baratillo @ cubao : www.baratillo.net

I work in an office. Ninety percent of my job is done using a computer. The work is accomplished in a virtual world where all I do is entered into a server halfway around the world. Such a task is made possible by a computer, the Internet, and the Web. And this is probably how the computer, the Web, and the Internet has been affecting my world.

IN THE BEGINNING … AT LEAST FOR ME

One of my first encounters with a powerful computer was one of those punch cards. Back when I was in UP Integrated School (UPIS) as an elective I took up Statistics and one of the ways to enter data into a computer was via punch card. Fortunately those were final terminal days of the punch cards. Soon afterwards personal computers made its presence known. Those big and bulky computers and their monochrome screens. Does anyone remember Carmen San Diego? Dbase? Wordstar? A marvel it was at that time, those things could not hold a candle to what followed, the Internet and the World Wide Web.

THE WORLD WIDE WEB & THE INTERNET

The World Wide Web and the Internet are no the same thing. The Internet refers to a set of inter-connected computer network while the World Wide Web or Web is a collection of documents linked by hyperlinks and URL. The Web can be accessed through the Internet. Other things that could be accessed via the Internet includes email, file sharing. games, on-line newspapers, Internet-enabled calls, the potential seems endless.

SO HOW HAS THE WORLD WIDE WEB AND THE INTERNET CHANGED MY MICROCOSM?

One, It has made the world a smaller place. Using services like email and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), It is now possible to be in constant communication with colleagues and friends from a very distant location. In the past friends and colleagues from afar could only get word through mail or even telex. As such the mails or messages one received only came at regular and long intervals. Now it is almost instant. Once you hit the send button it is sent and received. And with improved services it is now possible to converse through chat or other reincarnations of chat. Usually such communication services now come bundled with the email. People dont just send cards anymore they send e-cards. Gossip and talk can be accomplished as long as one has an Internet connection.

Two, closely following the explosion of instantenous communication provided by the Web and the Internet it is now possible to form communities and relationships on the Web. The time of Net Citizen had come. Through e-groups people could now interact irregardless of the distance and the time zone. People could now discuss and debate things in a digital forum. Individuals or group of individuals could now form blogs to air their opinion or thoughts about the mundane and the lofty: Idea Republics have come into being.

Three, the Web and the Internet have also made it possible for people to engage in business and exchange resources. It is now possible to go on-line and pay one’s bills or balance the checking account. It is also now possible to buy, bid, or barter stuff.

There are now several ways for people to generate income from the Web and the Internet. Services like web design, writing, and research can be done through the Internet and the Web. A number of persons have taken to working from their homes. This does not involve only works on a per project basis, some earn through blogs or website, through advertising or selling of products or goods.

Four, the web with its documents and links has made it possible for us to learn and see almost anything. On-line databases, on-line libraries, depositories of electronic documents, wikis, and reference service sites can now be used by the user to obtain knowledge and trivia.

THE INTERNET AND THE WEB: A PALANTIR?

In essence it is like owning a Palantir. In JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Palantirs are seeing stones , probably similar to crystal balls, crafted by the Elves and some given as gifts to Men. The palantirs were used by its users to converse with the other owners of the stones. All in all there were seven palantir in Middle Earth. A palantir of course was a double edge deviced it could be used to deceive and corrupt a user.

AND IT WOULD SEEM THAT THE INTERNET AND THE WEB CAN BE A BANE AS WELL AS A BOON TO HUMANS.

One, Email and the Web like any tool can be used to take advantage of people. Spam, Internet scams, bogus information, identity theft, and even being digitally stalked are the potential dangers that one may encounter in the digital jungle called the Internet. Some do it for money, some for the thrill, some do it to enhance their reputation, and some do it just because they can.

Two, Given the relative freedom one can post a page or information on the web two problems occur. First, Is the information glut; too many information is available that it overwhelms the user and hampers his efforts to get information. Second, the reliability of the information and kowledge made available, You are not just sure if what is posted on a website or an an entry in a wiki is factual.

Of course one just have to learn to be selective in choosing information one can use the following criteria or questions: (i) Does it answer your specific question (You need to ask a specific question first), (ii) What is the authority of the writer when this was written, (iii) Is the answer timely? (No new findings or evidence), and (iv) Is it factual? Are the ideas suggested by the writer backed by facts and logic?

Three, The Internet and the web are only available to a privelaged few. One needs money in order to get connected. First, you have hurtle the initial cost of the computer and peripherals. It has been several years since I bought my first computer and still the price is quite prohibitive. The only way some people can afford it is if you have enough money to purchase or use a credit card. Second, The cost of an OS or Operating System and all the necessary software are still prohibitive. Unless you are rich or in bug business you cannot afford to get an orginal OS and software, even the student versions.

While the Web and the Internet may still largely be the domain of the few, especially in developing countries, there are signs that the times are changing and more people have begun to use the Web and the Internet. The increase in the number of Internet cafes seemed to have provided those who cannot afford a computer and pay monthly fees for fast Internet connection. There are also several alternative OS and software that have been released on the market. No more need to use pirated softwares. And these free software and open software are usable and reliable. At present I am using Kubuntu and Open Office.org.

TRYING TO SUM THINGS …

It would seem that the Web and the Internet has allowed the world to progress. It is a smaller world today because of it: Friends, relatives, and adversaries from all points around the globe. Messages are sent and received almost at once. We have also seen the birth of the net citizens: blogs, forums, and eqroups have become the republic or fortresses of ideas and opinion. Digital enclaves have sprung up and people have shares ideas without ever meeting physical. However, there is still long way to go. The cost of being in the Internet and on the Web has created a digital divided between those. Fortunately, with the proliferation of Internet cafes and open software and free software initiatives this the digital gap is slowly being filled up.

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