Week 2 readings

Computer Hardware (Wikipedia)

Certain parts of a computer are currently standardized as necessary to operate ones unit. However, with the rate at which machines are evolving I think these standard configurations will change.
My first computer was a Commodore-64 which ran on the DOS operating. (Just think "per-Java or before the Internet could do graphics). Such systems consisted of a stand-alone CPU, a Monitor that weighed a ton and a plug-in mouse. In comparison, the laptop that I currently use is integrated, compact and wireless. The Brain of my computer (the motherboard) is now located under the keyboard, the mouse has been replaced by the touch pad.

In terms of portability, the laptop is a more social machine. Laptops can function via wireless networks rather than be confined to a workstation in a fixed location. At the free Library here in Philadelphia our HomePage Cafe attracts laptop users with free Wi-Fi, cafe tables and a coffee vendor.

Newer laptops now have built-in web cameras that allow users to send and receive real time transmissions. All these advances leave me wondering if the line between TV broadcasts, web services and phone functions will blurr to a point as to be invisible.

Methods of Connection:

Broadband- DSL/modem
Fiber optic cable
Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)

Service Providers: Connection for fee
Connections for free

Bandwidth= speed of data transmission

What's your address?

Internet Protocol address= virtual mailing location which usually resembles a set of numbers separated by a dot. Example: 198.652. 1.1
Domain Name = Name of the Web site, also used by browser to locate Web pages on servers.

Web site types:
Portals- goods and services
News- current events and concepts
Information- data collections

Browsers:
MS Internet Explorer
Mozilla FireFox
Netscape
Konquror (Linux/unix)
Opera
Safari

Features on Browsers:

Animation- movement on screen that simulates actions. Usually requires use of Java programs.

Streaming Media- continues transmission of audio/visual files in a flash or player program. (example Site: Stardolls.com)

Plug-ins- media players, PDF file readers, tool bars

E-commerce:
Some web sites function like brick and mortar stores that display or advertise goods and services to be paid for via electric funds transfer.