The book focuses on the current and projected uses of computers to deliver information in the workplace and in everyday life, and analyses the effect of this technology on language and society. It provides a detailed examination of the impact on society of wordprocessing, information storage and retrieval, computer-mediated communication and artificial intelligence, and assesses areas of concern raised by these technological developments, such as privacy, censorship and workplace alienation. Using real-life experiences and examples, the book provides a practical understanding of the social practices surrounding information technology and suggests possible solutions to the problems and dilemmas it generates. Knowledge Machines will be essential reading for students of linguistics and computer science, and will be of interest to the general reader.