Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Web?
The discussions thus far have focused on a number of factors re
lated to Web access. Here is a reasonably concise list of the basic in
fluences we have considered:
Technical considerations and infrastructure
: Internet access
requires a computer, an ongoing source of reliable electrical
power, and a mechanism to connect the computer to the
Internet. Although many people living in developed countries
may take computer technology and infrastructure for
granted, the distribution of this technology is not universal.
Some areas of developed countries lack proper computer in
frastructure, and as of today it is certainly not available
throughout all developing countries.
Economic considerations
: Individuals or groups can use tech
nology only when it is available at an acceptable price.
Barriers can include high costs of equipment (relative to stan
dards of living of potential users), costly access charges, and
expensive charges for specific applications.
Political considerations
: Governments or institutions may
seek to control access to computers or to the Internet through
restrictive laws; only people in certain groups may be allowed
access.
Social, cultural, or religious considerations
: Some groups may
feel discrimination regarding their use of computers. For ex
ample, subordinates may be unwilling to challenge those in
authority, women or minorities may be made to feel uncom
fortable or experience harassment when using equipment, po
sitioning of equipment may give priority to some groups over
others.
Individual considerations
: People with some personality traits
may experience preferred access to computers. For example,
those with assertive personalities may dominate those who
are more shy.
Altogether, access relates both to what you want to do and what
is available for you to use. If you are lucky, you have the resources
