Sf net
Encyclopedia
SF NET Coffee House
Network was created by Wayne Gregori in San Francisco, CA in July of 1991. The network consisted of coin operated, public access computers installed in 25 Bay Area coffee houses. SFnet was a ground breaking
idea in a number of ways; First, it brought computer technology
to local public venues that served a less affluent urban population that had little or no access to technology. Second, those individuals who owned home computer
s or had access to them at work were able to connect with cafe goers via simple communications technology
(modem and Bulletin Board System
technology) creating a vibrant and diverse local community. Although SF NET is widely seen as the start of the internet cafe
phenomenon it was more about community building than providing access to technology. The idea was a tremendous social success, allowing thousands of Bay Area residents the opportunity to come together, not only to converse in a new and exciting electronic forum, but to follow-up these cyber meetings with face-to-face get togethers, called Net-Gets, at local coffee houses. SF NET discontinued service in August of 1997. SFnet Press Archive
Coffeehouse
A coffeehouse or coffee shop is an establishment which primarily serves prepared coffee or other hot beverages. It shares some of the characteristics of a bar, and some of the characteristics of a restaurant, but it is different from a cafeteria. As the name suggests, coffeehouses focus on...
Network was created by Wayne Gregori in San Francisco, CA in July of 1991. The network consisted of coin operated, public access computers installed in 25 Bay Area coffee houses. SFnet was a ground breaking
Groundbreaking
Groundbreaking, also known as cutting, sod-cutting, turning the first sod or a sod-turning ceremony, is a traditional ceremony in many cultures that celebrates the first day of construction for a building or other project. Such ceremonies are often attended by dignitaries such as politicians and...
idea in a number of ways; First, it brought computer technology
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
to local public venues that served a less affluent urban population that had little or no access to technology. Second, those individuals who owned home computer
Home computer
Home computers were a class of microcomputers entering the market in 1977, and becoming increasingly common during the 1980s. They were marketed to consumers as affordable and accessible computers that, for the first time, were intended for the use of a single nontechnical user...
s or had access to them at work were able to connect with cafe goers via simple communications technology
Communication
Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information. Communication requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication; thus communication can occur across vast...
(modem and Bulletin Board System
Bulletin board system
A Bulletin Board System, or BBS, is a computer system running software that allows users to connect and log in to the system using a terminal program. Once logged in, a user can perform functions such as uploading and downloading software and data, reading news and bulletins, and exchanging...
technology) creating a vibrant and diverse local community. Although SF NET is widely seen as the start of the internet cafe
Internet cafe
An Internet café or cybercafé is a place which provides internet access to the public, usually for a fee. These businesses usually provide snacks and drinks, hence the café in the name...
phenomenon it was more about community building than providing access to technology. The idea was a tremendous social success, allowing thousands of Bay Area residents the opportunity to come together, not only to converse in a new and exciting electronic forum, but to follow-up these cyber meetings with face-to-face get togethers, called Net-Gets, at local coffee houses. SF NET discontinued service in August of 1997. SFnet Press Archive