Digital Universe: The Global Telecommunication Revolution

Digital Universe traces the evolution of digital information and communication tools used worldwide, from Morse’s telegraph to the emergence of mobile phones as personal computers, and their seismic effects on society. Critical perspectives of the diffusion of these technologies are explored, including the “dark side” of the Internet; privacy, piracy, censorship and the digital divide, as well as the advent of online games, and virtual and augmented realities. This illuminating text introduces readers to important inventors, scientists, artists, and critics, offering a unique blend of technology, its socio–cultural effects, its history, and the human face of invention and criticism. This is more than a how–to book, it is an empowering  tour of the digital universe offering critical observations and new perspectives on human communication and intelligence.

Preface vii Acknowledgments ix Some Key Terms xi Part I Introduction and Framing 1 1 The Digital Universe: A "Quick–Start" Introduction 3 2 Thinking About Moore′s Law 14 3 Critical Perspectives 25 Part II Internet and Web History 41 4 Origins of the Internet 43 5 Internet Evolution 64 6 The Web 82 Part III Telecommunication and Media Convergence 103 7 Telecommunication and the "Flat" World 105 8 Digital Media Convergence 127 Part IV Internet Control, Cyberculture, and Dystopian Views 143 9 The Public and Private Internet 145 10 Censorship and Global Cyberculture 168 11 The Dark Side 186 Part V New Communication Technologies and the Future 205 12 Wired and Wireless Technologies 207 13 Virtual and Augmented Worlds 226 14 The Future of the Digital Universe 253 Index 270

Peter B. Seel is a professor in the Department of Journalism and Technical Communication at Colorado State University, where he teaches new communication technologies, video production, digital photography, and documentary film. Dr. Seel is the co–author of two books and many articles on digital television and new media technologies.

Named CHOICE Outstanding Title for 2012 “There are some really nice touches in this book. It is well written. The cases are accessible and relevant. The tables, lists, and some of the figures lucidly present taxonomies and provide chronological information on important topics.”  ( International Journal of Communication , 1 August 2012) “Summing Up: Highly recommended.  All readership levels.  ( Choice , 1 August 2012)