Just as a side note before I get into the actual post, is it bad that I forgot how to put up a new post already? haha. :P
The second half of the reading Computers: The Life Story of a Technology was a pleasant surprise. I remembered how I thought that the first half was a bore and was expecting to just read words again. However, I was very engaged in the reading and found it interestined to learn the background stories of how companies I know pretty well (I think I do at least) these days as well as the modern PCs, like the ones I use today, came to be. Some were dare I say it, cute stories, such as how the Altair 8800 microcomputer got its name (86) and others were just downright amazing, like the story of Microsoft (88~on).
It was mind boggling to me to think that people wanted the Altair 8800 microcomputer so much that they waited months and dealt with all the problems, even when the microcomputer had no peripherals. I could't help but wonder, what the hell did they use it for!??! Perhaps it's because I'm so used to having a computer that I basically use for everything, from writing essays to playing games, that I cannot imagine how I would be able to use a computer without many of those capabilities.
I don't know if I should say it's funny or weird to know how young these entrepreneurs were when they first started. Paul Allen and Bill Gates were programmers since middle/high school, and worked for fun as programmers (which is just absurd! working for free just because it's fun????). Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs were also in high school and went on to work throughout college at verious companies.Just as a side note here, I thought it was hilarious how Apple first started on April Fool's Day with its machine costing a friendly $666.66 (91).
Because of people like Allen, Gates, Jobs, and Wozniak, the PCs are where they are today. With better computers, more software programs developed as well as something I cannot imagine being without, games! Better computers helped, also, to improve how the world is connected through LAN, WWW, and wireless networking. Of course, this led to the second to last chapter of the book, "Computers Everywhere," which is so true for us, but not for the whole world.
The digital divide is actually pretty dangerous, in my opinion. Because technology enables us to do so much, those who are lacking it are lacking so much more and falling behind rapidly, as technology is rapidly evolving. While the gap exists globally, certain factors such as race, income, and education seem to matter a lot (133).
The final thoughts made me think a lot, especially the last paragraph on page 149. If I thought that computers 50 years ago were primitive and basically useless, it is very possible that the computers we use today will be considered primitive and useless when we look back 50 years from now, despite it being really hard to perceive right now. I just hope I can keep up with the rapidly growing technology so that in 50 years from now, I can be the one to say, "Wow, those computers in 2010 really were nothing!"
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Computers: The Life Story of a Technology, PART I
The first assignment given to us for the class was to read the first half of Computers: The Life Story of a Technology by Eric G. Swedin and David L. Ferro. I have to admit, it was a bit of a bore for a while, since it had a lot of straight up history and not so much of the effects of technology. However, it still managed to capture my mind as I saw the clear transitions society had from earlier pre-computer days to when the usage of computers became valuable to businesses an society as a whole.
Before I even got into the reading, I noticed the timeline in the front, which outlined the various ways humans developed through math and technology from 35,000 BCE to 2003. It was really interesting to see how the advancements became much more frequent as time went on, especially after the end of World War I in 1918. By the 1980's, the changes became rapid and the growth more staggering. From the timeline alone, I could see how technology was being integrated into our society.
The first half of the book was split into four chapters: Before Computers, The First Electronic Computers, The Second Generation, and the Third Generation. Each chapter outlined the history of technology and how small parts of the world was being affected by the development of technology.
It was really interesting to see how the invention of computers stems from early 'machines,' such as the first calculating device. In the first chapter, we saw how various inventions and findings regarding mathematics and computing devices were the ones in high demand. I never knew that the term 'computer' was used before the inventions of the computers we use today. Even more surprising, the term referred to people who used devices like the abacus, slide rule, and later on electromechanical devices like adding machines (19). Additionally, it was amazing to see how significant and helpful the invention of a mechanical tabulating machine was, even if it seems so ancient and inefficient nowadays when we have much better systems to deal with the census and businesses.
Then the first electronic computers came to be, especially due to the importance science and technology came to be in the Second World War. Technology changed the way war was fought, with new weapons and codebreaking techniques. Calculations could now be done faster and without too much work from humans. On page 44, it also showed how the development of technology even affected events that were far removed from that industry, such as the presidential elections; the outcome of votes were effectively and efficiently predicted by the new UNIVAC program.
The second generation of computers replaced vacuum tubes with transistors, making it possible for smaller computers to be developed. As was the case with the first generation, the second generation of computers were greatly influenced by a war, this time the Cold War. Thanks to the huge focus on science and technology, businesses sprung up in the industry to develop more and more hardware and software inventions, which became vital in every day businesses. Businesses came into the technology industry to make money and in order for businesses to make money, they needed that technology.
Finally, the third generation of computers used integrated circuits and started the usage of microprocessors, which made the personal computers we have now possible. I was surprised to see how the first line of software programs were made to give away to customers for free as incentives to buy certain hardware programs, since nowadays, the software program industry is a great big one. The birth of this industry came to be only because a small company, ADR, didn't want IBM, a super company at the time, to copy their superior program and attract away their customers, not solely because they wanted the revenue, although I'm sure that played a part.
The last paragraph of the reading still makes me wonder how this world we live in came to be. Computers were so expensive that only certain businesses and research facilities had the capabilities to purchase and utilize them. It seemed as though only the elite had the access to these technological 'miracles,' when nowadays, it's weird if you don't own a computer for yourself. In just 40 years, the number of computers in the world increased from just 130,000 machines to about 100,000 times that much. The microprocessor, as previously mentioned was said to be the key in making it all possible so I'm looking forward to seeing that transition in the second half of the book.
Before I even got into the reading, I noticed the timeline in the front, which outlined the various ways humans developed through math and technology from 35,000 BCE to 2003. It was really interesting to see how the advancements became much more frequent as time went on, especially after the end of World War I in 1918. By the 1980's, the changes became rapid and the growth more staggering. From the timeline alone, I could see how technology was being integrated into our society.
The first half of the book was split into four chapters: Before Computers, The First Electronic Computers, The Second Generation, and the Third Generation. Each chapter outlined the history of technology and how small parts of the world was being affected by the development of technology.
It was really interesting to see how the invention of computers stems from early 'machines,' such as the first calculating device. In the first chapter, we saw how various inventions and findings regarding mathematics and computing devices were the ones in high demand. I never knew that the term 'computer' was used before the inventions of the computers we use today. Even more surprising, the term referred to people who used devices like the abacus, slide rule, and later on electromechanical devices like adding machines (19). Additionally, it was amazing to see how significant and helpful the invention of a mechanical tabulating machine was, even if it seems so ancient and inefficient nowadays when we have much better systems to deal with the census and businesses.
Then the first electronic computers came to be, especially due to the importance science and technology came to be in the Second World War. Technology changed the way war was fought, with new weapons and codebreaking techniques. Calculations could now be done faster and without too much work from humans. On page 44, it also showed how the development of technology even affected events that were far removed from that industry, such as the presidential elections; the outcome of votes were effectively and efficiently predicted by the new UNIVAC program.
The second generation of computers replaced vacuum tubes with transistors, making it possible for smaller computers to be developed. As was the case with the first generation, the second generation of computers were greatly influenced by a war, this time the Cold War. Thanks to the huge focus on science and technology, businesses sprung up in the industry to develop more and more hardware and software inventions, which became vital in every day businesses. Businesses came into the technology industry to make money and in order for businesses to make money, they needed that technology.
Finally, the third generation of computers used integrated circuits and started the usage of microprocessors, which made the personal computers we have now possible. I was surprised to see how the first line of software programs were made to give away to customers for free as incentives to buy certain hardware programs, since nowadays, the software program industry is a great big one. The birth of this industry came to be only because a small company, ADR, didn't want IBM, a super company at the time, to copy their superior program and attract away their customers, not solely because they wanted the revenue, although I'm sure that played a part.
The last paragraph of the reading still makes me wonder how this world we live in came to be. Computers were so expensive that only certain businesses and research facilities had the capabilities to purchase and utilize them. It seemed as though only the elite had the access to these technological 'miracles,' when nowadays, it's weird if you don't own a computer for yourself. In just 40 years, the number of computers in the world increased from just 130,000 machines to about 100,000 times that much. The microprocessor, as previously mentioned was said to be the key in making it all possible so I'm looking forward to seeing that transition in the second half of the book.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
OD internet + conflicting blog
After reading tons and tons of blogs on fashion, journalism, celebrity, and anything under the sun, it seems so weird to even think about starting my own blog. Yet, here I am. I wonder if it's weird that I feel burdened by this.What if I'm not writing "well" enough? Who's going to be reading the miscellaneous things I'll be writing about? I just hope I don't get bashed here haha.
Making this blog was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Getting a pretty/interesting background with just a click of my mouse was pretty nice. I was worried I'd have to try to make my own background with weird programs or even worse, be stuck with a plain white background. I really should've written this post as soon as I made the blog because it took me so long to find the "New Post" link up at the top right. I guess I just have to get used to where everything is for now. I am a bit hesitant to tell my friends about this blog for several reasons. 1. I am definitely not one to write (a blog) for fun (or as a hobby). I usually don't like to write, period. 2. I'm going to writing for a class (!!!!) If my friends read what I say they could help, I guess, but for the most part, I feel like they would think it's so weird/lame. (hahahahahaha) 3. A lot of them think, "Who writes blogs these days besides famous people or people who want to be famous?" Since I am neither, it'd be weird for them
Nevertheless, I should tell them so they can give me some kind of feedback :)
As for the first assignment, my log of how much I interact with technology and for what reasons didn't really surprise me. I know I get online whenever I have the chance, even if I have nothing to do on it. Usually, I'd sit in front of my computer and refresh my Facebook page, Gmail page, Rutgers page, and repeat. However, I do use AIM to talk with highschool friends that I really miss for the majority of the time I'm on the computer. Technology has really made it easy to keep in touch with people.
What did surprise me was how much I crave/think about the internet. I came to NYC for the weekend and I wanted to get online to check my Facebook, Gmail, and Rutgers e-mail so badly, multiple times! In this case, it seems like the internet isn't just something I relieve my boredom with, but rather, something I became almost addicted to.
I'm sure blogging won't help with me addiction. :P
Making this blog was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Getting a pretty/interesting background with just a click of my mouse was pretty nice. I was worried I'd have to try to make my own background with weird programs or even worse, be stuck with a plain white background. I really should've written this post as soon as I made the blog because it took me so long to find the "New Post" link up at the top right. I guess I just have to get used to where everything is for now. I am a bit hesitant to tell my friends about this blog for several reasons. 1. I am definitely not one to write (a blog) for fun (or as a hobby). I usually don't like to write, period. 2. I'm going to writing for a class (!!!!) If my friends read what I say they could help, I guess, but for the most part, I feel like they would think it's so weird/lame. (hahahahahaha) 3. A lot of them think, "Who writes blogs these days besides famous people or people who want to be famous?" Since I am neither, it'd be weird for them
Nevertheless, I should tell them so they can give me some kind of feedback :)
As for the first assignment, my log of how much I interact with technology and for what reasons didn't really surprise me. I know I get online whenever I have the chance, even if I have nothing to do on it. Usually, I'd sit in front of my computer and refresh my Facebook page, Gmail page, Rutgers page, and repeat. However, I do use AIM to talk with highschool friends that I really miss for the majority of the time I'm on the computer. Technology has really made it easy to keep in touch with people.
What did surprise me was how much I crave/think about the internet. I came to NYC for the weekend and I wanted to get online to check my Facebook, Gmail, and Rutgers e-mail so badly, multiple times! In this case, it seems like the internet isn't just something I relieve my boredom with, but rather, something I became almost addicted to.
I'm sure blogging won't help with me addiction. :P
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