What needs to change in the world relating to computers/technology?

[Paulvucousin]

I have to write a paper relating to my major, which is computer science, and it has to be about a call for change. Basically, I can't think of anything that needs to be changed about technology and a little help would be nice.

[Smith6612]

One thing that could be brought up that is rather big in the technical world now is about how the Internet Provider is ran. These days, it seems to be more of a fight to see who can get the lowest data caps, rake in the most profits, and also throttle users the most all for the sake of avoiding network upgrades just because of the increasing demand on their networks. This is along with the fact that ISPs are also pushing for higher speeds, which add more load to their network, pushes people closer to their data limits in a shorter amount of time, but also gives them headroom to try out bigger and better things. I don't know specifically what you're planning on going into for Computer Science, but this is something worth mentioning.

For my two cents into the topic, I can say that capped and throttled ISPs are not welcome in my home, especially if it cuts into my free time. Caps and Throttles as network management shouldn't be done, as in the past managing a network was done by simply not offering higher speeds, and it worked until the times changed, and then again, adapted to suit the needs of the people. When it comes down to cutting into profits of the company, for all i care, I'm not making money with my Internet connection by any means, only using it for entertainment and informational purposes. If I were using it for a business, I would pay for Business Class service like anyone else should to give my ISP a thanks for not cutting me off for heavy usage from business traffic.

This is also another thought to ponder in regards to Internet usage limits, from my perspective. If an ISP, for example were ran as a Partnership or a Cooperative in a small area as a monopoly status and they were limiting people's usage of the connection, you can view it as something similar to what parents do to children to try and prevent their children from becoming obsessed with something, or simply wasting time. Now, think about this; as a grown adult who probably works 8-10 hours a day and simply wants to come home and enjoy some time off from work, similar to what an owner of a company would want to do when he's not taking care of the company. He simply wants to relax, on the Internet without any worries of having to deal with data usage limits or other restrictions, and simply spend time streaming Netflix, playing video games, socializing, or watching TV online. If the person's a technically savvy person, they might want to try something new and download a large file such as a Linux Distribution. Well, now imagine that this person is the owner of an ISP who limits their users, and he was in the situation I mentioned above. He might provide himself service, which is uncapped as he manages the company, but then take the same person, and watch as his business dies due to people leaving over his policies. So then another Internet provider comes in after a few years without Broadband access (think about this as having your ISP cut you off for using too much), giving people Unmetered connections and he subscribes to the service. Well, down the road he simply is trying out new things, not wanting to deal with nonsense such as caps and throttles after coming home from work, and then the new ISP in the neighborhood begins to cap, throttle, and set overage limits. He winds up in the same boat as he put his customers into, all because another person wanted to rake in more money.

[stardom]

So you want the internet to change on the basis of caps and throttles? So that ISPs can not make a profit from it right? Then shouldn't it be equal for cost vs use? If you use 100x more bandwidth then I do, shouldn't you be charged more? Considering you are the one with the high fluctuation of packets being sent/received? A higher workload on the system. The same as using water, gas and electricity services. Regulate it better since it seems like it is a basic in every home these days. People then would say that they had a packet leak because they left bit torrent up all night. :P

You could also go on the other side and vote for free internet services. Unlimited for free. Wouldn't that be nice.

[entityx47]

I would have to agree with some of the above posts. As a Network Administrator and an avid computer user / Software Engineer for 15 years I would have to agree that the current major ISP's are charging and pricing "Internet" way to high.

To me it seems like things are about to take a turn for the best here within the next few years.
Google has started to offer Fiber Optic access for a very very reasonable and cheap price. (Offered only in Kansas City as far as I know of), I also heard AT&T is putting in a Fiber line from Northern California to Southern California as we speak and offering customers backbone access to the Fiber for around $50.00 /month...

Though I would have to say that the "Internet" as far as ISP's are concerned needs to be "re-constructed" and Fiber should be the only type of internet access available, in my opinion.

Anyways, maybe you can look into the subject and maybe it will help you decide on what to write, good luck and god bless!

[Sharky]

Google has started to offer Fiber Optic access for a very very reasonable and cheap price.

I'd steer clear of that - giving a marketing company access to every website you browse can't be good! Probably why it's a "very very reasonable and cheap price". Sounds like what BT tried to do with Phorm.