Digital Universe: The Global Telecommunication Revolution / Edition 1

by Peter B. Seel

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781405153300
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	02/13/2012
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

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.

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Table of Contents

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

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Digital Universe takes the reader into the lives and labs of the pioneers of communication technology, helping us understand the struggles, unexpected successes & failures, and the connections among technologies. This book provides one of the richest sets of technology histories that have been compiled into a single volume.
- August Grant, University of South Carolina

“In his ground-breaking new book, Peter B. Seel humanizes the story of telecommunication technology and its consequences.  Providing a global perspective, Digital Universe thoughtfully examines the social impact of information and communication technologies from YouTube to augmented reality.”
- John V. Pavlik, Rutgers University

Editorial Reviews

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)

From the Publisher