The other day, as I was clearing my room, one of the things I had to throw away was the old PC. The old machine (bought in 1999) is still running, but without a USB port, a big enough memory, a fast enough modem and and low flicker flat screen, it just doesn't make much sense to keep these days. So, it is going to the scrap heap.
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As I was salvaging some old data from the PC, I came across many quaint old stuff that I hoarded back those days. I had Microsoft Encarta, World Atlas, Chess Games...etc. Back then, they cost a lot of money to buy. Now, they are all superseded by faster, better, more user-friendly services, and most of all - Free!
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And it was not only software that were local, but I also hoarded articles and emails, because I didn't think that I can easily access them from the Internet. It was a sense of insecurity akin to the common and inherent fear that I cannot tap into the Akashic Records or the universe, to be informed or inspired, and therefore cannot be free from attachments. If we trust, then the fear becomes no more.
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Now Wikipedia, Google Earth and many online games have replaced the old stuff. Even those exclusive offline business directory memberships are now superseded by business and social networking sites, instant messenging and video conferencing.
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Technology has rapidly changed our way of doing business and our social life. Personally, I have made many valuable business contacts online. People I would otherwise have little chance of meeting in person, as they reside in the other corner of the world.
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The old "Request for Information" from big companies to suppliers, is now but replaced by searches on Google or Youtube. Most good technologies are now better explained on video in Youtube, than texts and brochures.
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Some technology suppliers go a step further to allow potential clients to get a ballpark quotation of what they want, by answering a few simple questions. Thus, simplifying the RFP (Request for Proposal) that follows. Perhaps one day this part will also be superseded by online auctions, which is already happening for more standardised commodities and services. These e-auctions are efficiently executed, self documenting and are paperless - saving some trees.
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Consultancies are also affected, as many people now choose to tap the collective brains of specialist forums to get quick answers - what was formerly obtainable only from paid consultants. More and more, services are offered free online. To earn the buck now, more value has to be added. Perhaps one day, these freebies will also be offered in the offline world, working towards what Bucky envisioned in World Game and also expressed in Alvin Toffler's Revolutionary Wealth. This is more reasonable than what many people think, since technology has made many things cheaper, not more expensive. Inflation is a consipiracy.
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Even age old vices, like gambling and pornography have moved online, hosting their servers in more laxed jurisdictions, to escape tax and prohibitive laws. All this without the need to invest billions in an integrated resort (IR) too! Makes me wonder if the IR under construction in Singapore is a has-been business model, better run online. Likewise, porn magazines are almost wiped off the shelves these days. Well, at least the trees are safe! *laughs* (Note: That is not to say that I agree with these vices, especially gambling, which one way or another, necessitates that for one to win many have to lose. )
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Even the power and authority of politics and governments are not spared the impact of technologies. The Malaysian ruling party was almost knocked out by the many political blogs and satire that sprung up during their elections. The Singapore government will also wake up to a rude shock come the next election, when they realise they have underestimated the power of online blogs and citizen podcasts. Up till now, the media is largely government controlled and censored. It will become more and more difficult for dictators to survive in the new world.
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In India, bureaucratic corruption is also cut down by the advent of e-government, and also cutting queues, time and labour.
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Fathers will realise that to communicate and develop a closer relationship with their sons, it will be easier to understand the online games that their sons are playing. It may be hard for many fathers, but their sons are more likely than not have their minds living in Cyberspace. Some more chronic cases will actually have their second lives in Secondlife, and the father induldged with second wives in second lives. :)
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Then, as I lugged the bulky screen and PC into the truck, I still have a little remorse for retiring the faithful machine, while it is still in working order, to the scrap heap. It feels like I am administering euthanasia. Moreover, I was also not sure how environmentally responsible the scrap yard operator is. Admittedly, after all these years of the PC having served me well, I do sense a bit of attachment and loss. :(
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