Chapter 9 Discussion
1. There are several milestones in the history of computing. I would say that the manual calculator, the mechanical calculator, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, the UNIVAC, and pretty much every generation of computer were important milestones in the history of computing. All of these changed how we use computers today. I think the current trend of making computers smaller and more portable will greatly affect the future of computing.
2. The rapid growth of the computer and the IT industries have both benefits and drawbacks. The benefits are that with the development of computer technology, the technology that is available is becoming cheaper for the average person. People worldwide are able to communicate with each other because of this technology, which is increasing the possibilities for business owners. The drawbacks are that some tasks are becoming impossible to do without the technology. Educational and business organizations require some form of technology in order to participate. This can be difficult for some who can not afford such technology.
3. I think that computer professions are comparable to many professions. Computers are so vast and complicated that they take a lot of skill to work on, skills comparable to those of doctors, mechanics, lawyers, and many other professions. Computer professions require a lot of time and preparation, like many professions. Some people are able to develop their knowledge of computers on their own in order to have a profession, but there is a lot of educational preparation that is required for many computer professions. The money that computer professionals make can vary depending on the field of work, and the social status is the same way. I think more people in the computer industry are beginning to gain in social status due to how important the work is. I am more interested in the business field, but I am interested in knowing as much as I can about computers in order to be successful. My incentive to know more in the IT field is to become successful in other fields.
