#computer network course

[ishamalik7500]

Computer Networks: Basics, Types, and Benefits Explained

Computer networks are a big part of today’s highly automated world. They connect people, systems, and devices, making communication and resource sharing effortless. Whether it’s examining the internet, collaborating on projects, or sharing files, computer networks play a vital role in both personal and professional environments. We’ll cover the basics of computer networks, discuss their different types, and see the benefits they deliver.

What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is basically a system where multiple devices are linked together to share resources and exchange data. These devices can include laptops, mobile phones, servers, and networking equipment like routers. Networks enable smooth communication and allow devices to work together efficiently, making everything from browsing the web to managing complex business operations much easier.  

Types of Computer Networks

Personal Area Network (PAN):

Personal Area Networks are designed as small networks intended for individual purposes. They usually span a limited distance and link devices such as.

smartphones, laptops, and tablets. For instance, connecting your phone to your computer via Bluetooth forms a simple PAN.

Local Area Network (LAN):

LANs are commonly used in homes, schools, and offices to connect devices within a limited area. For example, to allow employees to share files and printers seamlessly, all the computers in an office might be connected to a LAN.

Wide Area Network (WAN):

A WAN stretches over a significantly larger territory, often connecting devices or LANs across cities, countries, or even continents. The internet is the most well-known example of a WAN, authorized global connectivity.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

Sitting between LANs and WANs, a MAN is typically used to connect networks across a campus or city. Cable TV networks are a common example of a MAN.

Wireless Networks:

Wireless networks use technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect devices without cables. They’re widely used in offices, homes, and public places, offering convenience and mobility.

Key Components of Computer Networks

Devices (Nodes): Servers that interact within the network these include computers and smartphones. 

Connections (Links): The physical or wireless pathways that transfer data between devices.

Protocols: These are the rules that control data transmission, such as TCP/IP, to maintain smooth communication.

Switches and Routers: Switches connect devices in a network, while routers link different networks together.

Benefits of Computer Networks

Resource Sharing:

Networks make things easy to share like files, printers, and software applications, reducing the need for duplicate resources.

Seamless Communication:

With instant messaging, email, and video calls, networks ensure quick and authentic communication, no matter how far away are you.

Cost Savings:

By collecting resources and data storage, networks cut down on operational costs, especially for businesses.

Anywhere Access:

Modern networks allow you to access data from any connected device, whether you are at home or on the go.

Scalability:

As your needs develop networks will grow too, by supporting more users and devices over time.

Increased Productivity:

It reduces delays in automated processes and real-time data sharing and streamlines workflows, boosting efficiency.

Why Computer Network Skills Are Crucial for Entry-Level Corporate Roles

For those starting their careers, knowledge of computer networks can be a significant asset:

Essential for Office Environments:

 In today's world, most workplaces rely on LANs and WANs for everyday operations. Knowing how these networks function allows employees to balance basic connectivity issues, making sure work stays on track without interruptions.

Supports Collaboration Tools: 

Corporate tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and cloud-based systems depend heavily on networks. Understanding their underlying principles helps entry-level employees adapt quickly to these platforms. 

Enhances Problem-Solving Skills:

Entry-level employees with networking knowledge can help IT, teams, by identifying and resolving minor network problems, exhibiting their value early on.

Boosts Technical Proficiency:

Networking skills indicate a candidate’s technical potential, giving them a head start in industries where tech literacy is required.

Prepares for Future Roles:

As technology makes progress, advanced networking concepts like cybersecurity and IoT integration are becoming integral. Early experience with networks lays a strong beginning for growth in these areas.

Challenges of Computer Networks

Security Risks: Networks are at risk of threats like hacking and malware, requiring robust security measures.

Cost of Setup: High-quality network infrastructure can be costly to install and maintain.

Technical Complexity: Balancing and managing networks frequently need specialized skills.

Conclusion

Computer networks are essential in today’s globalized world. From pushing day-to-day operations in businesses to enabling global communication, their impact is wide-ranging. For aspiring professionals, having computer networking skills can provide a competitive advantage, especially in entry-level corporate roles where technical knowledge is highly valued. By understanding the basics of networks and their benefits, individuals, and organizations can unlock new levels of productiveness and innovation.

I mastered Computer Network at NIPSTec, which is renowned as the best Computer Network institute in Delhi. If you're in Delhi and looking for top-notch training in computer networks, visit NIPSTec for expert guidance and practical learning.

[nixnuevo]

hey guys did you know IT is actually kinda neat

[theeclecticlibrary]

[beyondthetemples-ooc]

Oh yeah! Reblogging to add my friend's tags:

#if you set your computer to a metered connection it can't update without your consent (:

This works on Windows 10, not sure about 11 yet though. (It's in the Settings menu, network settings, and I think you have to go into the settings for the specific network you're connected to. If you do a network reset, it removes that setting, so be sure to set it back afterwards!)

Also I believe no piece of software except for internet browsers should have always online internet connection. In fact, if you have something like an multiplayer game, you should go and click a very visible, very noticeable button that allows it to connect to the internet. If there is an update to an application, even your own OS, it should be in a very, very visible notification and only start with your express consent. You should be able to tell when something in your computer is connected to the internet. If you update your program in the background you should be shot.

[cdcspoken01]

Computer Courses In Raipur

NCIT (CDC Spoken English Courses Tally & GST)provides the computer courses in Raipur teaching by our professional teachers. We have years of experience in the field of computer courses more than one decade. In our Computer courses in Raipur is to develop a cadre of professionals as per future need. We also focus on overall development of students through skill development programs to provide them a wealth secured future.

[tccicomputercoaching]

Computer Networking for Beginners: A Complete Starter Guide

Have you recently entered the world of technology and are currently wondering what computer networking for beginners really means? Whether you are trying to set up a Wi-Fi network at home, connect many devices within your own office, or just trying to figure how the internet works, the crux of computer networking is to make your understanding of where you begin. This guide will take you through everything you require in simple terms-no tech jargon but just straightforward explanations that will help get your connections up and running and make you feel more confident.

What is Computer Networking?

It is simply connecting computer devices to share data and services like in a plumbing system at home where the water flows from one point to the other. That is the way data networking looks like.

What Is Networking All About?

That is, you would print from the laptop without having to plug in anything, because that is how networking works-it connects computers and other devices to the internet such as sending emails, browsing the web, or playing a multiplayer game.

Types of Computer Networks

Here are the types of networks which are most commonly found:

Local Area Network (LAN) - Small areas like houses or offices.

WAN (Wide Area Network): It covers considerable distances such as cities and countries (the reverse of the WAN is obviously the internet).

MAN: Metropolitan Area Network; this includes the entire city or a large campus.

PAN (Personal Area Network): This reminds us of Bluetooth connections.

Basic Networking Devices

A few basic devices must be known to create- or understand-a network:

Router: A device that directs data across networks.

Switch: A device that connects multiple devices within the same network.

Modem: A device that connects the network to the internet.

Access Point: A device that facilitates wireless connections.

Wired vs. Wireless Networks

Wired networks, use cables (like Ethernet), offer great speed and stability.

Wireless networks, or Wi-Fi networks, provide flexibility and convenience, without the hassle of physical cables.

Conclusion

Networking sounds a bit scary, but mastering the basic concepts makes it all easy thereafter. Computer networking is what keeps us all connected in this digital world-from our homes, schools, and out to our workplaces. Start small, and you'll be building and troubleshooting networks in no time!

For more information or to join our latest computer courses, contact TCCI – Tririd Computer Coaching Institute at +91 98256 18292 or visit http://tccicomputercoaching.com/

[usciedu]

Dive into the world of computer networking! Learn how data is exchanged, discover key protocols, and explore modern innovations shaping secure and efficient digital communication systems. A computer networking course from Indore or a computer networking course in Indore can pave the way to IT & Networking jobs in Indore by enabling people of Indore or nearby regions. Information technology has grown drastically; Indore has been developing significantly as a center of Information Technology, and the employment of networking professionals is highly demanded in the industries nowadays. 

[kontentedgee]

Professional Computer Hardware Course - Enroll Now

Looking to start a career in IT? Enroll in our Professional Computer Hardware course now! Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, this course will teach you everything you need to know about computer hardware. From understanding CPUs and motherboards to troubleshooting and maintenance techniques, our expert-led training will provide you with practical knowledge that businesses value. At Kontentedge, we are acknowledged for providing the best online computer hardware course. Our curriculum is meant to be both thorough and straightforward to follow, making complicated subjects understandable. Join the thousands of successful students who have advanced their professions with our industry-recognized credentials. Don't wait—seats are filling up quickly! Enroll now to take the first step toward becoming a certified computer hardware specialist with Kontentedge.

[jcmarchi]

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in HR: How AI is Reshaping the Landscape of Human Resources - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/the-rise-of-artificial-intelligence-in-hr-how-ai-is-reshaping-the-landscape-of-human-resources-technology-org/

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in HR: How AI is Reshaping the Landscape of Human Resources - Technology Org

In the realm of business and technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has transitioned from a futuristic vision to a pivotal component of contemporary strategies across various sectors. Human Resources (HR), a domain traditionally reliant on human intuition and interpersonal connections, is witnessing a profound transformation fueled by AI’s capabilities. This digital evolution is reshaping the landscape of HR, making processes more efficient, data-driven, and personalized.  

Business meeting, lead management – illustrative photo. Image credit: Campaign Creators via Unsplash, free license

A study by Deloitte says approximately 40 per cent of companies would have used or were planning to deploy artificial intelligence in their human resource departments. What is increasingly highlighted is the deep recognition that AI can indeed revolutionize how HR Professional’s conduct in recruitment, talent management, employee engagement, and strategies.

The Evolution of HR Through Technology

Before the digital age, HR practices were predominantly manual work, focusing on paperwork and direct human interactions for recruitment, employee management, and organizational development. The introduction of computers and internet connectivity marked the rise of technological advancements in the HR industry; such as facilitating electronic record-keeping and online job postings.

However, the true evolution began with the integration of AI recruiting tools and machine learning technologies. These tools allow HR to automate tasks and provide valuable insights which the organization could use to better their decision-making.

Areas of AI Application in HR

Recruitment and Talent Acquisition

AI technologies have revolutionized the way organizations review and select candidates. AI-powered tools automate the screening of candidates’ resumes. Additionally, AI chatbots are now commonly used to engage potential applicants, answering questions and guiding them through the application process. Gartner predicted that 75 per cent of HR inquiries will be managed by bots or other conversational AI platforms by the end of 2023.

Employee Experience and Engagement 

AI also plays a critical role in improving the quality of onboarding experience for new hires. For example, AI can tailor information and training materials based on the new hires roles and preferences. Furthermore, AI-driven platforms can provide continuous feedback and engagement among employees by identifying sentiment trends and engagement levels through natural language processing (NLP). 

Learning and Development

With the help of AI, organizations can now provide customized learning paths, strategically tailoring content and recommendations based on their employee’s progress, performance, and career goals.  Organizations can utilize AI predictive analytics to anticipate employees’ skill gaps and recommend courses or projects, thus facilitating a positive career development. 

Performance Management

Moreover, organizations can utilize AI specifically for performance management such as setting and tracking performance goals, offering real-time feedback, and conducting data-driven assessments. These AI-powered technologies help in eliminating human biases and provide employees with constructive, objective feedback which foster growth and improvement. 

The Benefits of Using AI for HR Professionals

According to Statista, 55 per cent of HR professionals stated that AI is a must-have tool when hiring employees.  The utilization of AI in HR processes brings numerous benefits. It enhances efficiency and productivity by automating time-consuming tasks, allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic decision-making.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the many benefits of integration AI, the adoption of it is not without challenges. There are ethical concerns related to data privacy of users. Furthermore, there is a risk of perpetuating existing biases and introducing new ones through flawed AI algorithms.   

Future Trends and Predictions in AI-Driven HR

Looking ahead, AI is expected to play an even more vital role in HR decision-making process. For example, advanced predictive analytics could offer deeper insights for HR professionals to review their workforce planning and talent management. This in turn will help organizations anticipate changes and prepare accordingly.

Conclusion

The integration of AI into HR practices marks a significant rising trend, racing towards a more efficient, equitable, and data-driven management for organizations to conduct their operation.  Even though there are challenges, the potential benefits of utilizing AI-powered HR technology can transform how HR professionals conduct their operations.

As we move forward, AI will be a crucial tool for HR professionals to embrace and outcompete their competitors by leveraging AI’s capabilities to enhance organizational development and employee satisfaction. The future of the HR industry lies in the balance of technology and humanity, and it seems that AI will be playing a pivotal role in defining this equilibrium.

References:

Deloitte: https://joshbersin.com/2017/03/ai-robotics-and-cognitive-computing-are-changing-business-faster-than-you-thought/

Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/3970704

Statista: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1424847/ai-importance-as-an-essential-skill-hr-managers/

[gojos-nightmare-box]

BRUHHHHHH I GOT LOCKED OUT OF MY STUDENT ACCT AND NEED IT FOR DOCUMENTS AND THEYRE LIKE WHAT COURSES DID U TAKE

I DONT REMEMBER????? THATS WHY I WANT MY TRANSCRIPT SOBBING

[thegeorgetelegraph]

Computer Hardware And Networking Course From GTTI

The leading hardware and networking institute of West Bengal offers best hardware and networking course. Join us and get a good hardware and networking job.

[aiiitindia01]

Bangalore is a hub for IT companies, startups, and multinational corporations, making it an ideal location to study and work in the field of cybersecurity. The city boasts numerous educational institutions and training centers that offer comprehensive cybersecurity courses to cater to the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.

[nitewrighter]

Flash: So you eat fish.

Aquaman: *shrug* Yeah, man. Fish eat fish, why wouldn't I?

Flash: But it's not weird, like... the fact that you can talk to them?

Aquaman: Well it's telepathy, and it's more like... networking, and in the case of a lot of fish it's kind of like you're interfacing with a very very very simple binary computer made of meat. I mean yeah, they have instincts, and they can feel distressed, like any animal, but a lot of the time the thought process before getting eaten is, "swim... swim..." then pffft--nothing.

Flash: You've read a fish's mind before you've eaten it.

Aquaman: Nah, but I've telepathically stunned fish before eating them when I'm in a hurry.

Flash: *staring*

Aquaman: Look, I have a trident! It's not like I'm just snatching them with my mouth mid-swim! *pauses* ...every time.

Flash: ...

Aquaman: *mindlessly* Mera's actually way better at it than me. Doesn't even need to stun them. God, it's incredibly hot when she does it.

Flash: CATCHING FISH IN HER MOUTH!?

Aquaman: *lovestruck sigh* Like a shark...

---Later---

Flash: *pressing his knuckles to his forehead* And you're a vegetarian.

Wonder Woman: *mixing a salad in the Justice League break room* Of course I'm a vegetarian. I can talk to animals.

Flash: *presses his hands together in front of himself and inhales deeply*

[cdcspoken01]

Why Spoken English Classes in Raipur Are the Secret Sauce to Boosting Your Career

Introduction

So, you want to level up your career but feel like your English skills are holding you back? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. If you’ve ever found yourself in a meeting, struggling to express your thoughts in English or trying to understand what that super-confident colleague is saying, it’s time for a change. Cue the magic solution: Spoken English Classes in Raipur!

You might be wondering, "Why Spoken English?" Well, let's dive into this, and trust me, by the end of this blog, you’ll be looking up the best spoken English classes faster than you can say “hello”!

What’s the Big Deal About Spoken English?

Alright, let’s get one thing straight. Speaking good English isn’t just about sounding like Shakespeare (thankfully!). It's about making sure your ideas get across clearly, without awkward pauses or mumbling. Whether you're in a job interview, trying to impress a client, or chatting with a colleague, your ability to communicate fluently in English can make or break your career. But hey, don’t just take my word for it—let’s look at some solid reasons why brushing up on your English is a game-changer.

1. English is the Global Business Language

If you’re aiming for career success, English is your golden ticket. It’s the lingua franca of the business world. From startups to multinational corporations, English is often the default language for communication. So, whether you're trying to work your way up the ladder or impress that client from across the globe, speaking confidently in English will definitely give you a leg up.

If you're already imagining yourself answering calls from clients abroad, you're on the right track. All you need is the right Spoken English Classes in Raipur to get you there!

2. No More Awkward Situations

We've all been there—you're at a meeting, your boss says something that sounds like "blabla in alignment with the corporate synergy," and you just nod, pretending you know what's going on. Not anymore! With good spoken English skills, you can avoid those cringe-worthy moments. No more pretending to understand jargon or panicking when it's time to speak up. Instead, you’ll be the one confidently jumping into conversations with ease.

What Else Can You Learn? Computer Courses in Raipur, Anyone?

Now that we’ve established why Spoken English Classes in Raipur are a must-have for career success, let’s talk about another secret weapon that’s equally powerful: Computer Courses in Raipur.

Imagine this: you’re killing it in meetings, speaking English like a pro, and then, you get a task that involves spreadsheets. Uh-oh. Your mind goes blank. Excel? What’s that again? That’s where Computer Courses in Raipur come to the rescue!

1. Level Up Your Tech Skills

We live in a digital age where almost every job, from finance to marketing, demands some level of computer literacy. Whether you’re filling out a report in Excel, analyzing data on Google Sheets, or navigating office software like a champ, tech skills are non-negotiable.

So why not kill two birds with one stone? Enroll in Computer Courses in Raipur alongside your Spoken English Classes in Raipur and become an unstoppable force in the workplace. You’ll be the person everyone turns to when they can’t figure out how to make their computer do cool stuff.

2. Flexibility in Job Roles

Let’s face it, computers are everywhere. When you sign up for Computer Courses in Raipur, you open yourself up to a whole bunch of job opportunities in various fields like administration, data entry, graphic design, software development, and much more. Paired with your newfound confidence in speaking English, you'll have the skills to grab almost any job that comes your way.

Combining English and Computer Skills: A Match Made in Career Heaven

Now here’s where the magic happens. If you’re serious about career growth, combining Spoken English Classes in Raipur with Computer Courses in Raipur is the ultimate power combo. Imagine the impact you’ll have on your career when you’re not only tech-savvy but can also communicate like a pro. You’ll be the go-to person in the office for presentations, meetings, or troubleshooting computer problems.

1. No More Missed Opportunities

Job openings often require a mix of technical and communication skills. By mastering both English and computer skills, you’ll never have to worry about missing out on a promotion or job offer. You’ll be able to handle all kinds of tasks with confidence, from drafting emails and reports to using advanced software tools to optimize your work.

2. Confidence is Key

There’s no better feeling than walking into an interview or meeting, knowing that you’re ready to impress. With your polished Spoken English skills and your new computer expertise, you’ll walk in with your head held high, knowing you’re the total package. Goodbye, self-doubt. Hello, success!

Get Started Today!

So, are you ready to upgrade your career with Spoken English Classes in Raipur and Computer Courses in Raipur? Don’t wait for the perfect moment. The time is now! The more you delay, the more opportunities you miss. Plus, who wants to be the person stuck asking for help with the computer every time?

Why Wait? Take the Leap!

Build Confidence: Master English and computers—two of the most essential skills today.

Boost Your Employability: Get hired faster, climb the corporate ladder, or even start your own business.

Stay Ahead of the Curve: The world is constantly changing. Don’t be left behind by not keeping your skills up to date.

Conclusion

It’s simple: if you want to stand out in today’s competitive job market, mastering both Spoken English and computer skills is a no-brainer. Don’t wait any longer—start your journey today and become the professional everyone looks up to. Whether you’re making killer presentations, sending perfectly written emails, or navigating complex software, these skills will get you far.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started with Spoken English Classes in Raipur and Computer Courses in Raipur right away!

[tccicomputercoaching]

Explore Basic Networking Concepts You Must Know at TCCI! Master LAN, WAN, protocols, and network security with expert training for a strong IT foundation.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Social media needs (dumpster) fire exits

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/12/14/fire-exits/#graceful-failure-modes

Of course you should do everything you can to prevent fires – and also, you should build fire exits, because no matter how hard you try, stuff burns. That includes social media sites.

Social media has its own special form of lock-in: we use social media sites to connect with friends, family members, community members, audiences, comrades, customers…people we love, depend on, and care for. Gathering people together is a profoundly powerful activity, because once people are in one place, they can do things: plan demonstrations, raise funds, organize outings, start movements. Social media systems that attract people then attract more people – the more people there are on a service, the more reasons there are to join that service, and once you join the service, you become a reason for other people to join.

Economists call this the "network effect." Services that increase in value as more people use them are said to enjoy "network effects." But network effects are a trap, because services that grow by connecting people get harder and harder to escape.

That's thanks to something called the "collective action problem." You experience the collective action problems all the time, whenever you try and get your friends together to do something. I mean, you love your friends but goddamn are they a pain in the ass: whether it's deciding what board game to play, what movie to see, or where to go for a drink afterwards, hell is truly other people. Specifically, people that you love but who stubbornly insist on not agreeing to do what you want to do.

You join a social media site because of network effects. You stay because of the collective action problem. And if you leave anyway, you will experience "switching costs." Switching costs are all the things you give up when you leave one product or service and join another. If you leave a social media service, you lose contact with all the people you rely on there.

Social media bosses know all this. They play a game where they try to enshittify things right up to the point where the costs they're imposing on you (with ads, boosted content, undermoderation, overmoderation, AI slop, etc) is just a little less than the switching costs you'd have to bear if you left. That's the revenue maximization strategy of social media: make things shittier for you to make things better for the company, but not so shitty that you go.

The more you love and need the people on the site, the harder it is for you to leave, and the shittier the service can make things for you.

How cursed is that?

But digital technology has an answer. Because computers are so marvelously, miraculously flexible, we can create emergency exits between services so when they turn into raging dumpster fires, you can hit the crash-bar and escape to a better service.

For example, in 2006, when Facebook decided to open its doors to the public – not just college kids with .edu addresses – they understood that most people interested in social media already had accounts on Myspace, a service that had sold to master enshittifier Rupert Murdoch the year before. Myspace users were champing at the bit to leave, but they were holding each other hostage.

To resolve this hostage situation, Facebook gave prospective Myspace users a bot that would take their Myspace login and password and impersonate them on Myspace, scraping all the messages their stay-behind friends had posted for them. These would show up in your Facebook inbox, and when you replied to them, the bot would log back into Myspace as you and autopilot those messages into your outbox, so they'd be delivered to your friends there.

No switching costs, in other words: you could use Facebook and still talk to your Myspace friends, without using Myspace. Without switching costs, there was no collective action problem, because you didn't all have to leave at once. You could trickle from Myspace to Facebook in ones and twos, and stay connected to each other.

Of course, that trickle quickly became a flood. Network effects are a double-edged sword: if you're only stuck to a service because of the people there, then if those people go, there's no reason for you to stick around. The anthropologist danah boyd was able to watch this from the inside, watching Myspace's back-end as whole groups departed en masse:

When I started seeing the disappearance of emotionally sticky nodes, I reached out to members of the MySpace team to share my concerns and they told me that their numbers looked fine. Active uniques were high, the amount of time people spent on the site was continuing to grow, and new accounts were being created at a rate faster than accounts were being closed. I shook my head; I didn’t think that was enough. A few months later, the site started to unravel.

https://www.zephoria.org/thoughts/archives/2022/12/05/what-if-failure-is-the-plan.html

Social media bosses hate the idea of fire exits. For social media enshittifiers, the dumpster fire is a feature, not a bug. If users can escape the minute you turn up the heat, how will you cook them alive?

Facebook nonconsensually hacked fire exits into Myspace and freed all of Rupert Murdoch's hostages. Fire exits represents a huge opportunity for competitors – or at least they did, until the motley collection of rules we call "IP" was cultivated into a thicket that made doing unto Facebook as Facebook did unto Myspace a felony:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

When Elon Musk set fire to Twitter, people bolted for the exits. The safe harbor they sought out at first was Mastodon, and a wide variety of third party friend-finder services popped up to help Twitter refugees reassemble their networks on Mastodon. All departing Twitter users had to do was put their Mastodon usernames in their bios. The friend-finder services would use the Twitter API to pull the bios of everyone you followed and then automatically follow their Mastodon handles for you. For a couple weeks there, I re-ran a friend-finder service every couple days, discovering dozens and sometimes hundreds of friends in the Fediverse.

Then, Elon Musk shut down the API – bricking up the fire exit. For a time there, Musk even suspended the accounts of Twitter users who mentioned the existence of their Mastodon handles on the platform – the "free speech absolutist" banned millions of his hostages from shouting "fire exit" in a burning theater:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/martineparis/2022/12/17/elon-musk-bans-journalists-on-twitter-as-more-flee-to-mastodon-heres-who-to-follow/

Mastodon is a nonprofit, federated service built on a open standards. Anyone can run a Mastodon server, and the servers all talk to each other. This is like email – you can use your Gmail account to communicate with friends who have Outlook accounts. But when you change email servers, you have to manually email everyone in your contact list to get them to switch over, while Mastodon has an automatic forwarding service that switches everyone you follow, and everyone who follows you, onto a new server. This is more like cellular number-porting, where you can switch from Verizon to T-Mobile and keep your phone number, so your friends don't have to care about which network your phone is on, they just call you and reach you.

This federation with automatic portability is the fire exit of all fire exits. It means that when your server turns into a dumpster fire, you can quit it and go somewhere else and lose none of your social connections – just a couple clicks gets you set up on a server run by someone you trust more or like better than the boss on your old server. And just as with real-world fire exits, you can use this fire exit in non-emergency ways, too – like maybe you just want to hang out on a server that runs faster, or whose users you like more, or that has a cooler name. Click-click-click, and you're in the new place. Change your mind? No problem – click-click-click, and you're back where you started.

This doesn't just protect you from dumpster fires, it's also a flame-retardant, reducing the likelihood of conflagration. A server admin who is going through some kind of enraging event (whomst amongst us etc etc) knows that if they do something stupid and gross to their users, the users can bolt for the exits. That knowledge increases the volume on the quiet voice of sober second thought that keeps us from flying off the handle. And if the admin doesn't listen to that voice? No problem: the fire exit works as an exit – not just as a admin-pacifying measure.

Any public facility should be built with fire exits. Long before fire exits were a legal duty, they were still a widely recognized good idea, and lots of people installed them voluntarily. But after horrorshows like the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire, fire exits became a legal obligation. Today, the EU's Digital Markets Act imposes a requirement on large platforms to stand up interoperable APIs so that users can quit their services and go to a rival without losing contact with the people they leave behind – it's the world's first fire exit regulation for online platforms.

It won't be the last. Existing data protection laws like California's CCPA, which give users a right to demand copies of their data, arguably impose a duty on Mastodon server hosts to give users the data-files they need to hop from one server to the next. This doesn't just apply to the giant companies that are captured by the EU's DMA (which calls them "very large online platforms," or "VLOPS" – hands-down my favorite weird EU bureaucratic coinage of all time). CCPA would capture pretty much any server hosted in California and possibly and server with Californian users.

Which is OK! It's fine to tell small coffee-shops and offices with three desks that they need a fire exit, provided that installing that fire exit doesn't cost so much to install and maintain that it makes it impossible to run a small business or nonprofit or hobby. A duty to hand over your users' data files isn't a crushing compliance burden – after all, the facility for exporting that file comes built into Mastodon, so all a Mastodon server owner has to do to comply is not turn that facility off. What's more, if there's a dispute about whether a Mastodon server operator has provided a user with the file, we can resolve it by simply asking the server operator to send another copy of the file, or, in extreme cases, to provide a regulator with the file so that they can hand it to the user.

This is a great fire exit design. Fire exits aren't a substitute for making buildings less flammable, but they're a necessity, no matter how diligent the building's owner is about fire suppression. People are right to be pissed off about platform content moderation and content moderation at scale is effectively impossible:

https://www.techdirt.com/2019/11/20/masnicks-impossibility-theorem-content-moderation-scale-is-impossible-to-do-well/

The pain of bad content moderation is not evenly distributed. Typically, the people who get it worst are disfavored minorities with little social power and large cadres of organized bad actors who engage in coordinated harassment campaigns. Ironically, these people also rely more on one another for support (because they are disfavored, disadvantaged, and targeted) than the median user, which means they pay higher switching costs when they leave a platform and lose one another. That means that the people who suffer the worst from content moderation failures are also the people whom a platform can afford to fail most egregiously without losing their business.

It's the "Fiddler on the Roof" problem: sure, the villagers of Anatevka get six kinds of shit kicked out of them by cossacks every 15 minutes, but if they leave the shtetl, they'll lose everything they have. Their wealth isn't material. Anatekvans are peasants with little more than the clothes on their back and a storehouse of banging musical numbers. The wealth of Anatevka is social, it's one another. The only thing worse than living in Anatevka is leaving Anatevka, because the collective action problem dictates that once you leave Anatevka, you lose everyone you love:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/29/how-to-leave-dying-social-media-platforms/

Twitter's exodus remains a trickle, albeit one punctuated by the occasional surge when Musk does something particularly odious and the costs of staying come into sharp relief, pushing users to depart. These days, most of these departures are for Bluesky, not Mastodon.

Bluesky, like Mastodon, was conceived of as a federated social service with easy portability between servers that would let users hop from one server to another. The Bluesky codebase and architecture frames out a really ambitious fire-suppression program, with composable, stackable moderation tools and group follow/block lists that make it harder for dumpster fires to break out. I love this stuff: it's innovative in the good sense of "something that makes life better for technology users" (as opposed to the colloquial meaning of "innovative," which is "something that torments locked-in users to make shareholders richer).

But as I said when I opened this essay, "you should do everything you can to prevent fires – and also, you should build fire exits, because no matter how hard to you try, stuff burns."

Bluesky's managers claim they've framed in everything they need to install the fire exits that would let you leave Bluesky and go to a rival server without losing the people you follow and the people who follow you. They've got personal data servers that let you move all your posts. They've got stable, user-controlled identifiers that could maintain connections across federated servers.

But, despite all this, there's no actual fire exits for Bluesky. No Bluesky user has severed all connections with the Bluesky business entity, renounced its terms of service and abandoned their accounts on Bluesky-managed servers without losing their personal connections to the people they left behind.

Those live, ongoing connections to people – not your old posts or your identifiers – impose the highest switching costs for any social media service. Myspace users who were reluctant to leave for the superior lands of Facebook (where, Mark Zuckerberg assured them, they would never face any surveillance – no, really!) were stuck on Rupert Murdoch's sinking ship by their love of one another, not by their old Myspace posts. Giving users who left Myspace the power to continue talking to the users who stayed was what broke the floodgates, leading to the "unraveling" that boyd observed.

Bluesky management has evinced an admirable and (I believe) sincere devotion to their users' wellbeing, and they've amply demonstrated that commitment with capital expenditures on content moderators and tools to allow users to control their own content moderation. They've invested heavily in fire suppression.

But there's still no fire exits on Bluesky. The exits are on the blueprints, they're roughed into the walls, but no one's installed them. Bluesky users' only defense against a dumpster fire is the ongoing goodwill and wisdom of Bluesky management. That's not enough. As I wrote earlier, every social media service where I'm currently locked in by my social connections was founded by someone I knew personally, respected, and liked and respected (and often still like and respect):

https://pluralistic.net/2024/11/02/ulysses-pact/#tie-yourself-to-a-federated-mast

I would love to use Bluesky, not least because I am fast approaching the point where the costs of using Twitter will exceed the benefits. I'm pretty sure that an account on Bluesky would substitute well for the residual value that keeps me glued to Twitter. But the fact that Twitter is such a dumpster fire is why I'm not going to join Bluesky until they install those fire exits. I've learned my lesson: you should never, ever, ever join another service unless they've got working fire exits.