SF tends to use science in at least two (probably more) ways to explore the human condition.
One way explores modern issues in a different, usually future, setting to gain perspective. Star Trek did it with race and political issues. It is a good way to get some objectivity.
The second is to propose a technological change and explore what that might mean for humanity. This tends to be what Stross does, and does quite well in my opinion. It is a great way to explore the essentials of what it means to be human by thinking about how both individuals and societies might respond to changes.
I'd say both have their place, but I would think that the second way would be of more interest to science/tech geeks.
AT&T
Until the NSA asks them to. Let's not pretend that AT&T isn't evil.
Just run apt-get update && apt-get install acpi-support.
What? apt-get it yourself.
sudo apt-get update && apt-get install acpi-support.
Okay.
UNIX was not designed to stop you from doing stupid things, because that would also stop you from doing clever things. -- Doug Gwyn