Could you live without the Internet? Think about it. No more logging on for instant access to news, movie times, florists around the world, mortgage approval, gambling, auctions, vacation planning…. You would have to step back about a decade in time, when surfing the information superhighway was still a mysterious, confusing concept for most of the population. Not only would you forgo instant access, but you would also have to get used to the middleman again. No one wants to return to the days when to get information, you had to go to some dreadful bureaucratic office or stay on hold for a half-hour repeatedly listening to, “I’m sorry, all of our representatives are busy helping other customers. Please stay on the line.”

The Internet provides convenience in a time when everyone is desperate for easy solutions. We all work long hours, so there’s little to no time to manage personal affairs. Having access to the Internet is tantamount to the quintessential good life. With my busy schedule and vehement hatred of all things that waste time, Internet access is right up there with attaining the American Dream of owning my own home and land.

As the years pass, we’re experimenting in more adventurous ways on the Internet, making it even better. That’s what makes our Internet & Connectivity theme so interesting. Each time we prepare this theme issue, we’re impressed with the writers’ ingenuity. They prove that there are no limits other than imagination.

Joan Slavet’s project (page 18) showcases a creative solution to an ordinary problem, all with the help of the Internet. Using SMS messaging, he established a system to remotely control his friend’s store. The project started as a means to turn on and off the lights when his friend was away from his business (the subject of our cover). As Joan’s work progressed, he decided to add other useful control capabilities, such as adjusting the refrigerator’s temperature. Now, the shop owner can command changes from his cell phone while anywhere in the world.

In store for you as well are “The PSoC 5-Cent Modem” (page 26), “Build Your Own 8051 Web Server” (page 34), and “Internet Enabling Made Easy” (page 62). In the first article, Rick Hood discusses how he designed a modem for embedded applications. If you’re looking for a challenge, look no further than Jim Brady’s article about using an 8051 to serve web pages. And, if you aren’t up to the challenge yet, read about the basics of Internet enabling. After 20-plus years of experience in the field, columnist Fred Eady is a valuable source of information. He tackles this usually complex, expensive task and explains how to make it uncomplicated and affordable.

With these articles, you’re sure to find new ideas to incorporate in your own designs. When you do, you should contact me about publishing them!

jennifer.huber@circuitcellar.com

Published: September-2002