SNET Internet : Features : Viewpoints : Tell the TV




	10/17/97

Tell the TV

In response to Tell the TV

Today I used the Internet to find the nearest Wal-Mart (with map and driving directions from my house) and to look up something in the Federal Budget. These are not glamorous uses of the Internet but examples of how it's making life better in small concrete, ways. --- Michael

A computer does not "understand" what a person says; it only "recognizes" it, according to the grammar rules and phonemes the software has been programmed to interpret. The difference is fundamental and critical. When we reach the happy state you predict -- with our car taking diction -- we will find that the voice of writing varies with the version number of its software, not with the intention of its author. --- John

I can remember when we got our first real radio! Now that's going back some. When you think of all the advances in science and medicine in our lifetime, it is really staggering in comparison to the preceding 100 years. --- off to Italy, for real!

The week before your article "Tell the TV" came out, there was a whole issue of "The New York Times Magazine" devoted to articles about the past, present and future of technology. For interested readers, it was the September 28, 1997 issue. I especially liked the one by James Gleick called "Addicted to Speed." (check out James Gleick's home page.)

The people who hate the Internet are typically those who have never seen it, who "just don't like that sort of thing." Here's what I've found on-line: a new best friend, a book collaborator, homes for several needy dogs and a new house for me. Oh, plus a husband. --- Cynthia

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.

Previous columns are available.