2. Definition of a Computer
A computer is defined in
the following ways
By the work it does
By the kind of
information it handles
By its size and price
3. Particulars are Moving
Targets
Technology advances at
exponential rates
Computer memory capacity
quadruples every 3 years?
Computer processor speed
doubles every 3 years?
Computer networks - number of
hosts doubles every year
4. Computer Networks
Network - two or more
connected computers
Purpose - sharing or exchange
of information and/or
resources
Benefits
improved efficiency
reduces need for travel…
5. Computers and Networks
Facilitate
Concentration of knowledge and
control
Distribution of knowledge and control
Have the power to
Amass and interrogate enormous
volumes of data
Process data at enormous rates for
real systems and simulations
7. What is a Society?
A voluntary association of
individuals for common ends
An enduring and cooperating social
group whose members have
developed organized patterns of
relationships through interaction
with one another
A companionship with one’s
fellows
8. What is a Society?
A part of a community that is a unit
distinguishable by particular aims
or standards of living or conduct
The sum of human conditions and
activity regarded as a whole
functioning interdependently
The customs and organization of
an ordered community
9. How have Computers
Affected Society?
What are the parts of a
society?
What has been the affect of
computers on these parts?
What are the benefits?
What are the problems?
What will happen next?
10. What about the Internet?
In recent years this one
area has affected society
more than any other
How?
What are the issues here?
11. The Parts of a Society
Education
Transportation
Private Sector
Business
Government
Entertainment
Housing
12. The Parts of a Society
Currency (banking)
Jobs
Space
Medicine
Anything else?
17. Early Calculating
Machines through those
of today
Analytical engine
The 1890 Census machine
ENIAC
The transistor
The Personal Computer
(PC)
The Internet
18. 5 Generations of Modern
Computers
1st Generation 1945 - 1956
Made to order operating
instructions
Different binary coded programs
told it how to operate
Difficult to program and limited
versatility and speed
Vacuum tubes
Magnetic drum storage
26. Don’t Forget the Chip
Computers are used in many
different technologies
For example: bread
machine, ATM, cars, TV,
microwave, cash register,
…..
How has this utilization
affected society?
27. ATM Example
Positive
CONVENIENCE
Negative
Unemployment
Alienation and customer service
Crime
Loss of privacy
Errors
28. Reconsider the Problems
Unemployment -> more computer
jobs
Alienation -> go during business
hours
Crime -> add lights, change
angle,etc.
Weigh the positive against the
negative
30. Issues to be Studied Due
to Computers in Society
Privacy of communications
Intellectual property
Constitutional issues
General social issues
Professional ethics
