The Field of Computing - Assignment Example

History and Impact of Computing History and Impactof Computing Introduction Computing refers to any activity, which is problem oriented that requires, benefits from or creates different algorithmic processes through the use of systems like computers. The computing process includes among other functions, designing, developing as well as establishment of software and hardware systems. It also features the art of structuring, processing and managing the different information, making scientific research using and on computers as well as coming up with computer systems that behave intelligently. The field of computing is extremely broad, involving software engineering, computer engineering, information systems, computer science as well as the broad field of information technology (Ceruzzi, 2003). A computer, which is the center of the computing process, refers to a machine which manipulates various kinds of data depending on instructions created in a system called a computer program. The program is developed in such a way that it contains a form that is executable so that the computer can effectively use directly in executing the particular instructions. The process of execution often carries out all the special instructions in the computer program, the instructions articulate the different computations that are performed in the computer, triggering the sequence of simple and executable actions in the specific executing machine. Those actions later produce effects in accordance to semantics of the particular instructions. Many people that enjoy the developments in computing do not understand the path that this field has taken to present. This paper examines the path that the process of computing has undergone to reach its present levels that people enjoy in their private and public social and economic dimensions among others. Pioneers of computing One of the questions that many people often ask is who was the first person to make the computer? It is important to note that such a question does not really have a simple answer. The fact remains that many inventors played an important role towards the history of computers and computing. It should be understood that a computer refers to a machine comprising of many parts, most of whom can be regarded as being separate inventions. Some of the people that have played a role in the process of computing have been celebrated throughout history as having made or assisted in making systems that have continued to change human life in different dimensions; some of them include the following. Charles Babbage Charles Babbage is described as great pioneer of computing because of his efforts in originating the idea of programmable computers. Babbage was born in 1791 in England (Regan, 2008). He was an English philosopher, mathematician, mechanical engineer and inventor who first initiated the idea of programmable computers. Regarded as the father of computers, Charles is always credited with invention of the first successful mechanical computer, which eventually brought other complex designs as experienced in modern times (Ceruzzi, 2003). Part of the works done by Baggage have been safely preserved and on display at the Science Museum in London (Regan, 2008). In his discovery, Babbage looked for a way through which different mathematical tables could be calculated effectively mechanically. In this case, a great amount of human error would be removed in the computer based calculations. Many other inventions have been established based on the works of Babbage, which have continued to enhance modern computing. Alan Kay Alan was born and raised in Massachusetts, in the town of Springfield. In his upbringing, he was exposed to an environment that had much art, science and literature (Ceruzzi, 2003). After finishing schooling, Kay would later join the Air Force, where he had dreamt of working after school. It is during his time at the Air Force that he developed an interest in computers and the computing process, which led to him discovering computers. After leaving the Air Force, Kay earned his undergraduate degree from Uta University. Kay played a role in the development of Sketchpad, which was the first successful interactive computer system; this system gave a direct visual feedback for people that used it (Ceruzzi, 2003). In the history of computing, Kay is accredited to have helped in the establishment of laptop computers, assisted in the development of laser printing, Ethernet as well as network model for client-servers among many other innovations. Cleve Moler Born in 1939, Moler influence in the field of computing cannot be underestimated. Moler is one of the most renowned American mathematician and computer programmer, who played an active role towards the invention of MATLAB, which is a package for numerical computing. Currently, Moler is the chairman as well as the chief scientist at the Math Works Institute (Ceruzzi, 2003). In the 1970’s, Moler was part of the active authors that worked in the authorship of EISPACK and LINSPACK at the Fortran libraries for different forms of numerical computing. He is a renowned specialist as far as numerical analysis is concerned (Regan, 2008). Many of his works have been helpful in the art of computer programming where programmers have often used his numerical analysis in the coding process. Encryption and Decryption Encryption refers to the art of translating various plain texts into something, which appears meaningless and random (Shi, 2007). On the other hand, decryption describes the reverse process, which means, it entails converting cipher text to plain text; in the process of encrypting any amount of information, one has to rely on symmetric encryption (Lian, 2009). It is important to note that the Symmetric key is often helpful in both the encryption and decryption processes. In decrypting any cipher text, the particular key that was involved in the encryption process has to be used. In modern times, encryption has become common when it comes protecting private information which may be personal or belonging to corporate and business organisations (Shi, 2007). Most people use encryption technology in order to protect their information in android phones, tablets and other personal digital assistants. It is important that on phones, the process may slow the efficiency of older android versions; in this case, one needs to be careful when using it so that he does not suffer from occasional delays and reduced efficiency (Lian, 2009). However, most of the modern versions of android work with encrypted data without any occasional inefficiency. People often prefer using this technology so that unauthorized people and hackers do not access their private and confidential information. Effects of computing Computers have become essential resources in personal and corporate social, economic and other dimensions of life. First, computing has been thought as an effective and accurate tool that facilitates the process of accounting in business organisations (Wolter, 2012). Through the use of various accounting application software, accountants can ensure they create reliable financial information for businesses. Additionally, computing aids in the creation of reliable value chains in the production and distribution process. This is done through systems like enterprise resource planning, supply chain management among others, which help to increase the value of goods and services produced by a business organisation (Wolter, 2012). In this case, businesses that use various aspects of technology that incorporates computing can easily increase their market share through such value addition. On the other hand, computing also has its fair share of disadvantages associated with it. First, it is important to note that many of the drawbacks associated with computing can be hard to see, in terms of the economic dimension, computing tends to reduce work force in business since most of their work is replaced by these machines, which happen to be fast and more accurate (Shi, 2007). This becomes a macroeconomic problem, since most governments strive to reduce the problem of unemployment while ensuring profits for their business investments. Environmentally, computers use high amounts of electricity, making them dangerous to the environment when disposed improperly (Wolter, 2012). For this reason, people and business organisations that use them need to understand how to dispose them in order to reduce their effects on the physical environment. In homes, computers have been blamed for enhancing child stalking and pornography because of their ability to connect to the internet. References Ceruzzi, P. (2003). A history of modern computing (2nd ed.). Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press. Lian, S. (2009). Multimedia content encryption: Techniques and applications. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Regan, G. (2008). A brief history of computing. London: Springer. Rieffel, E., & Polak, W. (2011). Quantum computing a gentle introduction. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press. Shi, Y. (2007). Transactions on data hiding and multimedia security II. Berlin: Springer. Wolter, K. (2012). Resilience assessment and evaluation of computing systems. Berlin: Springer. Read More