Final Exam Flashcards
How does Langton winner define “technological determinism”? Does he disagree with his theory? Does he think technology is neutral? Is there a theory winner thinks is preferable to study how artifacts are political?
Winner rejects technological determinism, the idea that technology freely shapes society. He argued that technologies are not neutral but carry political values, influencing social structures and power dynamics. Winner introduces the concepts of technological politics urging scholars to examine how technologies are designed and used to understand their political implications. He emphasizes the importance of considering the social and political dimensions of technological choices, challenging the simplistic view that technology is neutral and indifferent.
How did the movement of new communalism change the cultural perception of computers?
Communalism changed the way people see computers, instead of just tools for business of the military, those in the movement thought computers could help communities and creativity. They believed computers could bring people together and allow for decisions to be made by many. This new way of thinking showed a more positive and communal view of technology.
How did Apple promote its new computer in the iconic Apple supperbowl advertisement in 1984? In what way did the company differentiate itself from IBM and Corporate goals?
In the superbowl advertisement Apple promoted its new Macintosh computer by showing a dystopian world where people were controlled by a big brother like figure, representing IBM. A woman representing the Macintosh arrives and smashes the oppressive regimes screen with a sledgehammer, symbolizing the Macintosh’s revolutionary and liberating nature- Apple differentiated itself by presenting the Macintosh as a tool for free thinking individuals, in contrast to the conformity associated with IBM and corporate goals.
What were the “network effects” of videotex technologies? How did these technologies support the development of the World Wide Web and the internet?
Videotex technologies had “network effects” which means they became more valuable as more people used them. These technologies allowed users to access information and services through their TVs and computers. As more people started using these systems, it created a foundation for the development of the World Wide Web and The internet. The widespread use and connection of these technologies laid the ground work for the interconnected digital world we have today, whose information and communication can easily flow across the globe.
How did Alan Kays vision of “personal dynamic media” and his research at Xerox parc influence Steve jobs?
Kays vision focused on creating user-friendly and interactive computing experiences for individuals. When jobs visited Xerox parc, he was inspired by the graphical user interface and mouse- driven interactions. This influence shaped the development of apples products, particularly the Macintosh computer, which introduced user-friendly interfaces.
What were the main reasons for IBM’s success over its competitors in the computer main frame industry in the 1950s and 1960s?
IBM succeeded in computer mainframe industry in the 1950 s and 1960 s for several reasons. First, their products were reliable and well-built, gaining trust from businesses. Second, IBM focused on providing a range of services alongside their hardware, offering complete solutions to customers. Additionally, IBM embraced compatibility, allowing their machines to work together smoothly.these factors are the main reasons IBM had success over its competitors.
What is the difference a media and “metamedia”?
Media refers to various means of communication, like tv or radio whereas metamedia goes beyond individual types of media and refers to a combination of integration of different media forms.it involves the convergence of various communication channels into a unified experience, often facilitated by digital technologies. While media refers to specific communication tools, metamedia is about blending and using them together in new, interconnected ways for a more comprehensive and dynamic communication experience.
What is hypertext?
Hypertext is a way of organizing and presenting the information in digital form, where text is connected through links. These links allow users to jump from one piece of information to another by clicking on highlighted words or phrases. It’s like a nonlinear way of reading or navigating content, as it allows users to explore related topics or details by following these links, creating a more interactive and interconnected experience in digital documents or websites.
How did time-sharing change how users interacted with computers in the 1960s?
Time sharing changed how users interacted with computers by allowing multiple people to use the same computer simultaneously. Before time-sharing, users had to wait their turn to access a computer, often in large batch processes. With time-sharing, multiple users could work on the computer at the same time, each having their own virtual slice of time. This made computing more accessible, efficient and interactive, marking a significant shift in the way people interacted with and used computer resources.
How does the technology of packet switching enhance the efficiency of computer to computer communication?
Packet switching enhances the efficiency of computer to computer communication by breaking data into small packets before sending them over a network-each packet contains a piece of the message, along with information on its destination. These packets can take different routes to reach the destination and are reassembled upon arrival. This method allows for faster and more reliable communication, as it optimizes the use of network resources and ensures that data can be transmitted in parallel, improving overall efficiency in computer communication.
What influential mathematical theory modeled communication as information in a system? How did this theory influence how information exchange was understood thereafter?
The influential mathematical theory that modeled communication as information in a system is called “information theory” developed by Claude Shannon. Information theory quantifies information and communication in terms of bits, providing a mathematical framework for understanding how information is transmitted, stored, and processed. This theory fundamentally changed how information exchange was understood by providing a precise and quantitative measure of information, influencing fields such as telecommunications, computer science and cryptography.it laid the groundwork for advancements in data compression, error correction, and the efficient transmission of information across various communication channels.
What is the difference between cybernetic theories of homeostasis and autopoiesis?
Cybernetics explores systems and their interactions, emphasizing feedback loops. Homeostasis is about maintaining stability in living organisms through negative feel loops. Autopoiesis describes self-maintaining living systems that are informationally closed, challenging traditional notions of feedback loops connecting systems with their environments. These concepts collectively contribute to understanding how systems, regulate, adapt and sustain themselves.
Explain what Katherine Haynes (1999) means when she writes that “information has lost its body”
When Haynes says “information has lost its body” she is expressing the idea that in the digital age, information is often divorced from its physical or material form. Traditional forms of information, like books or handwritten letters, have a tangible presence, but in the digital realm, information exists as disembodied data. This reflects the shift from material to digital forms of communication and storage, where information is often stored and transmitted in non-physical, electronic formats. She suggests that this transformation has implications for how me perceive and interact with information in contemporary society.
What was the significance of the “whole earth catalog”? How did this artifact contribute to the adoption of personal computing?
The whole earth catalog was a significant artifact that served as a countercultural guidebook, providing information about tools, books and resources for a self-sufficient and communal lifestyle. Its significance lies in fostering a do-it- yourself ethos and promotes access to information. This catalog influenced the adoption of personal computing by inspiring a generation of enthusiasts who sought to explore and apply technology for personal empowerment.it played a role in shaping the mindset that eventually contributed to the development and popularization of personal computers and the broader digital culture.
What does “surveillence capitalism” mean? How does it affect our daily interactions with computational media?
Surveillance capitalism refers to a situation where companies collect and analyze massive amounts of personal data from individuals through digital technologies, often without their explicit consent, to predict and influence their behaviours. This practice is particularly prevalent in the online environment, where companies use data for targeted advertising and other forms of manipulation.in our daily interactions with computational media, surveillance capitalism can impact us by shaping the content we see, the ads we encounter, and even influencing our preferences and choices based on the data collected about our online activities.it raises concerns about privacy, consent, and the ethical use of personal information in the digital age.
