With technology available to the general population, activist groups are discovering the effectiveness of computers. Today's activists employ computer technology in three primary areas at home, in the field, and in communication with others. With a computer, printer, and the right software, organizations can greatly increase their effectiveness. Nowadays, news spreads at the speed of light, literally. It is important for activists to keep up to date about important events and to be able to communicate with other groups and activists.
Computers enable local groups to communicate with others across the country and around the world.
A modem is a device in your computer or attached to it that sends and receives information over regular phone lines. With e-mail you can send an electronic letter to anyone who subscribes to an online service. If their computer is not on at the time you send a letter, it is stored in a centralized mail box until the intended recipient retrieves it. You can also receive mail in the same manner. Modems are also used to send and receive fax transmissions and any file stored on your computer's hard disk.