In what ways is working at home on a computer today similar to and different from the cottage industry system that existed in the seventeenth century?

Working at home on a computer today shares similarities with the seventeenth-century cottage industry in that both involve individuals or small groups producing goods or services from their homes, allowing for flexible work hours and autonomy. However, the key differences lie in the scale and nature of production; modern remote work often leverages advanced technology and global connectivity, enabling access to a broader market and collaboration across distances, unlike the localized, manual processes of the cottage industry. Additionally, today's work often emphasizes digital skills and knowledge-based tasks rather than purely artisanal craftsmanship.