Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I. Introduction and framing : The digital universe: a "quick-start" introduction -- Thinking about Moore's law -- Critical perspectives -- Part II. Internet and web history : Origins of the Internet -- Internet evolution -- The web -- Part III. Telecommunication and media convergence : Telecommunication and the "flat" world -- Digital media convergence -- Part IV. Internet control, cyberculture, and dystopian views : The public and private internet -- Censorship and global cyberculture -- The dark side -- Part V. New communication technologies and the future : Wired and wireless technologies -- Virtual and augmented worlds -- The future of the digital universe.

For the student and general reader, a tour of the digital universe that offers critical observations and new perspectives on human communication and intelligence. Traces the development and diffusion of digital information and communication technologies, providing an analysis of trans-cultural effects among developed and developing nations Provides a balanced analysis of the pros and cons of the adoption and diffusion of digital technologies Explores privacy, censorship, the digital divide, online games, and virtual and augmented realities Follows a thematic structure, allowing readers to access the text at any point, based on their interests.

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