12 and Final Blog Post

Well were finally here. We've made it to the end of the semester and with that said, I would like to talk briefly about this semester in this class. As a transfer student to EMU, this will be the end of my first full semester here and it has been a good one, a busy semester but none the less, it's been fun.

This is the first class where I have ever had to use blogging and was the first time I've ever written a blog just in general. Some weeks have been more fun than others and some topics have just been plain boring, but I have had some fun in writting some of these blogs. Even researching a bit and writting my own as long as reading all of your blogs, I have learned alot in this area of study with computer systems. Not just blogging, but the class too has opened my eyes to what we have around us in this world. There is so much technology now and to know how quickly we are growing in this area is astounding. To know that just 100 years ago or so, there really wasn't any of this. The lifestyles from then to now have changed drastically and keeps changing as we move forward in our lives. Now, yes, I'll admit some classes have not always been the most exciting but they really do teach you alot and even if you don't think you've learned anything, think back to the beginning of the semester and ask yourselves if you knew everything you know now, back then. There's probably at least 1 thing you have taken out of this class if not anything. Our class discussions were actually pretty fun and when we really got into them and talked about some controversial topics, it just made for more excitement.

I thought coming into this class that it was just a general computers type class and wasn't sure how much fun it would be or what I would honestly learn. Now, here at the end of the semester, I understand what this class is all about and how information systems have affected our lives so much and are continually doing so each and every day. It has been fun and I'm glad I was in this class. Goodluck on the final.

Microsoft

Microsoft is one of the largest and most diverse industries in the world. They provide a broad range of goods and services withing the computer technology industry. Founded by William Henry Gates (Bill Gates) in 1975, it has grown into a premier company. Listed as the 49th largest public company in the world by Forbes.com, it has made currently made Mr. Gates the worlds 2nd richest man(although 60% of his assets are now outside of Microsoft.). Microsoft has a spectacular balance sheet, with 77 billion in assets(2009) and about 27 billion in liabilities(2009), this gives them a stockholders equity of almost 40 billion, and an estimated profit of close to 18 billion for the fiscal year.


As stated earlier Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates, in order to sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 1800, one of the first microcomputers ever created. Gates struck a deal with Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems(MITS), to implement the BASIC programming language for the Altair. This move helped launch the Altair Basic, which marked the beginning of Gates career. He moved to New Mexico where MITS was located and founded Microsoft. After initial success Gates moved the company to the Seattle area of Washington State, and in 1980 hired Steve Balmer, his 24th employee and first business manager, who would succeed Gates as CEO of Microsoft in 2000. Together the two men have worked together to become two of the most successful men on the planet.


Over the last 30 years the company has seen tremendous, and somewhat unprecedented success. Although it has not come without criticism as many lawsuits and claims have come against the software giant for everything from monopolistic practices to environmentally damaging policies. The company currently has a hand in almost every aspect of the computer technology industry. Some of its most popular products/services include; MSN(web portal), the Microsoft Office Suite, Windows Live, Windows Vista, the Zune, MSNBC, the Xbox/Xbox 360, and the newly developed Windows 7. These are just a few of the examples of currently used products and services, as they have designed hundreds of products over their 35 year history. With this said the future of Microsoft seems bright, with no signs of the industry slowing down Microsoft is firmly in position to continue dominance of all things technological.

Webtop Applications

For my ninth blog I would like to discuss the topic of web-top applications. A web-top application is basically any desktop application that is run through a web browser. This is not to be confused with a web/network operating system. A web-top integrates web applications, web services, client server applications, and application servers to provide and environment similar to Windows, Mac, or any other comparable desktop application.

The term Web-top was first introduced by Santa Cruz Operation in 1994 to describe the web based operations for their Unix operating system. Since then it has grown significantly with many major online companies trying to get in on the expanding market. The most used is Microsoft, which offers its popular Office Suite as a web-top, while the ever growing Google is not far behind with Google Apps. Other companies like yahoo, Adobe, and Lazlo are also in the race, but seem to be falling behind the two front runners.

Web-top applications have many advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages include convenience, mobility, software management, and high availability from many locations. These are all very good reasons to use web-top applications. There are still disadvantages though such as speed( speed of the application relies on the speed of the connection), network connectivity, the applications features, and central control issues. One area that is an area for debate is the issue of security, as on one side your information will be less venerable to typical attacks( such as viruses, worms, and other vulnerabilities) as well as stored on a secured server. Unfortunately, the recent attacks on Google have showed us that any server can be hacked, so as long as your information is still transferred over the Internet it can still be intercepted. None the less web-top applications are a great advancement in technology, and are sure to grow to new prevalence over the next few years.

Ubiquitous Computing

I know everyone and their brother has already posted on this subject, but it is very intriguing, so I think it merits another look. It is really exciting to be a part of a time when something like a "smart house" that would only have been a dream 7 or 8 years ago are becoming more and more possible. It would make hosting a party or social event so much easier, for one thing. To have everything change to the tastes of your guests would ease a lot of the burden on the host. No more would one have to ask what channel to watch. A microchip would just take care of it.

Another facet of this concept that intrigues me is that of a cellphone switching to Wi-Fi compatability where there is no cell signal. This would be extremely beneficial to me, in particular. My room at my parents is/was (I've since moved out) in the basement, and there was absolutely no service to be had. However, I had a very strong Wi-Fi signal on my computer. Not having to run upstairs everytime I got a call would be very appealing to me, albeit a little lazy.

All in all, while it is possible to have these smart houses, it is all but impossible for anyone who is not vastly wealthy. We see these being invented, but I think it will be a very long time before we see them as commonplace. Perhaps some restaurants, bars, or stores may start incorporating them before we see them in residences. Any way you slice it, I'm excited to see what the future will bring.

When is enough, enough?

Through out this class we have heard about all of the different types and uses of computers. We have learned how they originated, flourished, and became an integral part of our lives. I understand that without computers we could not have progressed in such a rapid fashion. I would like to pose to you a few questions about all of these improvements. In what way would we have advanced without the computer? How would our lives be different with out computers? What quality of life is this going to lead to in the future?

I often wonder what kind of life we would lead if there were no computers. Would there have been a different invention that would have taken over our way of life? Our world has become such a technologically advanced one it is hard to know what it would have been like. If there weren't the invention of computers would we be still living like the Amish? It is difficult to know what kind of life we would lead because we have been so innovative. We are always looking to the future.

We have gone from huge mainframes to little personal netbooks. There have been many upgrades such as going from the standard video game system to the Wii technology. The mp3 players have been advanced to the point that they are touch screen and can even take pictures. Cell phones have made an enormous leap, from making simple calls to sending texts, emails, and managing Microsoft office documents. Now you can conduct all your business on you Smart phone. And Ubiquitous computing is pushing into what always seemed futuristic in the movies. My final question is, When is enough going to be enough?

Moore's Law

We talked about Moore's Law the other day. This, of course, is the law that states that the number of transistors in a circuit will double every 2 years. In addition to being an observation of trends, it was stated that this has become a sort of "self-fulfilling prophecy". This is a very important factor in our technological world, but it also makes me wonder. How close are we to having computers do most of our work for us? I believe that, with minimal human input, computers will be able to do so much in the future that a lot of jobs, industries, and even just facets of everyday life will become obsolete. We will have computers readily available that can do complex calculus and physics formulas just by observation.
I am ambivalent toward the concept. On one hand, it would make things easier for everyone. Not to mention that all the programming in computers is put there by humans. So we wouldn't necessarily have an age of technological rule over humans or some hyped-up thing like that. However, those with skills would be completely unappreciated. This, combined with the number of human jobs taken by computers would make it difficult for people to find work. It's an interesting concept. I'm intrigued to find out how it will turn out in the near - and far - future.

Computer Software

Computer Software is basically all of the data, that is digitally stored on a computer. The term originally was used to describe all information read and written by computers, but has now expanded to include nontraditional data; such as films, tapes, and records. The term "software" was developed to contrast the term "hardware". The difference between the two is that a computer's hardware are the physical components that make up the computer, and a computers software is the data stored inside of this hardware.

Many people think of software as applications that can be installed or downloaded. While these components are forms of software the definition is a lot more far reaching than that. Software literally includes all of the various data stored within a computer, and can be stored in many different techniques. Different programming languages, Scripting languages, and microcode are just a few of these techniques. There are many different aspects to software as every application is different and will have similarities and compatibilities with many other forms of software.

Most computer systems divide software into three major categories. These three categories are system software, Programming software, and application software. Each of these variations have a specific function that are assigned. System software is what enables the computer hardware to run, and helps different applications transfer onto the computer smoothly. Programming software is generally used to help programmers write new programs, and transition computer languages effectively. Application software on the other hand is the definition that most people are referring to when they talk about software. This is your installed software that includes applications such as video games and word processing.

Microsoft Surface(Revised)

In my blog today I would like to discuss the Microsoft Surface. the Surface is a large multi-touch computer that allows users to interface with technology in a whole new way. This technology has a wide variety of business and personal uses that stands to change the way that people view computers. Some companies like AT&T have already began to capitalize on this technology, with many more likely to follow suit. The surface has broad implications in the business world, where it has potential in many industries from retail outlets and restaurants, all the way to manufacturing or office use.

The Surface has four main areas that differ it from any other computer system. First is the direct interaction that the user has with the computer; there is no keyboard or mouse, and it is not just a simple touchscreen either, as the Surface also can be instructed by gesturing. Secondly it is a multiple user computer. With a 30 inch screen it is easy for several people to gather around and interact with each other using the Surface. Third development adds on to the second, saying that it is directed from multiple areas. While object recognition is the last and most fascinating area. This feature simply lets you place objects on the screen, and will provide different responses depending on the object.

The Microsoft Surface has a distinct makeup, unlike any other computer system. It has a 30-inch screen that sits on top of a table like build. It is 22 inches high, 21 inches deep, and 42 inches wide. Important features include the powdered steel interior frame, and acrylic top surface. The system is run by a custom version of Windows Vista has capabilities to support Ethernet, wireless, and bluetooth connectivity.

When talking about computers, it's hard not to think about how they have had an impact on everyday life. Whether it be simple mundane tasks, to elaborate calculations, they're everywhere you go.
Just by getting up in the morning to your digital alarm clock, or your cell phone, you've already depended on a computer. And then, you check the weather. Again, someone's computer played a part in making up the forecast, and then broadcasted to you where ever you are. And then your car. It's pretty obvious so I won't even delve into that. But even over the fast 10-20 years, the amount of interactions the average person has with computers has dramatically changed.
Even if you wanted to, there is no real way to get away from computers. It's around every corner, and even in the traffic lights that you go through everyday. Without computers, life would be a completely different, and in my opinion, much more difficult way of life.

My life & computers

When I found out the real definition of computers I was surprised. I honestly thought computers were only laptops, desktop, mainframes and other things that we generally called a computer. When we were told that a computer was "something that computes", I thought to myself, duh! The word computer does not just apply to something with keys and can connect to the internet, but something that can make decisions based on instructions.

I didn't know there were so many different forms of memory either. I thought there were only floppy disk, cd's and flash drives. There are more forms of memory than what I originally thought existed such as Blue-ray, Holographic Versatile Disc, and magnetic disks. I remember using floppy discs in junior high. They were so big and annoying, and I hated them!

I am such a mainstream computer/tech junky. I don't know about everything regarding tech but I do keep up with all the mainstream things such as the iPad, new cell phones, software programs and laptops. I like staying in the loop of new tech, because the world changes and gets so much more efficient everyday. I don't want to be left out by my peers.

The Future of Computing

During Tuesday's class, we talked a lot about where technology is heading as far as computers go. It is amazing to go back to the beginning of the course and think about the computers that could only do simple computations and usually only one or two. Now, we can fit devices in our pockets that can tell us the weather, make phone calls, surf the internet, send and receive photos, play music, and much more.

With all of these advances in technology, computers are doing basically everything for us. They allow us to do extremely complicated computations and give us access to unlimited amounts of information all by typing in some words or numbers, not really giving much thought to what's behind that information or calculation. With all of this availability of shortcuts and quick information, soon we won't really have to do much for ourselves.

Some may argue that all of this advancing in technology is improving our lives and raising our education level by making more things available to us and with greater ease. On the other side, don't you think it is making us lazier and less motivated at the same time? Why would people want to pay attention in class when they can go home and google something and find the answer in seconds? Also, it scares me to think how much technology is NECESSARY in our daily lives. Before all of these computers and smartphones, people survived just fine. Now, since they have been introduced, I couldn't imagine living without my phone or my laptop; they are just too important. This dependency on technology is making us less self-sufficient and more reliant on computers to do what people did for hundreds of years without.

Thoughts? Concerns?

Computers

In the last class we talked about computers and how they are used in everyday life and are becoming the cornerstone to the point that we rely heavily upon them. We talked about mainframes and midrange computers. And how you can purchase midrange systems and add on to them instead of buying a large and costly mainframe.

We also looked at some of the new high tech systems that Microsoft has coming out, like the Microsoft Surface. This is a unique system were people can share information, send and receive documents, and purchase merchandise by setting your cell phone or PDA on the surface of the table. It is already being used in the iBar in Harrah's Casino in Las Vegas. Its used for entertainment purposes now and I'm sure it after its in full production, they will be used everywhere. Right now they are priced at $10K, but the price will come down within the next 5 years.

The Amazon Kindle is another device that I believe will change the world. After the price comes down and is affordable by all, book stores will began to lose money. And then the magazine companies will began to feel it as well. As soon as there are a few legitimate competitors, they price will then begin to fall.

Computers

After class on Tuesday I began to think about all the ways in which computers affect our lives. Twenty years ago it was very rare to have a personal computer. Today, it is almost impossible to imagine life without one. Most American's have at least one personal computer in their household. Even those who do not own their own personal computer still use computers daily. The most apparent way is by accessing a public computer, but also though PDA's, cell phones or even driving a car they are being affected by the use of computers.
As mentioned, driving a car is using a computer. In class we discussed how cars have many computers within them, this makes me think about all the ways in which we utilize computers that we never think twice about. For example, video games, microwaves, dishwashers, traffic lights, and iPods all have computers within them.
It is inevitable that our lives are affected by computers, even if we don't seek them out they are all around us. Think about the driver next to you playing with the internet on their phone, they are affecting you by putting you at risk. I think the most important concept about having computers in our everyday lives is to make sure we use them properly, afterall computer misuse can and has lead to major societal problems.

If this blog has got you thinking, one website that expands upon this idea is : http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1047105/how_computers_affect_our_lives.html

Computers

I always thought a computer was just, well, a computer. I thought your computer, tv, and phones were just computers with different names. They're all programmed to do something special, but they aren't all computers. Some electronics have computers in them though.

Computers must have a control system built in, you aren't in control of it. As I mention that some electronics have computers in them, this is seen more and more as technology advances. This is possible with four different computer categories. Those categories are : Information Appliance, Microcomputers, Minicomputers, and Main frames.

Informational Appliances would be like a Smart Phone or PDA. The informational Appliance is designed to perform a specific user friendly function. Another example would be an iPod.
The Microcomputer is your typical personal computer. They include keyboards, input/output devices,batteries, power supply unit, and memory storage.
Minicomputers were used in manufacturing processes or handling email that was sent or received by a company.
Main Frames process bulk data (like the census).

(They are listed in order from the smallest to the largest.)

Today, as the Microcomputers become smaller and cheaper we are seeing them put into more electronics. This is our typical everyday computer that got turned into our phones and game systems.

Oodles and Oodles of Computers

I never knew that there were so many different types of computers. The concept of a mainframe was pretty new to me when entering this class. I do remember a class in high school where we talked about ENIAC being one of the first computers. The super computers were a really crazy concept after hearing about mainframes. They are just so big. It is really interesting for me to go from a huge computer, like the super computer, to a tiny computer, like a net book. It is crazy that something that small can do so many of the same things on a smaller scale.

The way that computers got their name is very interesting to me. Something that is so simple and yet they have such a huge meaning when they are talked about.

Computer - Something or someone who computes

Today computers are used for so many things. Because of how many things are becoming automated I believe that the market will continue to grow.

I didn't know that they were putting computers into so many household appliances. I can see where a dishwasher may need one to run but a washing machine? There are so many things that don't meet the eye. I suppose that those little vacuum machine things that go by themselves on the floor have a computer in them. But wouldn't it be weird if we didn't have to do any housework because it is all animated? What would be do with our time? Isn't there a point where we would have nothing left to do?

Yea, I love Appel

When I first heard about cybersquatting it gave me a really funny mental picture. I have always thought of squatters as kind of like homeless people. And to couple that with the internet it was interesting. Is that like a homeless avatar? But really it seems that technology has increased greed in a way. People are usually looking for a way to get ahead but sometimes they do it in a way that isn't exactly truthful. Before it was like a tangible thing that you could catch someone doing and now it seems that it would be a bit hard to prove.

Not only is cybersquatting an issue but there are many other things in the same field that have become a nuisance. There is also typosquatting! I suppose that misspelling your url is pretty common but who thought that this would pop up? It seems rather calculated to do this to businesses. Do you think it is laziness or proactive thinking that leads people to do things like this? Perhaps in a perfect world these things wouldn't need to be taken into account because people wouldn't feel the need to 'get ahead' in this manner.

In the end, there are problems with any kind of new advancement and not all are tangible. It adds a new dimension for the creators of a product. They have to think about how this product will be used and not always as they intended it to be. I guess what it comes down to is that these people who do such things actually create more jobs to prevent such things from happening. I wonder what the future will bring. I am sure that it won't be less than interesting.

Innovation

Up to this point in our IS 215 class. The topic of innovation has been a constantly reoccurring talking point. We started the course with the first two days being completely devoted to the history of information systems. In those first two days we learned a lot of information. The first thing that I, and many other students must have realized is that information systems were the result of methods and ideas, that were constantly being innovated. In this statement I am basically trying to illustrate the fact that, our current technologies were built over a period of time, from people constantly upgrading and improving their current technologies.
Another thing I have seen to be consistent with innovation in our studies, is the actual process that enables it. Throughout the course I have seen many examples of a technology being suggested, many companies/countries/people try to create or improve the technology for their own purpose, and then survival of the fittest (in this case usually most intelligent) sets in. The example in Wednesdays class with the telephone companies was a perfect example. When the telephone was first invented, there were thousands of telephone companies competing to become the best. However, after a while it was trimmed down to only a couple major competitors, with at&t having the monopoly on long distance, which was even government sanctioned for many decades.
This is only one example of this process as it has been instituted on many technologies, products, and services. Even if you look at the history of computers, there have constantly been many companies trying to develop them, but only a few have been able to create and develop computers that consistently push the limits of technology. Other examples in our class go back to computer language, the spice trade, measurement standards, nuclear weapons, logic, and even business. In fact the only example the I can think of to counter innovation, is when we discussed the collapse of the Roman Empire, and how it set society back intellectually for a few hundred years, on the first day of class. Throughout this course, and in my life in general. I have learned the value of innovation, and its life applications.

The Fuel of Communication

I found the Lord of the Rings example in class very interesting so I started thinking. There are so many ways that we communicate in society. The simple glance that means come here or go away, or the pound and explode handshake that signifies comradeship. I find it very interesting that we can all interpret these simple gestures. However, when there is that one time that we don't it's extremely embarrassing. Such as, when you see someone waving at you but they aren't really waving at you or when someone you have seen once in your life says hello and you don't recognize them until they have gone. These are simple mistakes in communication but why is it that we feel so out of the loop when we miss a simple gesture?

Communication has definitely evolved since the days of the smoke signals. I mean it is amazing how far we really have come. We can send texts and receive them within seconds of them being sent. Also, it is crazy how we can have almost a complete computer in our phones. That is another issue entirely though. Imagine how excited people were when they could send letters in the mail or send a telegram. It would be a really difficult bridge to cross if there were no computers. How would any communication have been made faster if there weren't computers? There would be no email, texting, or facebook.

On the other side of the coin there is the fact that this advancement in technology has made communication less personal. Question: If there was a computer in front of you and you had a question to ask your boss about what would you do?
1. Send an email?
2. Go ask in person
I would assume that many people would just send an email if their question wasn't that urgent. Does this change in communication really benefit our generation? When we have families of our own are we going to be texting our ten year old children to come to dinner or IMing them to clean their rooms? How far do we have to go?

Programming

I took a computer programming class back in High School. The class was Visual BASIC 1 & 2. I had the option to go on to learning to program in C++ but I didn't because I had to fill my class load, but I often wonder what it would have been like. If there's anyone who has taken time to learn the language, I'd be very interested to hear its similarities to Visual BASIC.

One of the programs we had to do was to program a point and click version of Simon. Of course, Simon is the electronic game where you have to memorize a series of lights and repeat it. The program was relatively easy to set up. There were already controls provided to us to make the panels light up, and it didn't have to look exactly like the real thing. The actual protocol of the program was where it became difficult. I got it to spit out a random series of lights. I even got it so that it knew what you were clicking and tell you when you lost. The part I had trouble with was getting it to turn the "lights" off. In the 2 weeks we had to complete the program, I never actually got a working version of the game.

The interesting, and much more entertaining facet of the Visual BASIC language is that once I learned the basics of the language, I could make my own programs in my free time. It would be nice to have the toolkit so I could make some programs for myself, but I don't really feel compelled to run out and spend the amount of money that would take. I feel that the classes were a very beneficial experience for me, and I am considering looking into taking elective classes on the subject while here at Eastern. If anyone has taken these classes, again, I invite you to share your experience with me so I can make a decision based on it. Thank you for reading

-Cameron Wright

A pair of pears

I am still trying to get my head around how computers work. The biggest thing that I don't understand is how we can program them. It is so strange to me to think that somehow computers understood what we wanted them to do by using binary numbers. It makes me think about how 'smart' computers are. How is it that they aren't going to take over the world one day? I guess the difference is that we tell them what to do and that they can't think independently.

The concept of language is very complex. I really enjoyed the in class group work that we did. Separating the different words made the concept of genus and species and so forth a lot more clear. While thinking about all of these words and the categories it's strange to think that we can differentiate between these things for computers. It made me wonder about how we create these differences when 'speaking' to computers. What about words that are different but sound the same? Obviously it wouldn't be that hard for computers because they don't hear. But it still makes me wonder.

For example, what if you wanted to do something with a color, lets say pear. There is also the word pair. These two words have nothing to do with each other but how can a computer tell the difference? I imagine that it has a lot to do with context. Even so i guess the bigger point that I am trying to make is that somehow computers understand something so, well, human.