Hello,
In most recent lessons, we have seen a trend in the need for industries to try and be at the top. We have seen how the Ba by Bells have in particular joined forces with Cable companies to get the edge. Well Cable companies in order to have the edge must compete competitively as well.
When we think of cable companies we mainly think of the entertainment industry. This is the main source in my opinion of revenues. What I believe they will be doing is branching out to bring into our homes via the cable channels is the same data we now receive via our PC's. We will have access to computer networks and financial services, similar to those we now see online. It seems they want to bring this information to us via numerous avenues such as TV, Radio and Telephone.
A prime example is the Computer Satellite Network called Planet Connect. I receive Message information via a Bulletin Board System. In particular UseNet Newsgroups. The Bulletin Board Systems called another Bulletin Board System who receives the Newsgroups via Satellite Feed. So picture this...
I actually spoke to a guy doing this. He as a Satellite Dish on his Roof, and via cables he has it connected to his PC. Once the Feed comes in via Satellite, the PC converts the incoming data into the Bulletin Board System's Message Database, which in terms sends the Messages to those requesting it. The Company has opene up a Cable T.V. Channel for to keep parties abreast of what is going on in the Online Community. Video Tape of the recordings are made. Amazing. While currently incoming Messages are via Satellite, to my knowledge, outing is by land lines. This will also be overcome if not already.
Cable companies are moving into the "on demand" phase. The are providing programs that you request, when you want it. Very similar to the Online World. The Cable information comes into our homes via the trunk and branch concept. Data is sent from one chief site to these various lines that use ampliefiers or cascades. Through this tree type structure the information is ultimately delivered to the consumers home. While the trunk and branch style delivery is workable, often problems can occur when numerous consumer homes on are the same line. To better handle this, a star network is being used. I'm guessing, that with this network instead of data going directly back in the same direction from which it came, it can take an alternate route and go directly back to the Chief Dispatch point. You more tech folk, can elaborate on that one!
We wrap up another lesson! Are you just joining in? Where have you been? You might run across these lessons at the following locations in Cyberspace, every now and then:
The Afro-Amercan Cultures and Arts Forum on Compuserve
(Go Afro)
The African American Community Center on America Online
(Key Word:African American)
The Black Experiences Bulletin Board on Prodigy
(Jump: Black Experiences)
The National Black Data Processing Associates Network
(BDPANET - via the New York Chapter BBS)
(http://haven.ios.com/~holmanm/bdpanet.html for a listing)
The AfroNet BBS Network
(via the BlackNet BBS - SysOped by Idette Vaughn)
(http://haven.ios.com/~holmanm/afronet.html for a listing)
Our Tip of the Week,
How does one deal with Stress? Is there a file outthere in Cyberspace somewhere?
Answer.
Yes.
Where?
Telnet
Address?
fedworld.gov
Go to?
File name: stress.txt