Hacking back across third party systems is more self help than self defense (rarely is the command and control computer linked directly to the system being attacked).

FORBES: Caution: Active Response to Cyber Attacks Has High Risk

According to reports, the plan calls for creating three types of forces under the Cyber Command: protecting computer systems that involve electrical grids and other kinds of infrastructure, offensive operations overseas as well as protection of the defence department's internal systems.

BBC: US Cyber Command in 'fivefold' staff expansion

XML, the human voice becomes a substitute for a computer mouse and the spoken command for a click.

ECONOMIST: Internet

One important issue is whether Cyber Command will get the authority to identify computer users who may have malicious intent.

NPR: U.S. Seeks To Define Rules On Cyberwar

Unlike past viruses that have hijacked armies of PCs, Storm doesn't place the command and control of the network in a single computer.

FORBES: Zombie Storm Rising

Anderson told attendees that the U.S. Space Command, the agency in charge of satellite communications, has begun to craft a computer network attack strategy.

CNN: U.S. Army kick-starts cyberwar machine

For the techie on your list, try In the Beginning Was the Command Line by Neal Stephenson, his extended essay on the relationship between culture and the computer.

NPR: The Least Material of Material Gifts

Unlike other botnets, Storm has no single command-and-control point--it functions as a peer-to-peer system where any hijacked computer can give and receive commands.

FORBES: Storm For Rent