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| This web
space was once devoted to the
marketing of my
computer
consulting business. It
became clear over time,
however,
that my computer
consulting business
needed no extra marketing. So the questioned begged itself: What to do with this web space? Meanwhile, your editor used an email newsletter to communicate current issues in computing to his clients who wished to receive such information. These random missives more often than not focused on the problem of viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, and the endless hordes of rampaging Electronic Vandals today's computer users must confront. This focus on security was made out of necessity, not due to any grand design. The Daily Rant was quite ad hoc, to say the least. Although each new attacker had its own unique properties, the attackers all shared many common attributes. No matter what calamity the email missives rang out, they all developed a certain sameness. I have made my point through those random emails. It is time to move on. There is no further point in continuing to pushing the security agenda onto my readers. There are other issues in technology that need discussion and examination. Besides, I have come to learn and accept that people are going to do whatever they are going to do. No cajoling or ranting will change that. The computer has become both an extension and a reflection of its users personalities. It is neither practical or possible for me try to change a person's personality, or their computing habits. The Internet is a great experiment in true democracy, or what John Adams might have considered mob rule. In these pages, we will examine where this essential existentialism of computing leaves the Internet and the rest of us more responsible computer users. My readers will have the chance to learn what other technology pundits have to say about the relevant issues facing IT today. |
—
Gerald S. Reiff |