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The Friendly Orange Glow: The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture

Name: The Friendly Orange Glow: The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture
Price: 2.13 USD
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Rating: 4.7 (138 reviews)

4.7 of 5 Stars: History & Culture - The Friendly Orange Glow: The Untold Story of the PLATO System and the Dawn of Cyberculture

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Book Synopsis: At a time when Steve Jobs was only a teenager and Mark Zuckerberg wasn't even born, a group of visionary engineers and designers—some of them only high school students—in the late 1960s and 1970s created a computer system called PLATO, which was light-years ahead in experimenting with how people would learn, engage, communicate, and play through connected computers.

Not only did PLATO engineers make significant hardware breakthroughs with plasma displays and touch screens but PLATO programmers also came up with a long list of software innovations: chat rooms, instant messaging, message boards, screen savers, multiplayer games, online newspapers, interactive fiction, and emoticons. Together, the PLATO community pioneered what we now collectively engage in as cyberculture. They were among the first to identify and also realize the potential and scope of the social interconnectivity of computers, well before the creation of the internet.

PLATO was the foundational model for every online community that was to follow in its footsteps. The Friendly Orange Glow is the first history to recount in fascinating detail the remarkable accomplishments and inspiring personal stories of the PLATO community. The addictive nature of PLATO both ruined many a college career and launched pathbreaking multimillion-dollar software products. Its development, impact, and eventual disappearance provides an instructive case study of technological innovation and disruption, project management, and missed opportunities. Above all, The Friendly Orange Glow at last reveals new perspectives on the origins of social computing and our internet-infatuated world.

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Are you fascinated by the origins of the internet? Do you want to dive deep into the untold story of the PLATO System and the birth of cyberculture? Look no further than The Friendly Orange Glow. This captivating book takes you back to a time when computers were just making their way into our lives, and a group of visionary engineers and designers set out to create a revolutionary system. With PLATO, they not only pioneered groundbreaking hardware innovations but also introduced software features that we still use today.

From chat rooms and instant messaging to multiplayer games and screen savers, PLATO was ahead of its time in creating a connected community of learners and explorers. The PLATO system was the catalyst for the social interconnectivity of computers, paving the way for every online community that followed. Discover the fascinating journey of the PLATO community, who not only shaped the course of technology but also left an indelible mark on the world of cyberculture.

The Friendly Orange Glow is more than just a history book; it is an immersive experience that brings the past to life. Step into the shoes of these young engineers and designers who defied the norms of their time to explore the possibilities of connected computers. Learn about their triumphs and setbacks, their innovative breakthroughs, and the impact they had on the world around them. This book will not only enlighten you but also inspire you with the spirit of innovation and the power of human imagination.

Don't miss out on this remarkable journey through the birth of cyberculture. The Friendly Orange Glow is the ultimate guide to understanding the origins of social computing and our internet-infused world. Get your copy today and be captivated by the stories that shaped our digital landscape. Click here to order now.

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