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Well where would we be now without modern technology? Well to start with I would not be able to write this article because it's written on a computer, and as for you being able to read it on the Internet that would be impossible. I mean what would our grandfathers and great grandfathers make of it all? Now that's a question.
Well in my case it would have been interesting to know exactly what my father would have thought about it. He never saw my computer or the things I can do on it, from designing to talking to people via ICQ. I hear you ask what is ICQ well it's a way of talking to people all over the world for the price of a local phone call. It works like a telephone in the way that you have a number that is unique to you. You also have a nickname that identifies you. This, however, may not be unique but it is a way of staying anonymous. For example, if I wish to talk to a friend in say America all I do is find the number (if its not already on my contact list) by using a search engine and call them. The talking takes place in the form of typing to each other and they see what you type when you type it. It is like writing a letter that you don't need a stamp for.
What amazes me even now is being able to see people the other side of the Atlantic or indeed anywhere in the world with a web cam. Now that's cool (and yes I personally have a web cam). You need another piece of software to use the web cam and you have at least two to choose from, one is NetMeeting and the other is HoneyQ both of these are real time voice and video chat. My dad would have been both amazed and impressed I think, although I have to say he'd complain about the phone bill but that would have been nothing new as he always did.
My father died before I had my cell phone, and so didn't see how indispensable they would become. Nowadays prearranged plans can be changed from anywhere from a train or the middle of nowhere. For that I have to say I'm very grateful. Everyone but everyone seems to have a mobile (cell) phone even very young children and most of them see the mobile as an image thing hey look at me I'm hip. Just another piece of fashion and not as something that is a functional and practical piece of equipment. For women who travelling alone it's a piece of safety equipment because if they were to break down they do not have to leave the car to call for help. In today's society this is important.
page created: 1999-04-04