However, while reading Network Theory I realized that the mechanical components of computers aren't mutually exclusive with the human element. Computers are complex machines that mimic human action and in doing so require to many human elements. For instance, when reading about graph theory, Network theory suggests that "graph theory is not enough for an understanding of networks; rather it is only a beginning." (33). There is nothing solely mechanical or human about a computer, it is a combination of both and I think that's a reason why computers are so fascinating.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Human or Mechanical?
I'll be the first to admit that my understanding of the mechanical aspect of the computer prior to this class was minimal. If someone had asked me how Microsoft Word worked, I would have probably resorted to "magic" as an explanation. Having spent the last couple of weeks dealing with computer coding, and the various mechanisms old computers and logic machines used to carry out operations, I have experienced a newfound appreciation for the complexity of my MacBook Pro. I have begun to separate the human element in computer technology to a certain extent and while whether that is a good thing, is it's own discussion, I have become more objective towards the function of computers.
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The Network Theory reading and the excerpt from the Exploit both emphasize a certain flexibility to the notion of networks, across technical and biological domains. Terms like "virus," "worm," "food chain/web," "ecosystem," "genetic code," and so forth demonstrate how systems and network thinking really frames our understandings not only of the human body, but also the environment and our computer systems. Perhaps we can talk more about the interpenetration of the human and the mechanical today.
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