VOICE ONE:
This is Mary Tillotson.
VOICE TWO:
And this is Steve Ember with the VOA Special English program,EXPLORATIONS.
Today we finish our three-part series about the history ofcommunications. We tell about the Internet system called the WorldWide Web. And we tell about the future of communications.
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VOICE ONE:
In our first two programs we discussed the history and importanceof communicating information. We told how the invention of thetelegraph increased the speed at which information could be sent. Wetold how satellites in space greatly increased the speed ofcommunications. In our second program, we told about the developmentof the computer and the linking of computers into major systemscalled networks.
These networks led to the high-speed sharing of information amongmajor universities and research centers around the world. Thelargest of these systems, the Internet, has made it possible foralmost anyone with a computer and a telephone to share in what iscalled the Information Age.
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VOICE TWO:
In July nineteen-forty-five, the Atlantic Monthly magazineprinted a long report written by an important scientist. His namewas Vannevar Bush. Mister Bush explained that researchers around theworld were producing new ideas and useful information every day. Hesaid the information was being produced faster than anyone couldread it, remember it, or even know where to find it.
He explained that the technology of nineteen-forty-five permittedinformation to be kept only in books or pictures. He said some newdevice must be invented that would make it possible to search for,find and use new information much more quickly.
VOICE ONE:
Mister Bush explained that research information is most valuablewhen it is new. One small piece of information could help aresearcher finish an extremely important project.
Mister Bush wrote that he hoped a device would be invented thatcould store information. He said people should be able to easilylink with this device to search for and gather useful information.Such a device would greatly speed gathering information and wouldgreatly aid research.
VOICE TWO:
The device that Mister Bush dreamed about in nineteen-forty-fiveis now very real. It is the modern computer, linked with othercomputers. The link is through the Internet and the World Wide Webcommunications system.
The computer and the Internet now make it possible to find andgather information about any subject within a few minutes.
Here is a good example. Oncology is the study of the diseasecancer. There are many hundreds of medical research centers that areworking to cure cancer.
The Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology is one of manypublications that prints important cancer research information. Theresearch papers tell about the results of treatment for manydifferent kinds of cancer. The information in this journal iswritten for medical experts.
VOICE ONE:
The editors of this cancer research journal place valuable cancerresearch information on the World Wide Web. This makes it possiblefor health care professionals and researchers all over the world touse the information for educational or research purposes.By usingthe Internet, a researcher anywhere in the world is able to findinformation from the Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology and printa copy in just a few minutes.
To find the journal, a researcher would only have to type threewords into an Internet search system on a computer. The three wordsare oncology, research and journal. Within seconds, the World WideWeb provides a list of several possible research papers from severalcountries. The study in the Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology isonly one of many valuable research papers that are on the World WideWeb.
Not every search is easy. Sometimes it can take a while beforethe right combination of words produces the needed result. However,the World Wide Web and the Internet will almost always provide theresearcher with a way to find the needed information. The computerprovides a quick link to the new information that scientists likeVannaver Bush said was badly needed.
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VOICE TWO:
Eric Benhamou is the head of a computer company called Three-ComCorporation. Mister Benhamou says people are using the computer andthe Internet to communicate for work and to exchange informationwith their families and friends. He says people also use theInternet to learn new things and visit different places.
Today almost one-hundred-fifty-million people use the Internet inthe United States. A recent study showed they use the Internet forcommunication and for research. The study also showed that much ofthe research that is done leads to buying products with the aid of acomputer and the Internet. The study also showed that more peoplethan ever are now using the computer to buy products.
VOICE ONE:
Governments, private groups and individuals have criticized theInternet. Some governments do not trust the Internet because theysay it is extremely difficult to control the information that isplaced there.
Some government officials say extremist groups place harmfulinformation on the Internet. They say dangerous politicalinformation should be banned. Other groups say it is difficult toprotect children from sexual information and pictures placed on theInternet. They say this kind of information should be banned.
VOICE TWO:
Other critics say that it is becoming extremely difficult to knowif you can trust the information that is found on the Internet. Theywonder if the information is true. Did the person who placed it onthe Internet make any mistakes? Still other critics say the Internetis no longer a free exchange of information and ideas. They say ithas become a big business that sells products, services andinformation. They want the Internet to be used only for research andeducation.
VOICE ONE:
In nineteen-forty-five, scientist Vannevar Bush said researchersneeded some device that would make information easier to find, useand store. The modern computer and the Internet now provide this andmuch more. They are an important method of communicating and doingbusiness and will continue to be in the future.
In the United States, many businesses expect their workers toknow how to use computers. Children now begin learning to usecomputers in their first years of school. Many universities in theUnited States now require all new students to have their owncomputer. Most colleges provide special rooms that have computersfor the use of all students.
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VOICE TWO:
What is the future of communications and the Internet? Experts donot really know. Computers continue to grow smaller and morepowerful with each passing year. Computers that were thought to bevery powerful ten years ago are now considered extremely weak andslow.
It is now possible to connect a computer with a wirelesstelephone that can link with communications satellites.
A person with a small computer that can be easily carried can nowlink with other computers from anywhere in the world. A person canthat use a computer that receives its electric power from batteriesand is linked with a satellite telephone. This person cancommunicate from anywhere in the world.
VOICE ONE:
Some experts say that in the future people will not use largecomputers on their desks. They will use only small computer devicesthat link to the Internet. These devices will be easily carried fromplace to place.
All the information people use for business or for fun will be ontheir own area of the World Wide Web. This has already happened.Many people already have their own private area on the World WideWeb.
Businesses have their own special areas. A husband and a wifewith a new baby place photographs of the baby in a special area sorelatives can see the new addition to the family.
People now communicate, listen to radio or watch television. Theyto do business buy or sell goods, write a letter or send a picturefrom anywhere in the world at any time of the day or night. And theywill communicate around the world at almost the speed of light.
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VOICE TWO:
This Special English program was written by Paul Thompson. It wasproduced by Caty Weaver. This is Steve Ember.
VOICE ONE:
And this is Mary Tillotson. Join us again next week for anotherEXPLORATIONS program on the Voice of America.