Computers, bringing the world together

Today’s technology, especially the Internet is seen as something which brings the world closer together by creating a social space which defies the normal laws of both time and space. The idea of technology bring the world together is in no way a new idea. Early explorers created numerous inventions such as maps to chart the stars and moon, which brought people to new worlds. The mixing of nations and peoples eventually brought war, which in turn promoted advances in technology, including the computer. The opening Pages of Computers the Life Story of a Technology provides readers with an expansive timeline dating advances in technology. Scanning the time line it becomes apparent many of these new ideas deal with the Military or war in general. When sitting down at ones computer it is hard to believe the machine we now use to watch TV or talk with our friends has origins in code breaking. However, during WWII Poland breaking a German code could be the difference between life and death. Code breaking also provides an example of technology facilitating the transmission of information between countries. Information, which originated in Germany, could be intercepted in Poland, and sent to intelligence in England, saving lives of soldiers from all over the world. The presence of technology allowed for information to be passed from country to country, uniting people from around the world under a single idea. The Cold War and space race encouraged advancements in science programs, allowing man to reach the moon. Behind all of this was the clash of two nations, Russia and America, striving for world power. Not to down play the importance of computers and the advances themselves, for both countries recognized the importance of technology in the advancement of their nation. It is important to note the rise of spending and cultural importance placed on computer has origins in a major cultural and political crash. From moon charts to the Internet, technology has made the communication between cultures more and more convenient.