Sunday, May 22, 2005

Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out, Start the Computer Revolution - New York Times

Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out, Start the Computer Revolution - New York Times: "IN Mr. Markoff's view, the PC era, which placed each user in charge of an isolated box, was a long detour from the higher aim of information sharing conceived by Mr. Engelbart. This purpose was vindicated by the Internet. The tension still persists between profit-seeking publishers and, ahem, idealists who would love to share what belongs to others - music rights, for instance. According to the author, this is today 'the bitterest conflict facing the world's economy.'
Such overwrought claims aside, at the core of 'Dormouse' lies a valid and original historical point. Computer technology did turn out to be creative, spirited and even freeing. Most of this was a result of the fabulous advances in the power of the microchip. But perhaps, also, in the tactile clicking of the mouse, you can hear the faint strumming of a guitar."

Check out the full review and then purchase the book. I'm only ~1/3rd into it at the moment but I'm enjoying it and learning a lot.

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