Software Testing Blog

For most who read a software testing blog, web access is a given — it’s always on, always up, usually fast, and even available on-the-go (as long as you remember to bring your Nexus One, Curve, iPhone, etc).

But not too long ago, the web was still in early adopter mode.  It was available (maybe) after you fired up that block you called a desktop computer; and after you endured the sound of your dial-up connection; and only if you exhibited zen-like patience with pop-ups and page load times.

Why am I taking this trip down memory lane?  Well, it could be because I saw the extended trailer for Hot Tub Time Machine (destined to be a classic, but NSFW).  More likely, however, is the fact that yesterday I read a couple of interesting pieces from Mashable & the BBC — about the global adoption of the Internet in the past decade, and the provocative question of whether or not web access is an inalienable human right in this day and age.  Both are worth checking out, if for no other reason than to make us appreciate what we have.

And since we have a global community of software testers, I’m extremely interested to hear what the software-savvy readers from every corner of the globe have to say about this very cool interactive map from the BBC.  Does this fit with your experience in your home countries?  What do you think this chart looks like in 2012?  2020?  Share your thoughts in the comments.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go complain to the barista that the wi-fi in this Starbucks is taking way too long to download songs from iTunes and ripped files from BitTorrent, while I watch 30 Rock on Hulu.