Microchips with Everything

ZX Computing

Patrick Cain

PATRICK CAIN TAKES LONG, HARD LOOK A THE LATEST PUBLICATIONS FOR YOUR ZX LIBRARY. As the user of a microcomputer, you are in contact with the latest technology. Growing side by side with the microcomputer is something infinitely larger. Both owe their existence to the microchip. Coupled to the advancements in communications, the microchip is responsible for Information Technology (I.T.). I.T. is so significant that the Government called 1982 the Year of Information Technology, it prompted enquiries and discussions from all corners of Great Britain. I.T. is so significant that it will sooner rather than later affect you. It is also the subject of a new book published to question I.T. 'Micro-Chips With Everything' is not a book of detail or instruction, rather it is one of discussion. More accurately of live discussions that took place during I.T. year at the invitation of the Institute of Contemporary Arts. The subject discussed at each of the meetings was I.T.'s consequences: The Social and Political implications of Information Technology, and in the manner of true discussion the views of many sides of society were represented. Each of the meetings had specific subjects to debate: 'I.T. Doom or Boom', 'The Third World', 'Independence or Dependence', 'Work and/or Leisure?', 'Privacy: A Free or Secret State?', 'The Mass Media: Diversity or Standardization?'; each is given a chapter of the book. Those offering the views reflect a variety of interests; Shirley Williams and Christopher Price, both M.P.s; Mike Cooley and Clive Jenkins, both Trade Unionists. Also included were Brenda Maddox representing economists and Dr John Dawson representing the medical profession. David Fairbairn and Jonathan Gershinny from the field of science and others who were considered or consider themselves to be concerned sufficiently to voice their opinion are also represented. And, as the books preface rightly points out, I.T. Is the concern of everyone and not the preserve of those in power or those at play with user ports behind dark doors. Of course, politicians can be relied upon to give their political play, conservationalists can be expected to cry wolf and scientists to welcome their newfound baby; but the consequences of I.T. are so far reaching that the views of all of the contributors are worth taking notice of. Is it as it is claimed to be 'an unusually powerful opportunity to reduce the gap between the developed... and the developing world' or wilt it 'increase inequalities between the First and Third World Countries?' Can we 'use it for welfare to create jobs' or will it 'deny human beings any form of self expression and reduce them to an appendage of the machine?'. In answering the many questions that continue to be asked of I.T., the speakers bring a depth of understanding beyond most of us, a wealth of specialist knowledge and a deal of forethought. Those questions will remain unanswered well into the future but that is no reason for not asking them in the first place. I.T. is likely to, whatever you do, affect you; it is worthy of your concern. Micro-Chips With Everything, is edited by Paul Sieghart, published by Comedia and costs £3.95. ISBN 0 906890 32 2