Are there alternatives to using a Windows PC?
- Unplugged -
The first alternative is an "unplugged" life. That means you simply don't use the Internet or a PC. Is it possible? For several billion people living in underdeveloped countries, the answer is yes. Is it desirable? For hundreds of millions living in industrialized countries, the answer is a resounding "no, thank you."
- Windowless PC -
The first step away from your standard PC experience is to get rid of the Windows operating system. That is not as difficult or frightening as it seems. Ubuntu Linux presents a very useable alternative. If you don't mind spending some money, try an Apple Mac.
- PC-less Windows -
How about running Windows without a PC? That's a bit more difficult, but not impossible. Windows CE is a cut-down version of Windows that runs on a "pocket PC" - a very small computer that is very portable. Unfortunately, it is missing the keyboard and the mouse. The display is very small, so it is diffiult to view web-pages. It doesn't have much storage. You certainly can't play normal action-games.
- They're Everywhere -
We seem to have computers "everywhere" these days. Not only computers (PCs), but other digital devices - cameras, cell phones, music players,etc. They are small and portable. They are relatively cheap, so it's easy to buy a new one of the old one gets lost or broken. We can use these to replace functions that were performed by bigger devices in the past - listen to an MP3 player instead of a stereo, send SMS messages by telephone instead of e-mail, take a picture with a camera rather than typing, recording, or scanning data.
- Changing Function -
Not only are digital devices "everywhere" - we USE them everywhere and all the time. The tasks we perform increasingly permeate our lives, because the tasks become simpler and more powerful. We check the movie program via the Internet, rather than telephoning or reading a newspaper. We watch a video on the Internet rather than watching television. We use a handy to locate a friend in the city, rather than making a plan ahead of time to meeting.
- Moving Data -
As IT functionality becomes more widespread and frequent, the need for data transmission increases. Some examples of new technologies:
- The Future -
In the future we will want to move more data, faster, and in more convenient ways. The term ubiquitous means "everywhere, all the time". We want ubiquitous IT - constant, instantaneous access to all information that we need, with very little effort and low cost. What still needs improvement?
Technologies that improve these various areas will be popular and earn the inventors a lot of money.
- Back to Windows -
Looking back at Windows PCs, we realize that if you can only access data via the Internet, and that means you must use Internet Explorer, then it makes computing much less ubiquitous - unless there is always a Windows PC available wherever you are and whenever you need it, at no cost. That probably isn't the case. You probably adjust your wishes to match what a Windows PC provides - e.g. you only check your e-mail at home, you don't listen to OGG format music (what's that?), you don't surf the Internet when you are waiting in line at a store.
- Addressing Users' Needs -
What can you change in your computing habits? That depends on your needs. Think carefully about how you use computer equipment, why, and what you accomplish. This is difficult, because you probably follow your habits without thinking about it. Even more difficult - what are other peoples' needs and how do they address them? Why does a salesman need to carry around a pocket computer everywhere he goes? Are there alternatives to e-mail and SMS? Can P2P networking replace web-servers? Is Wikipedia really an alternative to library books? Is there an alternative to Wikipedia?
- Assignment -
Your assignment is to write an essay answering the following question:
You have considerable latitude in choosing the specifics of your investigation. You probably want to write about something you are familiar with, or that you find interesting. You shouldn't try to write about everything in the computer industry - cover a few technologies that you understand and find interesting. Here are some suggestions/examples of things to investigate:
You may discuss your research with other people, but you must write the essay yourself. Don't copy from other students.
You may describe your own experiences, but you must also read "official" information from reliable sources. Don't write the entire essay "out of your head".
You may use direct quotations (you may copy them) from web-sites or other sources, but you must supply a footnote and state the source of the information. You are encouraged to use diagrams and graphics if possible.
You must include a bibliography (references) stating all the sources that you read, even if you don't quote them directly. If you don't know how to make footnotes, ask the teacher.
Print your essay and turn in the paper.
Due Date: Wednesday 30 May 2007