Compendium Article 7: From Mainframes to Mobile - How TEC 101 Changed My Perspective on Computing History
Compendium Article 7: From Mainframes to
Mobile - How TEC 101 Changed My Perspective on Computing History
Are you new to computers and interested in the world of technology and how it affects people? If this is the case, a TEC 101 may be your ideal course. You will
study the past and future of computers in this course, diving into their
hardware and software components, the significance of networking and security,
and even blogging. Throughout TEC 101, you will have the opportunity to
investigate and apply best practices for blogging, confront and resolve any
concerns or problems, examine the potential role of your blog as an educational
tool, and plan for its ongoing maintenance and enhancement as you continue your
education.
TEC 101: Exploring Its Origins
TEC 101 provides
students with a foundational understanding of information technology by
emphasizing the significance of the past and future of computers. This course
begins by outlining the development of computers, from basic calculators and
early computers through the introduction of personal computers and the
Internet. The significance of networking, the Internet, operating systems, and
programming languages are also discussed. In the 19th century, Charles
Babbage and Ada Lovelace became who we know as
today as innovators in the realm of computer technology and are regarded
as the "parents of computing." Babbage is recognized with
constructing the first mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical
Engine, while Lovelace was the first to comprehend and explain the potential
applications of computers beyond basic computations. Their contributions and
ideas continue to influence and inspire innovation in the field of modern
computers. They remain significant personalities in the past and future of
computers, preserving their legacy. TEC 101 explores upcoming technologies,
including the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing,
as well as data management, cybersecurity, and privacy. In addition, the course
covers the social and ethical effects of technology and professional options in
the sector. By the end of the course, students gain a thorough understanding of
the past and future of computers, as well as their place in society.
Exploring the Inner Workings of Modern Computers
To comprehend the future
of computers, it is necessary to comprehend the essential hardware components
and functions that comprise a modern computer system. The central processing
unit (CPU) is at the system's core, performing basic arithmetic and logical
operations, managing data flow, and communicating with other components. Memory
and storage, such as RAM and hard drives or solid-state drives, respectively,
retain temporary and permanent data. Input/output devices, such as keyboards,
mouse, and monitors, link the computer to the outside world. Networking,
including 5G and wireless networking, enables computers to interact and access
the Internet, while peripherals such as graphics and sound cards augment the
computer's capabilities. The continuing development and improvements of these
hardware components and functions will have a significant impact on the future
of computers.
Programming 101: Learning the
Languages of Computers
At the most basic
level, programming languages and methods of program execution have also played
a crucial part in the development and future of computers. High-level
programming languages, such as Python, Java, and C++, facilitate the creation
of complicated applications by streamlining the development process. Low-level
programming languages, such as Assembly and Machine Language, control the
computer's hardware and serve as the basis for all subsequent programming
languages.
Applications of the Past and Future: Understanding
Software
Application software
has significantly impacted the past and future of computers by enhancing office
productivity and efficiency, revolutionizing entertainment, streamlining
commercial operations, and expanding scientific and technical domains.
Application software has played a significant part in influencing the history
and future of the computer, from word processors and spreadsheets to video
games and medical research tools. Continued development and enhancement of
application software will be crucial to the future of computers.
The Art of Database Management: Essential Concepts
The fundamental
principles of databases and database management are an essential part of the
past and future of computers. From early data storage and retrieval systems to
contemporary data analysis and visualization tools, the evolution of databases
and database management systems has made it possible for computers to store,
handle, and analyze data in increasingly complex ways. The past and future of
computers are intricately intertwined with the security and privacy of data,
with the demand for more secure and private databases growing in importance.
Throughout computer history, databases and database management systems have
played a crucial role in company operations, from early accounting systems to
modern ERP and CRM systems. As demand for increasingly complex data storage,
retrieval, and analysis tools continues to grow, the evolution of databases and
database management systems will be essential to the future of computers.
Networking and Security:
Shaping the Future of Computing
Network architecture,
administration, and security have significantly impacted the past and future of
computers. From mainframe-based systems to modern cloud-based and
Internet-based systems, the growth of network architecture has enabled
computers to connect and share data more effectively and efficiently. The
management of computer networks has been essential, with the development of new
tools and technologies for network management, providing more reliable and
secure networks. The security of computer networks has been a critical concern
throughout the history of computers, and the development of new network
security tools and technologies has protected computers from malicious attacks.
The use of distributed systems has also played a significant role in the
history and future of computers, providing more flexibility and scalability.
The continued evolution of these basic concepts will be crucial to the future
of computers as the demand for more sophisticated and secure data exchange and
network systems continues to grow.
The
Ethics and Transparency of AI: Ensuring the Future of Technology's Well-Being
Since the inception of computing and inventions, advancing humanity has
been a priority, notably using computers to simplify tasks. But when does it
become an issue that computers are advancing faster than humans, making things
easier but making it tougher for a minority of humans to find work in many
areas to support themselves and their families beyond labor tasks? Catch 22? The
future of computing holds both advantages and disadvantages in many industries.
One advantage is the democratization of technology, making it easier for those
without extensive knowledge or funds to create and innovate in various
industries. In an article titled "Why Are There Still So Many Employment
Opportunities? The History and Future of Workplace Automation", Autor
describes tasks that AI could not perform in 2015 and remarks on how AI is
trained and how the history of automation reflects the past. This includes the
rise of coding and careers in technology, which has opened new job
opportunities and ways for people to learn new skills. However, the widespread
use of automation and technology has also resulted in job loss and a widening
skills gap, as many traditional jobs become obsolete. Additionally, there is
also the concern about privacy and security with the increased reliance on
technology and the internet. Despite these challenges, the future of computing
offers immense potential for growth and innovation, providing new solutions to
global problems and creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals
alike. For over two centuries, there have been concerns about the impact of
automation and technology on middle class jobs. The early 19th century saw the
Luddite movement, where textile artisans sought to destroy machines that were
automating their industry. More recently, in 1961, there was a concern over
"The Automation Jobless" as reported by TIME magazine. The worry
wasn't just about the loss of jobs to machines, but also the fear that
automation might prevent the economy from creating enough new jobs. The trend
has been towards bigger production with a smaller workforce, with office jobs
also being affected by automation. Unlike in the past, where new industries
hired more people, many of today's new industries have few jobs for unskilled
or semiskilled workers, which is the class that is being hit hardest by
automation. In the 1950s and early 1960s, concerns about automation and
joblessness were significant enough for President Lyndon B. Johnson to form a
commission to address the productivity problem of that time, specifically the
concern that productivity was rising too fast and potentially outpacing demand
for labor (Autor, 2015). In an article by Harold Bowen, he is quoted as saying
that "the basic fact is that technology eliminates jobs, not
work"(Bowen, 1966). The commission concluded that automation did not pose
a threat to employment, but instead the general level of demand for goods and
services was the most important factor in determining unemployment. Despite
this conclusion, the commission took the reality of technological disruption
seriously and recommended a guaranteed minimum income, government as the
employer of last resort, free education, a fully administered federal
employment service, and individual Federal Reserve Bank sponsorship in area
economic development (Autor, 2015). A critical step is to fit the AI approach
to the problem and the availability of data. Since these systems are
"trained" rather than programmed, the various processes often require
huge amounts of labeled data to perform complex tasks accurately. Obtaining
large data sets can be difficult. In some domains, they may simply not be
available, but even when available, the labeling efforts can require enormous
human resources. Further, it can be difficult to discern how a mathematical
model trained by deep learning arrives at a particular prediction,
recommendation, or decision. A black box, even one that does what it's supposed
to, may have limited utility, especially where the predictions or decisions
impact society and hold ramifications that can affect individual well-being. In
such cases, users sometimes need to know the "whys" behind the
workings, such as why an algorithm reached its recommendations—from making
factual findings with legal repercussions to arriving at business decisions,
such as lending, that have regulatory repercussions—and why certain factors
(and not others) were so critical in a given instance (Chui et al., 2022).
In conclusion, the
history and future of computers is a complicated and ever-changing field that
TEC 101 students must comprehend. The TEC 101 courses give students a broad
overview of the past and future of computers, ranging from hardware components,
programming languages, and application software through databases, database
administration, and network architecture. By investigating the evolution of
computers, students get an appreciation for the technological achievements that
have formed the subject and a comprehension of the continuous development and
advancements that will influence its future. Emphasis is also placed on the
social and ethical implications of technology, employment options, and the significance
of security and privacy to provide students with a well-rounded understanding
of the industry. To comprehend the past and future of computers, students must
be well-versed in all of these essential components.
REFERENCES
Autor, D.
H. (2015). Why are there still so many jobs? the history and future of
Workplace Automation. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 29(3),
3–30. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.29.3.3
Bowen, Harold R.
(Chairman). 1966. “Report of the National Commission on Technology, Automation,
and Economic Progress: Volume I.” Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Chui, M.,
Manyika, J., & Miremadi, M. (2022). What machines can’t do (yet). Working
with AI, 249–256. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/14453.003.0041
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