Internet Growth Threatened

For this week, I chose to research an issue concerning the growth of the internet. The internet has become the information highway now for 40 years, and some barriers have been coming into existence to hinder its growth.
The first barrier that is threatening the growth of the internet is firewalls, and other security measures to keep information from reaching other computer users. This problem is due to people maliciously using the internet to infect other computers with viruses. When this activity started, networks and computer users had no choice but to set up firewall protection to avoid the infections.
The major barrier that is happening today that I had no idea about is the fact that several companies are attempting to restrict certain information from the internet.
Like some other mobile devices that connect to the Internet, the iPhone restricts the software that can run on it. Only applications Apple has vetted are allowed. According to Anick Jesdanun, an AP Technology writer,"Apple recently blocked the Google Voice communications application, saying it overrides the iPhone's built-in interface. Skeptics, however, suggest the move thwarts Google's potentially competing phone services.
On desktop computers, some Internet access providers have erected barriers to curb bandwidth-gobbling file-sharing services used by their subscribers. Comcast Corp. got rebuked by Federal Communications Commission last year for blocking or delaying some forms of file-sharing; Comcast ultimately agreed to stop that (Jesdanun, 2009)."
Basically, some corporations are attempting to force the use of their software, to hinder the neutral use of all alternative sources on the internet.
In conclusion, we must be open minded to all sources of software, and be sure not to be hindered by the corporate idea that we should only use apple software, or only one form of file-sharing. The internet is a great resource that is used by millions of people, and needs to remain the information superhighway.

Resources:

Jesdanun, Anick. As Internet turns 40, barriers threaten its growth. Accessed August 30, 2009 at http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090830/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_internet_at40.

My three contemporary icons of popular culture include Elvis Presley, The Simpsons, and the Ford Mustang. These icons define major influences by our culture, which form popular ways to live life among several generations.

Elvis Presley is said to be the King of Rock and Roll in his day. He lived a prosperous life, ate a ton of food, consumed many drugs, and ultimately became incredibly famous. Presley had a great career and influenced many people with his music in his day. To illustrate how popular Elvis was, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame gavea quote I find very appropriate. Statistically, he (Elvis) holds records for the most Top Forty hits (107), the most Top Ten hits (38), the most consecutive #1 hits (10), and the most weeks at #1 (80). Regarding his stature as a cultural icon, which continues to grow even after death, write Lester Bangs said it best,"I can guarantee you one thing- we will never again agree on anything as we agreed on Elvis." (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

My next icon of popular culture is the Simpson's. The Simpson's has been Foxs' most successful and long running show on Primetime television. The Simpson's family has been on endorsements for candy bars, featured on the front of the Popular Culture textbook, made the Simpson's movie and even has an attraction at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. As a icon, the Simpsons are, and will continue to be a figurehead in the cartoon industry.

My final icon is the Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang is known to be America's popular muscle car. The Mustang has been in existence since the 1960's and is still being manufactured today. Its body styling has changed throughout the years, but is currently being brought back to a more 1960's vintage look. The Ford Mustang is a figurehead for american muscle cars, and has helped to shape the idea of what a muscle car should be, and consist of.

In conclusion, these three icons have shaped the way Americans think, laugh, and live their lives, which is why I believe they are exceptional icons of Popular Culture.

References:

Simsons image. Accessed on August 29, 2009.

http://z.about.com/d/tvcomedies/1/0/p/0/-/-/simpsons_family.jpg

Ford Mustang image. Accessed on August 29, 2009.

http://www.autoclub.com.au/uploaded_images/ford-mustang-bullitt-2008-741703.jpg

Elvis Presley image. Accessed on August 29, 2009.

http://www.solarnavigator.net/music/musicimages/elvis_presley_on_stage.jpg

Popular culture are defined as ideas that are of the people, or "the best which has been thought or said". In a business environment, an understanding of what is popular is important so new product lines or companies can be formed in the public's image. The artifact I chose is a guitar, because it is a good icon for music.