Computing: the many creators of the personal computer Flashcards
What is a computer?
A computing system with internal hardware components
Examples of IHC: hard drive, motherboard, CPU processors, system cooling fan, etc.
Computer: a human who computes (there was a gendered labor force of women computers)
(4) Key elements of a computer
Hardware: physical components
Software: instructions to operate a computer and execute specific tasks
Interface: communication between user and computer
Data: information inputs, storage, and outputs
(These elements are socially constructed)
Computer as a multipurpose ICT
(case study)
Case study: the development of the personal computer as a consumer product
- Before the PC or smartphone, one had mechanical calculators
- Computers were human beings with mathematical expertise who operated complex calculation machines
Computing: prehistory
(calculators & military computer video)
Mechanical calculators: more complex over time, single purpose to general purpose (see picture examples of ancient abacus & pascaline in 1640s)
Electro-mechanical calculators: see pictures of Hollerith Punch Card Tabulator & Military Ballistics Computers (1940s)
U.S. Navy Training Film (1950s):
- Mechanical Computer Video: Filmreal from the Navy talking about the new technology they’re using to train their weapons (fire control computers)
Digital Mainframe Computers
DMC: multipurpose and complex
A military and university development: ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator & Computer) 1945 @ University of Pennsylvania
- Mechanical > digital
(2) Key Affordances of Mainframes
Large scale and complex
One user, one function at a time
Social Context of Mainframes
Scarce, expensive, centralized
Institutional users, not personal devices
Had visions of computing as a shared resource
Computing as a Shared Resource (HIDDEN, GENDERED LABOR)
Time-sharing/batch processing:
- Access divided among users
HIDDEN, GENDERED LABOR:
- Women punch card operators, US census, women computers are hidden from view
Computing as a Shared Resource (INSTITUTIONAL USE)
Apollo Mission 1969
- Margaret Hamilton, Software Engineering Pioneer → received Medal of Freedom (2016) from Obama
Computing as a Shared Resource (POST-WAR PRIVATIZATION)
1950s
Government contractors > private enterprise
Technology innovations:
- Vacuum tubes > transistors (elect. switches)
- Integrated circuits (many switches together)
- Microprocessor (CPU)
KEY AFFORDANCES: processing power, flexibility (programmability), and MINIATURIZATION
Computing as a commodity in search of use
SOCIAL CONTEXT: commercialization, but mainframes are not a great business
Computer becomes A COMMODITY IN SEARCH OF OF A COMMERCIAL USE
Examples:
○ ECHO IV Home computer prototype (1965)
○ Honeywell Kitchen Computer (1969) — $10,000
■ “Counter culture”? → if she can only cook as well
as Honeywell can compute see ads
○ Altair 8800 Hobbyist Computer (first huge success)
Hobbyist Computing
● A hobby project, not an ICT
● Programmable, but limited social application
● Computing still a commodity in search of a use
True or False: An engineer (quoted in Friedman) compared using computers in the 1950s to
consulting a Greek oracle. This is because you had to wait your turn, approach with reverence,
and wait for a response.
True
Which of the following is NOT an example of early computer manufacturers searching to find a
market for personal computers?
- kitchen computers
- hobby computers: “build it
yourself”
- computer-assisted dating
- smart home computers
Computer-assisted dating
