supplied service has reared its head again. But this time, it's gotten nasty. For instance, this news item from Yahoo News, "Cities Face Backlash As They Plan Municipal Wireless Services" gives you the essential lowdown on this fight.
This is not the first time that this issue has come to my attention, but whenever I read news like this, the first thing that crosses my mind is "here we go again"; big business stands to lose money in this, and is taking a legal approach to stop the competition. The flip side is, of course, how will these cities finance these projects? The reality is that it costs less to set up wireless networks than to lay DSL cable; the money in the wireless business is almost entirely concentrated in the service end, just as it was in the early days of digital communication when you used a modem and Ma Bell's pre-existing lines for connecting. That the providers would feel threatened is only natural, since they are essentially selling air. There is money to be made in this, and they know it.
There is room for both public and privately supplied WiFi. This wrangling smacks of dirty deals in backrooms. If a city decides to offer this service to their citizens, they should put it to a moratorium, and if the voices rise up and say they're for it, that should be the end of it.

If You Can't Lead...

Bill Gates has decided that the next generation X-Box is going to be a media hub...

Next-Generation Xbox to Be Media Hub

There are many out there who feel that the MacMini comes very close to this concept already. In fact, it doesn't matter the platform; any well implemented home computer can be tasked with being a media hub. That was the basic idea behind the 1990's "Multi-Media Computer" concept, I believe. However, the greatest thing that the X-Box has going for it is its price, as well as legions of diehard followers. No doubt that this will be a success, but only because it's already been around.
Also, Mr. Gates made what some feel were disparaging remarks about Apple's Tiger OS. As I read them, they just seemed to fall flat. If you want charisma, go to Mr. Jobs... of Apple Computers.

Because I'm Such A Technophile

In searching for reasons to start a second blog, it seemed obvious to me the best thing to do was to just be honest; I love good technology; I am a technophile. This sounds like the sort of thing that a "Computer Junkies Anonymous" member might confess to, but here there is no twelve step program. Here, I want to talk about what I consider good, usable technology. I doubt that I'll talk gaming systems, though they are a major moving force in technology. Instead, it's usable tech as previously stated, little gadgets that make our lives easier... or more complicated, depending on how well they're implemented.
From my own experience as an end user, I think that it's very easy for serious tech types to forget that there are people out there who only long for things that are simple, easy to use and durable. In that area, I'm a bit luckier than most in that I've worked in a variety of tech environments and around a number of operating systems, even serving as a tech as needed. Ultimately, it came down to this; does it work, or doesn't it?
Thanks to those things that did, I've become a techno-junkie... err, technophile.

Hi, my name is Rob, and I'm a technophile.