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Discussion Questions 1: One key point from the lecture was that the general areas to which computer technology are applied have expanded dramatically over time, as hardware and software have risen in complexity and fallen in cost. What core things do you think have stayed the same about computer technology from the 1950s to the present day? Why? 2: How do you think this expansion in application areas relates to the focus of the Informatics program on "cognate areas"? What might the difference be between Informatics and Computer Science? 3: The lecture also mentioned the difficulty of integrating early computer departments, and computer people, into broader non-technical organizations such as businesses. Do you think this is more or less of a problem today, and why? (Last two questions are general, as there is no required reading this week.) 4: How have electronic technologies such as email and instant messaging changed the way you interact with your friends on campus and back home? Do you think that you've changed the way you meet and deal with people as a result? 5: Think of a specific computer system you have used in the last week (possible example: Microsoft Windows XP, Regweb, Webmail). Identify something annoyingly stupid about the way it was designed -- the kind of thing that makes you groan with frustration and pull a face. (Example: in Windows XP you can't get rid of the Windows Messenger icon in the system tray at the bottom of the screen). How could it be fixed, and why do you think it hasn't been. Further Reading and Links
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