The Internet: a vast, planet-spanning network of fiber optic cable and computer servers, connecting untold billions of computer systems across the globe. One important aspect of the ‘Net that tends to remain unseen for the majority of us is that the backbone of this massive network is handled by only a handful of multinational corporations, facilitating upper-tier net access for major providers around the world. If the network of any one of these companies were to fail, it would be disastrous for global communications, blocking access to millions of netizens and businesses. If more than one were to be disrupted at once, for instance in a coordinated cyberattack, the consequences would be catastrophic — and it appears that someone is learning how to do just that.
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United Airlines and the New York Stock Exchange have both announced that they have shut down operations due to computer problems. United shut down on Tuesday, and the FAA said at 9 a.m. yesterday that an automation problem had been resolved and that it had given the airline permission to begin flying again. Delays are continuing as the airline works to reconstruct its schedules.
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Now that we know that the ‘feeling of being watched’ is not a paranoid delusion, and that we actually are being watched all the time – even through the walls of our homes –isn’t it about time you built your own Internet?

That’s what techno-activists and growing communities of users are doing at this very moment – thanks to the advent of wireless networking. And they want you to join with them.
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There can be no doubt that the variety of information available on the internet is incredibly wide and varied, and limited only by the imagination of its users. As with all aspects of life, this diversity of subject matter encompasses all extremes, from the lightest and most positive to the darkest and most vile of pursuits, and all shades of grey in between.
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