"Computer Hardware"- Wikipedia
This article offered a good basic overview of the parts of a computer. I don't know all of the different names of the different parts of my computer, but if I ever needed to, this article would be a good place to look. On the other hand, it's very basic and straightforward, probably too basic for most people actually.
"Moore's Law"- Wikipedia and Video
According to the Wikipedia article, Moore's Law is basically: "The number of transistors that can be placed on an integrated circuit has doubled approximately every two years." This allows for faster computers with more storage space. I found it interesting how Moore's Law has changed from serving as a prediction to serving as the industry standard; companies are now striving to achieve this rate of progress. I really enjoyed watching the video "What is Moore's Law" with Christie Nicholson from Scientific American because her explanation was simple and concise. Her comparison of transistor technology with that of automobile technology was really helpful because, although I don't know much about cars, I do know that we don't have cars that can get 100,000 miles to the gallon. Her description of Moore's Law was clear and accessible.
According to the Wikipedia article, Moore's Law is basically: "The number of transistors that can be placed on an integrated circuit has doubled approximately every two years." This allows for faster computers with more storage space. I found it interesting how Moore's Law has changed from serving as a prediction to serving as the industry standard; companies are now striving to achieve this rate of progress. I really enjoyed watching the video "What is Moore's Law" with Christie Nicholson from Scientific American because her explanation was simple and concise. Her comparison of transistor technology with that of automobile technology was really helpful because, although I don't know much about cars, I do know that we don't have cars that can get 100,000 miles to the gallon. Her description of Moore's Law was clear and accessible.
Computer History Museum- Website
Despite the museum's ongoing physical construction, the museum's website has many online exhibits which are a great way to reach out to those who are unable to make the trip out to Silicon Valley. Online exhibits really extend the reach of educational institutions such as museums and it is clear that they are becoming very popular for museums as well as libraries and archives. I think that the museum would be of interest to people of all levels of computer proficiency and technological literacy. Computers have revolutionized our world; the ways we communicate, learn, conduct business, shop, and more are forever altered. Thus, visitors with diverse interests would surely find something applicable to their use of computers in this museum.
Hi Christy,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post on the Computer History Museum, and I am glad that you highlighted the value of online exhibits as a means of extending the museum’s reach. As we all know, it has become increasingly difficult for non-profits and publicly-funded institutions to secure funding in the past few years. But, it is those institutions that choose to employ unconventional means to attract new audiences that will have no trouble guaranteeing their continued existence. I applaud the Computer History Museum for recognizing that their services may appeal to a wider audience than that which has easy access to their facility, and I think that libraries, museums, and archives would all benefit greatly by increasing their efforts to provide remote user services. The more information/services you provide, the more influential your institution has the potential to be. And who knows, digital libraries, museums, etc. may just be one of the ways in which various institutions prove their continued worth in years to come.
Lorraine,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. I agree with you that the web is an excellent way to get in touch with distant patrons. One of the greatest things about the internet is how it gives access to those who otherwise wouldn't have access to certain resources. Institutions' online presence is sure to be even more important in the future. As it is, before I go anywhere, I check out the organization's website for their operating hours, directions, and information on admission. It's just such a valuable source.