Introduction

As computers are here, there and everywhere, they are difficult to pin down by a simple definition. There seems little in common between a computer which plays chess and one which does the accounts for a large business or between the tiny computer in a digital watch and the giant computers (super computers) essential for space exploration.

However, all computers gain their power and versatility from a few basic principles. The unifying feature of all computers is that they perform actions on information according to a detailed program of instructions.

The range of actions performed, the types of information encompassed and the scope of the programmes are vast and diverse. The aim of the present work is thus to discuss possible approaches through which technologies can be studied from a culturo-analytical point of view, to study the cultural construction of technology, to survey technologies-as-culture, and more specifically, to construct a coherent theoretical, methodological and analytical approach to technology and culture, a common, scientific language that can encompass both culture and technology and that is thus also capable of capturing sensitivity how these are related to each other.