Networked Computing in the 1990s

( Networked Computing in the 1990s(( Personal computers entered homes and offices (1980s).

( Enabled people of almost all backgrounds to use computers (1990s).

( Born the idea of Paradigm Shifts, the steady improvements in a variety of technologies as

well as maturation of the market.

(The Four Paradigms of Computing (BATCH ( TIME SHARING ( DESKTOP ( NETWORK

(1960s) (1970s) (1980s) (1990s)

(Batch data processed by corporations.

(Time Sharing shared by many subscribers.

(Desktop productivity tool for individuals.

(Network used by groups.

( Much convenience is achieved during the Network era thru the mobile machines called

pericomputers ( i.e. networked laptop devices, electronic pocket calendars )

( As electronic devices shrink in size, usefulness & convenience improve.

( ( i.e. computer chips)

smaller size ( lower costs ( higher market sales

( 1980s data memory stored in a diskette

( 1990s semiconductor device storage (credit card-size)

( Software (

1. Menu style

2. Transcription displays printed versions of handwritten words

3. Speech-Recognition obeys spoken commands

( Groupware software that supports group activity thru netwoks (i.e. Meeting Maker)

( Software Evaluation Factors:

1. Speed of Response how fast it reacts w/ the user.

2. Market Distribution how the user obtains the software.

( Power-thrifty video screens are absolute necessity for pericomputers.

( examples are LCDs, cathod-ray tubes, field-emission display

( weaknesses of current batteries:

(unreusable alkaline designs

(low capacity Ni-Cd battery

(bulky Pb-acid battery

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( Along with the changes in technology are the human effects. They challenge not on business but also society. They create more opportunities for educated people but fewer for the uneducated.

( Computer for the 21st Century (( The most profound technologies are those that disappear or tends to be invisible. ( ( refers to machines that are woven into mans lives to the extent that they become

indistinguishable, people simply use them unconsciously to accomplish everyday task.

( concerns the concept of ubiquitous computing.

( Ubiquitous Computing

(not just computers that can be carried anywhere but that applies the invisible computing

(opposed the notion of virtual reality

(also called as embodied virtuality ( because they reside & embodied in the human world

they pose no barrier to personal interactions.

( Ubiquitous Computers:

1. TABS - smallest (inch-scale)

( in the form of an active badge.

[ active badge ID-size, w/ small microprocessor & infrared transmitter

- wearer can trigger automatic opening of doors, telephone forwarding

and computer displays ]

2. PADS foot-scale/page-size

- w/ two microprocessors, 4 million RAM bytes, high-speed radio link & high

resolution pen interface.3. BOARDS yard-size, used as bulletin boards, flipcharts, video screens, displays

- users control display by a wireless electronic chalk that can work in

contact or from a distance.

- also known as live boards

(3 Parts of an Ubiquitous Technology:

1. Computer Display must be low-power

has a recent high-contrast display of 1000 x 800 pixel

w/ billion operations per sec.

2. Software matchbook-size hard disk (60 MB)

standard memory: terabyte

3. Network connects the hardware & software

a. tiny-range wireless

b. long-range wireless

c. very-high speed wired

( Ubiquitous technologies could be a source of real harm in the wrong hands.

For this purpose, cryptographic techniques already exist to secure messages from

One ubiquitous computer to another & to safeguard private information stored in

worked systems.