Introduction, Web Browsers

Tom Kelliher, CS14F

Sept. 3, 1996

Syllabus and Course Administration

The Pace of Technological Change

1. ``Only five computers needed in the entire world.''
2. ``A computer for each person? Surely, you're joking!''
3. ``Wait, I have to download some files from my workstation to my notebook.''

Can society keep pace?

What are some real-life examples of computer-like devices?

Computer Literacy

What is it? Who has it?

Which are necessary, sufficient:

1. Using productivity software.
2. Using the Internet.
3. Confidently purchasing a PC.
4. Diagnosing error messages.
5. Having an awareness of computerization consequences.

``I don't have to be an auto mechanic to drive a car.''

What ``fears'' do you have? Why?

The Computer Defined

A digital, electronic, programmable device, composed of hardware and software. It performs a variety of tasks, processing data and outputting information.

1. Fast.
2. Reliable.
3. Accurate (GIGO).
4. Massive storage capacity.

Hardware is the physical machine:

1. Input devices.
2. Processing.
3. Output devices.
4. Secondary storage devices.

Software --- the ``mind'' of a computer.

1. Information processing.
2. Word processing.
3. Desktop publishing.
4. Spreadsheets, personal finance.
5. Databases.
6. Communication software.
7. Presentation graphics.
8. Reference programs.

Negative impacts of computer technology

What are they?

1. Privacy.
2. Isolation.
3. Power consumption.
4. Blind faith in results.
5. Loss of jobs.

Positive inpacts of computer technology

Adoptions

What else?

The IPOS Cycle

• Input --- Gathering data and bringing it to the computer.
• Processing --- Manipulating data: calculating, comparing, searching, rearranging. (Information)
• Output --- Sending information from computer to outside world.
• Storage --- Stores information for later use; retrieves ``old'' information.

Real life examples.

Five Elements of the Computing Process

1. Hardware --- Something you can touch.
   • Memory: RAM (memory) vs. disk (storage). A computer's versatility.
   • Digital processing: binary, bits, bytes (characters).
   • Kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte.
2. Software --- Pattern of bits stored somewhere --- no inherent meaning.
   • Programming languages: HLL, assembly, machine. Examples.
   • System and Application software.
3. Data --- Examples. Useful data (as opposed to garbage):
   • Relevent.
   • Timely.
   • Accurate.
   • Concise.
   • Complete.
4. People --- hackers, gurus, power users, newbies.
5. Procedures --- How a person ``relates'' (uses) to the computer.

Computer Jargon

What are the consequences?

Historical perspective

Computing generations:

• The first generation (1951--1959)
  • Vacuum tubes.
  • Machine language.
  • Punched cards, magnetic tape.
• The second generation (1959--1963)
  • Transistors.
  • Core memory.
  • Magnetic disks, tape.
• The third generation (1963--1975)
  • Integrated circuits.
  • Minicomputers.
  • Solid-state memory.
• The fourth generation (1975--present)
  • The microprocessor. Intel. VLSI.
  • Apple
  • Visicalc
  • Bill Gates gets into the OS business.
  • The IBM PC.

More history information.

Using a Web Browser

1. Powering the system on.
2. Logging in (later).
3. Navigating the desktop.
4. Finding and starting Netscape.
5. Navigating in Netscape: URLs, printing, etc.
6. Logging out (later).
7. Shutting down ( Don't just turn the computer off.)