Silicon Snake Oil: Second Thoughts on the Information Highway

by Clifford Stoll (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1995

  $16.75

• Used

  Paperback
  1996

  $5.13

  In his previous work, The Cuckoo's Egg , the author related the story of how, through the Internet, he uncovered a computer spy ring. This new text deals with the myths and realities of the Internet, looking at the darker side of the information superhighway and attempting to reveal its hidden hazards. It illustrates how electronic data transfer can be slow, less reliable, and more expensive than communication by phone, fax, and even the postal service. The work argues that discussion groups, lauded for providing access to information and diverse opinons, are in fact hotbeds of rumour, where conversations about issues frequently degenerate into the rude, offensive and tasteless, and where technical questions often elicit inaccurate answers. The text also suggests that business transactions on the Internet are, at best, perfunctory and, at worst, dangerous.

• Used

  Hardcover
  1995

  $39.43

  This work aims to expose the myths and disappointing realities of the Internet and information superhighway. The book: argues that electronic data transfer can be slow, less reliable and more expensive than communication by phone, fax and even post; believes that discussion groups, lauded for providing access to information and diverse opinions, are in fact hotbeds of rumour, where conversations often degenerate into the rude, offensive and tasteless and where technical questions often elicit inaccurate answers; and warns that business and commercial transactions on the Internet can be highly risky (how wise is it to give your credit card number to a stranger whose only identification is bizness@nocturnal-aviation.com ).

• New

  Paperback
  2009

  $19.68