Focusing in particular on the personal computer, this thought-provoking work offers an original sociological perspective on contemporary computer technology. Graeme Kirkpatrick argues that the computer is a contested space within which important social conflicts are played out. The outcomes of these conflicts are extremely important as they shape our future experiences of technology, society and politics. The book argues that, for computer users, empowerment and social status are largely determined by the extent to which one understands the technology of the machine. This kind of understanding will be increasingly important for equal citizenship in modern societies. Thus technology - and our understanding of it - is central to the concerns of critical social theory. Providing an interesting and original perspective on a current and much debated field, this book takes issue with received wisdom. It will be essential reading for all those with interests in cyber-culture, the sociology of technology and contemporary citizenship politics.