CS 485 – Week 7: Lecture Notes

Detailed Contents
  1. Current Issues: Wireless computing
    • Questions for class:
      • What is wireless computing?
      • What are possible applications for wireless computing?
        • GPS
        • Cellular phones
        • Anywhere internet
        • Wireless PC power
        • Help with what types of professions?
        • much more….
    • Palm Computing – Where is it headed?
      • July 24, 2001 – Contracted with Intel, Motorola, and TI to develop a wireless computing platform with RISC processor design
      • Aug. 16, 2001 – Palm says that it is looking to purchase Be operating system (BeOS) that was originally going to replace the old Apple OS.
      • What can Palm do with the above? Generate some ideas.
        • Dave Horrigan – “Instead of making $500 Palm-top devices for executives and road warriors, Palm could be making $2,000 devices that improve productivity in hundreds of professions.”
    • Wireless computing in the classroom
      • k-12 schools getting rid of old computer labs in favor of wireless laptops
      • some experts say that computer labs have had no impact on education
      • Next year (2002) in Maine, every seventh grader will receive a wireless laptop from the state.
      • Dave Horrigan – “In San Lorenzo, California, 8,000 students from grades four through 12 will get a laptop that they can keep until they graduate. And kids will be able to access the Net anywhere near the district's 15 school buildings. (The IT staff spent the summer sticking infrared cells in the school's ceilings.)”
      • Wireless technology is having an impact because it gives kids more autonomy in the classroom.
      • But at schools "the impact of computers has been zero," said Elliot Soloway, a professor of education and computer science at the University of Michigan.
        • Kids already know how to use computers
        • “They should be given the chance to use their PCs to take notes, organize projects and do research,” Soloway said
      • Apple is selling an “iBook Wireless Mobile Lab” with 16 iBooks, a printer, and a wireless base station for networking
    • Ethical & societal implications.
      • How is wireless computing affecting society?
      • Will wireless computing pose any problems in the future?
  2. Review for midterm examination
    • Describe exam format (number of questions, types of questions, etc.)
      • No notes or papers will be allowed during the examination.
      • 3 Hours will be provided though the average person can complete the exam in 2 – 2.25 hours.
      • Material will come from lectures and readings.
    • History
      • Don’t be bogged down by dates.
      • Know simply who some people were and what they did for computing machinery.
      • Will be tested on Pre-1800’s to Present day history.
      • All materials that were covered in lectures (Weeks 1 & 2).
    • Understand Ethics discussed in class
      • Be familiar with all 4 case studies and the ethics behind each.
      • No specific knowledge from the cases will be required
      • Simply know the overall concepts behind each
    • Artificial Intelligence
      • Know what was discussed in class
    • Hackers
      • Know overall story line
      • Remember what was discussed in class.
    • The Soul of A New Machine
      • No specific details will be asked.
      • Know the names of the key players at Data General whom the book concentrates on. Know what role they play in the grander scheme.
    • Any questions to clarify topics and concepts that have been covered?
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