Computers and Technology

Whether we like computers or not they invade our homes, work, and school. Setting
aside the internet for a second, computers decide when we can access easy
information like an address book, homework assignments, and even a calculator.
How many times have you used the excuse "My computer ate my homework" and
really meant it? Well, I have used it more than once.

The first thing that comes to my mind when preparing a presentation for class or
work is to do it on Powerpoint, my favorite computer program. I love this program
because it looks really fancy when I am done and it is not hard to use. For the five
minutes of the presentation I feel like I have accomplished something requiring
computer intelligence even though in everyday life I have a hard time checking
email.

There are many games to get addicted to and many programs that are disguised as
games that make computers seem like a fun pastime. This is all a ploy. People
make these programs so that they hook even the most anti-computer person into
computers and then convince him that he 'needs' to keep adding new "toys" to his
computer. I do want to stress that computers are an important part of our
advancing culture, but the obsession and dependency is nothing more than a
marketing scheme.

A lot of media and just general people put a lot of emphasis on the use of
computers. Jobs look for computer literacy as a requirement and some bill paying
services suggest online payment as a good alternative to good old fashioned snail-
mail. It is easier for companies to teach a computer literate person their trade than
it is to teach a person skilled in their trade how to use a computer. This all leads to
the same conclusion: A person is more efficient and more useful if they have
computer skills over any other skill.

I hate computers, but you would never know it because I spend more than seventy-
five percent of my time at home in front of the computer. I have the phone right
next to me, my cd player, and all the books and resources I need so I never have to
get up. I have spent so much time in front of the computer in the past year that
when I am bored I just sit at the computer because I feel that I have to be there.

I used to think that Bill Gates and other technology geniuses were trapped in a quick
money industry that would vanish within a decade or so. Well, I am now convinced
that they are part of a high conspiracy (called advertising) that has convinced us (the
American people) that we "need" computers. Not only do we "need" computers, but
we "need" to keep making them better by spending more money to promote a
technology that causes glazed over eyes, pale complexions, and sore fingers.

The internet is a completely different story. Being a senior graduating in December,
I spend a great deal of time on search engines trying to find a job and setting up
contacts within my industry. There is a lot of great information on the internet that
is great for research for school as well as non-school education. The problem lies
in the fact that anyone can make a web page and solicit their ideas as facts. This
becomes a problem especially when writing papers and being able to have solid
sources to back up a thesis.

On the other hand, if you have a web page that promotes a certain topic or educates
people in a positive way you need to be prepared for comments or even attacks
from the significant number of "bad apples" that use the internet. There is not a lot
of ways to control who goes on your site and who doesn't without charging, so the
dilemma remains; How can I address my page to a variety of people without
suffering the consequences of denial and abuse? There is no way, just deal with it
and don't take things too personally.

When I think of buying a computer I want a machine that allows me to type my
papers and research the internet. That's it! No monkeys jumping through hoops
when I log on. No computer lady saying "Good Morning Jennifer", no passwords,
NOTHING! Now most of what I think of computers is probably out of pure
ignorance, but I am very comfortable with my ignorant life.

So in the end we cannot escape computers, but we can second guess ourselves
when choosing to buy one, use one, or suggest the use. When you are faced with
the decision to add a new program to your home computer, resist. Let computers
simply be one detail to your life that makes things just a little bit easier. Just
remember: When your computer blows up, it shouldn't mean that your life has
blown up.