Are we really at the beginning of  the "age of spiritual machines"  proclaimed by some authors ? Starting from today's state-of-the-art and current trend-setting theoretical or technological approaches the lecture presents some predictions and theses for computing and net-working in the 21st century. As crucial points for future development in this area not only forthcoming evolution steps of processor or internet performance but also completely new services and technologies to be expected in the next three decades are discussed. The overview is concluded by remarks on imaginable long-term progress in information technologies and on possible consequences for human society.