Computer Handbook chapt.
Francoise Herrmann (fherrmann who-is-at igc.apc.org)
Mon, 25 Aug 1997 12:58:10 -0700 (PDT)
Hi Mike, Hi all, I am in much agreemet with the caracterization of
computer uses via the three mentioned metaphors and somewhat
hesistant about the "savVY" feminist adage. Today at the end of
the 90s bigger in terms of more computing power certainly holds
true as most programs since the 80s have been really beautifully
upgraded so as to perhaps incidentally not run on the older
smaller (less powerfull machines). For example, try loading any
current word processor or graphics program without a CD ROM on a
non power MAC: it takes about 15 disquettes and at least 45
minutes! Small is great and better, Well, depends what one is
really refering to! For the tracking of events from the 80s to me,
it seems that whereas the 80s was the time of the "micorelectronic
rev." the 90s is the "telecomputing rev." with networking as tool.
In between there is also the "multimedia rev." that has worked its
way into telecommunications with the web as tool. I am sure that
there is both macro and micro threads to weave into this or to
weave tool development out to those layers of context, but that's
what I'm thinking for now. Examples... hmmm well how about the
5thD (as mega example!), the AT&T networking project (Margaret
Riel) or KIDS cafe. Lots of refs. in Cummins and Sayers (1995).
Lots of exciting work after the shift away from "Homo-Computer".
And lots of questions to be answered about WEb use which is where
my interest lies.
Francoise Francoise Herrmann fherrmann who-is-at igc.apc.org
http://www.wenet.net/~herrmann