Tech Talk
I saw on the news and read
in the paper that President Bush hopes to have each American home wired
for broadband, fast Internet access by 2007. A lofty goal and one that may
seem a little trivial when one observes the turmoil in the world and the
economic mess in the United States. However, this goes to show you that
fast Internet access is here to stay. Right now most homes access the
Internet by dial-up. In a few short years, fast broadband access will be
the norm.
Broadband Internet access
should not be the only goal. Rather intelligent and practical Internet use
should be a more important goal. Right now the Internet is like the wild
west use to be. Wide open space with many opportunities for the brave of
heart and with just as many potential dangers to the inexperienced
traveler. Intelligent, competent use of the Internet is important for the
user and the Internet to reach their potentials.
The information highway
needs to be tamed. Information needs to be compiled in an ordered manner. Junk
like spam, inappropriate advertisements and illicit subject matter should
be banned from the information highway. At least web sites containing such
material should be available for download only if the viewer is warned
about the material on the site before he or she actually visits the site. The user should be able to
navigate down the information highway in a planned, realistic and
uncomplicated manner. The journey should be a pleasure, not an
overwhelming undertaking.
Internet users have a
responsibility in the development of this great body of information. The
user must educate himself or herself in the ways of the Internet. They
must become competent computer users. Learn about the operation of the
computer. Just as one must become aware of the operation of any piece of
equipment they use, they need to be aware of the good practices in
operating a computer. Education, training are needed by the computer
users.
The Internet users must be savvy
in the dangers associated with that trip on the information highway. They
must be aware of the fact that every web page they click on does not
necessarily contain true, realistic and honest information. Caution must
be practiced when connected to the Internet. Don't get involved with
unscrupulous webmasters and their web pages.
The truly competent and
successful Internet surfer must be aware of such things as spam, spy ware,
Internet security, firewalls, parental controls and passwords. Internet transaction must be
dealt with in the most strict use of confidentiality. A wise Internet user
will be aware and put into practice the most safe and confidential method
of conducting Internet business. They will choose the safest ways to give
and receive valuable personal information over the Internet.
Successful, meaningful and
efficient computer and Internet use
encompasses much more than the type of connection (dial-up or broadband)
one employs. Use the Internet, but use it safely.
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Thought For The Month
"God
grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage
to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Serenity
Prayer
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