Clearly, the rate at which the use of computer networks has grown is an indication of the influence and control that they already have on society. In fact due to this control it will be necessary to impose regulation on the companies supplying these computer network facilities, in order that the consumer and user are not exploited. On the other hand, it is likely that there will be considerable benefits of employing computer networks.

Benefits and considerations for industry and the economy

Information is the most valuable commodity in the world. Intelligence agencies were created to collect it, Government statistical departments exist to compile it, companies examine it before making decisions and financial analysts dissect it. Thus, it is apparent that data is often considered to be the most important resource a business organisation can possess. Obviously the ability to store, retrieve and manipulate that information, from any location in the world via a computer network, is likely to be of increasing importance. Some of the advantages of computer networks, for business users, are listed below:

• A salesman in a foreign country can link into his company's computer network based in another country and obtain prices and production schedules for a potential customer
• A stock broker can access up the minute prices on stocks and shares
• Teleworking - Company employees can carry out much of their work from home, making use of a computer network to communicate. Obviously, savings would be made in terms of transport costs to and from the office and also in that other valuable commodity time.
• By employing computer networking facilities researchers for a company can make use of the vast on-line databases, to discover any previous work carried out on their specific subject or even add new information of their own to it
• By implementing BROADBAND NETWORKS, where the same cable is used for telephone calls, data and video signals, quicker clearer and cheaper communication is possible
• One branch of a firm tendering for a contract can obtain, via a computer network, details of other designs produced by alternate branches, thus saving time on the design stage
• Money can be moved around the world instantaneously to take advantage of interest rate changes, as soon as they are announced
• There would no longer be any requirement for companies to be based near or in the financial centres in order to react to Stock Market changes - e.g. this would save much money due to the high cost of London property

Yet, although the above are substantial benefits occasionally computer networks are viewed with disdain, for the following reasons:

• Unless security is excellent they can provide unsurpassed opportunities for fraudulent behaviour
• If there is a problem with the computer network, companies may find that they are unable to operate until the fault has been rectified
• Computer s have been blamed for two Stock Market crashes - the speed of the computer transactions made them impossible to stop thus resulting in millions of pounds being wiped off the value of many large companies
• Computer viruses can often wreck computer data - They are malicious programs transferred over a computer network, usually disguised as electronic mail, and at some point in the future become active a corrupt computer information

Benefits and considerations for the home and leisure environment

Although the effect in this area will probably not be as substantial as the revolutions in the business world some influence will still be made.

• Banking habits have altered in the past few years, with vast amounts of money being withdrawn from cash dispensers rather than over the bank counter - it should be noted that in the future home banking is likely to be a positive growth area
• Networks have reduced queues at the cash desk of petrol station, where point of sale terminals electronically detect credit cards
• Home shopping is likely to be available, with such options as seeing what the clothes are like on an electronic "dummy" of similar characteristics
• The Internet, basically an international network of computer networks, brings with it a vast amount of information and giving the option to leave electronic mail and download software

However, although new leisure pursuits will become available it could be that actual leisure time is reduced. With the introduction of computer networks there is likely that there will be more pressure put on employees to carry on some of their work from home

Considerations for personal freedom

One area in which there is more controversy is in the environment of personal freedom. It is estimated that the average adult has his details held on approximately 40 to 50 computer systems. Thus inevitably leads to information being shared, one of the main advantages of networks.

Information is held by various official or government bodies, which include the police, DHSS, DVLC, Local authority and so on. If details of financial records were included, then a detailed picture could be constructed of an individual.

Moreover, since computer records are also held by video shops, libraries, book clubs and so on then a complete picture of an individual could be determined, which include their main interests and hobbies. Obviously if advertisers were to obtain this information then they could adopt tailored advertising.

Lastly, many business employees are anxious that the installation of a computer network would effect their personal freedom. The common questions that they ask are:

• Who is looking at information in their files without permission ?
• Who is checking their workloads?
• Who is keeping a record of their time on the network ?
• Who is using the above information to make decisions about their future ?

Legal aspects for consideration

Fortunately legal legislation does exist to help protect society from the abuses of computers and computer networks. As with information sent via post or telephone, any data sent over a computer network which is obscene can lead to prosecution.

However, the rudimentary piece of relevant legislation is the Data Protection Act. All organisations, with the exception of the police and other security services, which possess data on a computer medium are obliged to register with the Data Protection Registrar. When they do this they must specify the purposes for which the data will be used and it is then illegal for them to implement it for any other purpose. Anyone wishing to see any information held about them has the right to, provided they pay a reasonable fee.