Network-Based Interaction

The word network will probably make many think of accessing the Internet and the web. Others may think of a jumble of Ethernet wires between the PCs in their office, maybe broadband router at home, or Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes. In fact, the range of networking standards including physical cabling and the protocols that computers use to talk down those cables is extensive. Interaction with remote people may also be indirect. Recommender systems gather information about people’s preferences and use this to suggest further information or goods based on their own preferences and those of others who have similar tastes. Networking has made remote working possible for many years both telecommuting from home and also more nomadic teleworkers such as sales representatives on the road or in hotels. Imagine if the personal e-mail of millions of people was being sucked into the databanks of a transnational computer company, and only being released when accessed through the multinational’s own web interface.