Although research in this field dates back to Richard P. Feynman's classic talk in 1959, the term nanotechnology was first coined by K. Eric Drexler in 1986 in the book Engines of Creation.

In the popular press, the term nanotechnology is sometimes used to refer to any sub-micron process, including lithography. Because of this, many scientists are beginning to use the term molecular nanotechnology when talking about true nanotechnology at the molecular level.

NanoTechnology Magazine 
Excellent all-around source for news and information about nanotechnology. Good for beginners as well as seasoned veterans.

Ralph C. Merkle's Nanotechnology Web Site 
Good introduction to nanotechnology with lots of links to additional information. The site is maintained by Ralph C Merkle, a scientist at Xerox PARC.

Feynman's 1959 talk
Nobel Laureate Richard P. Feynman's 1959 talk to the American Physical Society, in which he discusses minituarization at the molecular level. It is widely viewed as the seminal speech that launched nanotechnology as an independent field of research.

The Nanoelectronics and Nanocomputers Home Page
Focuses on the electronics and computer applications of nanotechnology. An excellent source for top-down information.

Yahoo!'s nanotechnology page
Yahoo!'s directory of nanotechnology.

CSC Scientists Discover Ways to Build Chips From the Atom Up
This article from the Computer Sciences Corporation details how they reduced the size of existing chips but by building them up from individual molecules.

Nanoelectronics Planet
Nanoelectronics Planet provides news and events for the nanotechnology business communities of interest: business development, investment,technology transfer, and government.