Look, no wires! But the pages fly
Article Abstract:
Wireless technology may revolutionize data communications, but difficulties and competition must be overcome before any particular technology becomes the widespread standard. Wireless data communication is used for specialized business tasks but is not popular in other markets because equipment and toll charges are expensive and some services are unavailable nationwide. The most promising technologies are radio-based and cellular packet-switching technologies. Two radio-based technologies are produced by the RAM Mobile Data limited partnership and the Ardis joint venture between IBM and Motorola. The technologies are in use in some markets, but analysts say the technologies will not be able to expand into other markets because RAM will only be available in 100 metropolitan areas by mid-1993, and Ardis will only be available in 400. The services are also very expensive due to the transmission cost itself and the need for expensive transceivers. Cellular systems, such as those by Cellular Digital Packet Data and Cellular Data Inc, are much less expensive because they use less powerful transceivers and because transmission itself can cost less.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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Recycling the proliferating disk
Article Abstract:
Compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM) technology is increasingly used for distributing software updates. One result is a growing problem of what to do with used disks. Digital Audio Disk Corp, Terra Haute, IN, which is the foremost maker of CD's in the US, has begun a recycling program. Disks rejected at the factory are reaccepted and recycled. Unfortunately, Digital Audio's efforts in this area do not accomplish very much because not many disks are rejected at the factory. CD-ROM, which is still not a large factor in computer software, is a much larger factor in the music industry. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, 33 percent of recorded music sold in the US is in the form of CD-ROM. About 10 to 20 percent of CD packages eventually come back to recording companies. The Jewel Box Advocates and Manufacturers association advocates recycling CD 'jewel box' plastic cases. Atlanta Precision Molding Company, which makes half the jewel boxes sold in North America, recycles jewel boxes.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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The network of all networks
Article Abstract:
The Internet is a massive network of computers that is administered by the National Science Foundation. Nodes are connected by satellite communications, fiber optic cables and telephone lines. The Internet is comprised of Telenet, which provides access to powerful computers; Archives, which provides access to government and scientific documents; Usenet news groups, which host free-flowing discussions on a wide range of topics; and an electronic mail system. Usage of the Internet has increased dramatically in recent years. Originally conceived as a network to connect scientists, the consumer-oriented online information services are now instituting gateways to allow their users to interface with Internet resources. The Electronic Frontier Foundation is seeking to develop applications of the Internet that will serve the general public. One goal the Electronic Frontier Foundation is working towards is to privatize the Internet, which will remove government restrictions on commercial access to the network.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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