Computers 85-149

Although not credited with inventing the first desktop, Edward Roberts paved the way for the development of micro computers in the U.S. What I found most striking was that Roberts was unaware of what the market would be like for such an invention. He saw the market limited to electronic hobbyists and as a risky gamble. In the years to come, the high competition among companies, along with their successes and failures, it became evident a revolution was taking place. It paved the way for personal computers, video game consoles, and eventually the internet and World Wide Web. Swedin and Ferro state, “What was once a high technology is now mundane” (135) this has affected society and culture and numerous ways-both positive and negative. Today it is expected that one has computer knowledge and competency, regardless of the uneven access to computers. Computers have also become a tool of war, a security and privacy issue and a disconnection from society. To think the first Altair would have such an effect on technology and culture back in the 1970’s would have been inconceivable. I was not aware of the origins of computers and the extensive competition and ingenuity of the first entrepreneurs. I think society, including myself, tends to take things for granted and perceive things as natural without questioning the origins. Thanks to the hard work and innovative thinking of the founders we have the ability to have the world at our fingertips today.

First Blog!

When I started keeping track and being conscious of how much I actually use web 2.0, I realized the sites I spend the most time on (especially on my cell phone) are Facebook, my banking site, school related sites and e-mail sites. Furthermore, after analyzing my time spent on the Internet I came to the realization that I have a love/hate relationship with web 2.0.  For the first time I made it a point to monitor my Internet usage and became aware of the fact that I compulsively check my Facebook every morning...and it felt pretty pathetic. This is where the hate comes in.  I think I use Facebook mostly because of boredom, but also sadly as another major mode of communication with family and friends. I feel people have turned to Facebook and other social networking sites as their only means of communication with one another. I feel this isolates us and prohibits face to face communication which I believe is the most effective form. I hate that my personal information is available for the public to see and vice versa. The fact that people know where you are, what your are doing and who you are with I find invasive and to be frank creepy. Moreover, being accessible to my work and school at all times adds stress and represses the feeling of being completely disconnected and enjoying that feeling of being completely alone. However, I cannot deny the fact that web 2.0 is a major part of my life and daily routine. I love the convenience of checking my bank statements, responding to e-mails or having Google at the tip of my finger all while walking to class. I appreciate social networking sites like Facebook for allowing me to communicate with my family in Colombia. It has allowed me to develop and maintain relationships within my family and friends who are long distance.
As far as creating a blog this is a relatively new experience-if you don't count updating a Facebook status. Blogging has never been a hobby or interest of mine nor do I consistently follow blogs. I do not hate the idea of blogs I just feel I haven't found one that has really sparked my interest. However, I am optimistic and enthusiastic to be a part of a blog. I think it will give students a chance to express themselves more freely and interact with one another on relevant topics. I hope to learn about new blogs and who knows I might even keep this blog after the course is over :).