1.)Computer Hardware Wikipedia
Summary Notes: The Wikipedia article explains the various parts that make up the hardware of a PC. The Motherboard is composed of different parts. One very important part is the CPU, which is considered the brain of the computer. The chipset is the link between the CPU and all other parts of the PC. The RAM holds the applications and stands for Random Access Memory. The Power Supply is the cord, switch, and cooling fan. It also distributes the correct power to specific parts. PC hardware also includes video data controller, removable media devices, sound card, and internal storage.
Summary Notes: The video was much more user friendly. It gave a concise and easy to understand explanation of Moore's Law. Basically what Christina Nicholson said in the video was that the number of transistors that can be fit on a chip doubles every two years. She explains that this is what has enabled computer technology to progress so much in the last forty years. Computers have become smaller and more affordable. The wikipedia page goes into more detail about the origination of the ideas behind the law which were introduced by Gordon Moore in the 1960s. An important point made in both the article and video is that Moore's Law is not a law of nature, but is rather a law put in motion by businesses and technological advancement. Additionally both the video and article explain that this doubling may only continue until about 2015. The wikipedia article cites Moore as stating that the doubling cannot continue indefinitely because there are limits at the atomic level of how small one can make a transistor.
3.)www.computerhistory.org
Summary Notes: The Computer History Museum is located in Mountain View, CA. According to their website they were established in 1999 and are now one of the largest collections of computer artifacts in the world. The museum houses various exhibits pertaining to the history of computers including a model computer engine designed in the 1800s by Charles Babbage (http://www.computerhistory.org/babbage/). The website also offers online exhibits (http://www.computerhistory.org/exhibits/).
Summary of my Thoughts: The Computer Hardware wikipedia page was somewhat difficult to summarize because the material was already summarized. The article did give important information for understanding the inner parts of a PC. Moore's Law is interesting to think about. It's impossible not to notice the changes in computers and cell phones, but to really think about how these changes are brought about shows a different side. The video made it much easier to understand the wikipedia page. The Computer History Museum seems like it would be a really interesting place to visit. I like how they have the online exhibits.
After reading your blog, I took your advice and watched the video and it was much easier to understand. Thanks!
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