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Lauren EspositoSeptember 4, 2006Week 1 – ICM Introduction to Interactive Communications 

Response to Week 1 readings. 

From 1915-1990 J.C. R. Lickliderlider discussed the role of man-computer symbiosis and the computer as a communication device. He theorized that the original design of the computer would evolve into a cooperative “live together in intimate association, or even close union, of two dissimilar organisms” in symbiosis. In order for this symbiosis to evolve, Licklider proposed that the cost and size of the computer would need to become smaller, memory hardware requirements would have to be created, memory organization requirements would need to be addressed, input and output equipment would have to be created and the expansion of the computer as a communication device would be required for this symbiosis to occur. 

According to the 2002 census, over 61.8% individuals have a computer in their household¹. Dell, Hewlett-Packart, Macintosh or others can cost you between $650 and $3,000 not including your software requirements. Many of the computer companies are offering 0 percent credit cards for 6-8 months upon your purchase of these computers. In addition to the manageable costs, the overall size and weight of the computers can now be portable. Dell notebooks weigh between 3-7 lbs. The size, lowered cost factor and interdependence are bridging the symbiosis between humans and computers.

In order for symbiosis to occur, Licklider theorized that computers would need to have enough storage capacity to meet the demands of the consumer. Since Licklider’s article was written, the hardware industry has tackled memory hardware requirements with different approaches. One approach is network or server-based technology. Intel, Unix and Avocent have created names for themselves by offering center management solutions from a single graphical user interface. Web servers, such as Apache, Microsoft Internet Information Services and others offer virtual server space that can be accessed through the world wide web. Burnable CDs, flash drives and external hard drives offer local access to hardware concerns. Entire sub-industries have been created to meet the storage demands of the consumer. 

Licklider felt it was imperative that information be retrievable both by name and pattern, and that it be accessible much faster than serial search. His concern was that the Trie memory would not facilitate retrieval of information adequately.  Dr. Vannevar Bush in 1945 also expressed concern in the system of indexing. Through a series of complier type languages such as C++, JAVA, Scheme and others, various programming languages have been developed to make information searchable through key words indexes, directories and date range using any or all of the words or phrases. The advent of the complier type languages have altered the method in which many individuals use the world wide web or even a library. In the past libraries have used the card catalog system to catalog their books and periodicals. Now many libraries have moved to a computer based searchable catalog but also a catalog that indexes listings for all public libraries within the same county. In addition, libraries are now available online for home access and information.  

Licklider felt that input and output equipment, as seen from the human operator’s point of view, is essential for man-computer symbiosis. The advent of the mouse and drop down menus in Microsoft and Macintosh has metamorphosed interfaces. Entire software packages have been designed to address the need for user control over what tools bars are made accessible or non-accessible based on the user’s needs. In most systems, when one opens up a word processing program, the tools bars File, Edit, View, Window and others are standard at the top or side of their screen.  In graphics programs such as Adobe Photoshop CS they have set parameters where the program remembers your last used tool bars, such as align, color swatches, etc. each time the program is opened. Output devices have parlayed into scanners, printers and hard drives that allow you to place digital photo cards. 

Finally, the computer has expanded to integrate with the world wide web and e-mail allowing the method of everyday communication to explode into new territories.  The written word takes on new meaning with regards to tone, message and subject matter.  E-mail etiquette rules as to who is included or carbon copied in the message, capitalization, bolding and underlining has taken on new meaning. The speed at which messages can be sent around the office is much faster than average memo that is put on one’s chair in many circumstances. 

In conclusion, many industries and companies have been born to address the relationship between man and the computer. As the evolution of this relationship occurs, new paths such as nanotechnology, alternative devices used as a computers (such as cellular phones and I-pods) and wireless technology will improve the freedom of the user experience with a computer. With the reception of the computer into one’s everyday lives, the integration will expand into other medium and tools that become part of one’s adaptive symbiosis existence.  

Bibliography 

“Statistics, Computers” Cyber Telecom October 2005 <http://www.cybertelecom.org/data/statcomputers.htm>.