From the Editor: The Human Link

By Lia Wilson

Connectivity. What image does the word conjure in your mind? Do you imagine machines? Cold, unfeeling, lifeless boxes of circuitry connected by wires? Probably. But connectivity can mean more than that. The concept of connectivity transcends hardware.

It's what these machines connect that's important. People--people sharing common resources, people sharing common goals, people exchanging information--people connected in a way that adds a human element to lifeless technology. People use technology to communicate in ways never before possible, at speeds only imagined just a few short years ago. Some argue that these technological advancements are making communication impersonal. Are they? That's doubtful when you consider how much easier communicating has become. You use this technology daily--communicating with those near and far at dizzying speeds. Think about it. With the speed and ease of the Internet, you can now quickly fire off a note to someone when previously you might have only considered sending a letter or placing a phone call. You've made a connection that may never have existed had the technology not been available.

We know--because we hear from you, frequently. And that's what we want! Just last issue we had a resounding response to our editorial "Is Hype Hip?" We saw different viewpoints expressed, some a little more vehemently than others, but we appreciated all of them. Keeping the lines of communication open is important to us.

We must be connected to you, our readers, to continue to provide a publication that serves your needs. It's gratifying to know that many of you take the opportunity and deem the magazine important enough to let us know what you like about Personal Systems and to share your ideas on how to improve it. I'll share with you what one reader said about the magazine, "I pore over a lot of journals as I strive to keep up with the changing technological landscape. Many leave me feeling like I know less after I've read them than before. I come away from Personal Systems feeling like I've just finished a fine dinner--full, contemplative, and satisfied." Great! That's what we want to do. Another reader told us, "What you say may be true about Windows 95 being more hype than fact, but don't start feeling sorry for yourself and IBM. OS/2 is not the end-all you make it out to be. . . ." Great! We want to hear both sides of every story.

Your comments arrive from many sources: e-mail, snail mail, faxes, phone calls. One of the most efficient ways to voice your opinion is to fill out and mail the evaluation card located in the magazine. We guarantee that we read and consider each and every evaluation. Please take advantage of this postage paid card to send your comments and/or to rate our articles, or use our new "Fast Fax Feedback" form on page 52. Remember, the communication channels run both ways. We also strive to provide you with quick and easy ways to receive information. The Reader Service Card is one of the best ways to quickly obtain information about products or services you read about in Personal Systems. You'll find it between pages 56 and 57. Whatever methods you use, let's stay connected!

This issue's connectivity topics have widespread appeal. If you're interested in using OS/2 Warp Connect, the network version of OS/2 Warp, you will find a wealth of information in part one of "Getting Warped and Connected Too!" Edward Duhe and Bret Curran lay the foundation for installing this version of Warp and introduce you to its connection capabilities. If you're administering a LAN, you know the importance of security. "Security and Auditing in IBM LAN Server" overviews LAN Server's security and auditing architecture. If you're interested in adding "roaming office" capability to your business environment, don't miss "Infrared: LANs Without Wires." Personal Systems is connecting you--to the world and to the world of connectivity.

Lia Wilson, Assistant Editor