Foreword, Acknowledgement, Preface

• DOI: 10.10520/EJC74036
• Date: 01 January 2005
• Pages: V-VIII
• Published date: 01 January 2005
• Author: Jason Mikellyn Charles Johnson

FOREWORD

Computers have always been a passion of mine. My interest in

technology began in the mid-1980s when video arcade games

such as “asteroids” and “pacman” made their way onto the scene.

Later, I was privileged enough to receive a Commodore 64

Personal Computer from my mother (whose skills of negotiation on

the day rivaled those of the best litigation attorneys!) — one of the

first desktop computers commonly available on the South African

market. It is with a great deal of nostalgia that I recall the countless

hours spent tinkering with the machine. My liking for computers

continued throughout my school career, where I took Computer

Science as an extra subject

As time went by, technology began to improve in leaps and bounds

and I began to experience the most frustrating lesson that any

computer-minded person can learn — no matter how

technologically advanced the gadget, a cheaper, faster and better

model will be on the market the next day.

I soon learned that gathering knowledge about computers would

undoubtedly be cheaper — not to mention much more practical —

than trying to keep abreast with the ever-changing face of

technology.

After school I decided to continue my studies in the field of law. In

spite of this, my keenness for and interest in computers was not to

be extinguished. As my knowledge of the law began to grow, I

began to dabble with the idea of somehow combining my elected

field of training and my passion for technology.

At first I contemplated pursuing a career in the law of patents and

trademarks with respect to computer components and software,

but was somewhat put off by the prospect of having to obtain a

further degree or qualification after having studied for five

consecutive years straight after school. Somewhat confused about

what to do next, I decided to commence my articles of clerkship

with a view to becoming qualified as an attorney.

This Master’s degree is aimed at the unification of my two true

passions – computers and the law. I would like to make use of the

opportunity to thank all those who offered their encouragement or

assistance in making this possible.

Just to provide an indication of the speed at which developments

take place in the field of Information Technology, the Electronic

Communications and Transactions Bill appeared at the beginning

of 2002, having a tremendous impact on the content of my thesis

– both the written and unwritten portion thereof!

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