About the book
In Silicon Snake Oil, Clifford Stoll, the best-selling author of The Cuckoo's Egg and one of the pioneers of the Internet, turns his attention to the much-heralded information highway, revealing that it is not all it's cracked up to be. Yes, the Internet provides access to plenty of services, but useful information is virtually impossible to find and difficult to access. Is being on-line truly useful? \"Few aspects of daily life require computers...They're irrelevant to cooking, driving, visiting, negotiating, eating, hiking, dancing, speaking, and gossiping. You don't need a computer to...recite a poem or say a prayer.\" Computers can't, Stoll claims, provide a richer or better life.
A cautionary tale about today's media darling, Silicon Snake Oil has sparked intense debate across the country about the merits--and foibles--of what's been touted as the entranceway to our future.
Editions of Silicon Snake Oil
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780385419932
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780385419949
Read an Excerpt
In Silicon Snake Oil, Clifford Stoll, the best-selling author of The Cuckoo's Egg and one of the pioneers of the Internet, turns his attention to the much-heralded information highway, revealing that it is not all it's cracked up to be. Yes, the Internet provides access to plenty of services, but useful information is virtually impossible to find and difficult to access. Is being on-line truly useful? \"Few aspects of daily life require computers...They're irrelevant to cooking, driving, visiting, negotiating, eating, hiking, dancing, speaking, and gossiping. You don't need a computer to...recite a poem or say a prayer.\" Computers can't, Stoll claims, provide a richer or better life.
A cautionary tale about today's media darling, Silicon Snake Oil has sparked intense debate across the country about the merits--and foibles--of what's been touted as the entranceway to our future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silicon Snake Oil about?
In Silicon Snake Oil, Clifford Stoll, the best-selling author of The Cuckoo's Egg and one of the pioneers of the Internet, turns his attention to the much-heralded information highway, revealing that it is not all it's cracked up to be. Yes, the Internet provides access to plenty of services, but useful information is virtually impossible to find and difficult to access. Is being on-line truly useful? \"Few aspects of daily life require computers...They're irrelevant to cooking, driving, visiting, negotiating, eating, hiking, dancing, speaking, and gossiping. You don't need a computer to...recite a poem or say a prayer.\" Computers can't, Stoll claims, provide a richer or better life.
A cautionary tale about today's media darling, Silicon Snake Oil has sparked intense debate across the country about the merits--and foibles--of what's been touted as the entranceway to our future.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Silicon Snake Oil?
Computing and Information Technology > Digital and Information technology: general topics
Where can I read a sample of Silicon Snake Oil?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780385419932
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Silicon Snake Oil?
Clifford Stoll
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Silicon Snake Oil is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780385419932) and paperback(ISBN 9780385419949)
Where can I buy Silicon Snake Oil online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Silicon Snake Oil from below
Where can I buy Silicon Snake Oil?