T171 TMA 02  - Question 1

GUI's

Introduction -

Why did we need a GUI? How users interact with a computer system - to include history (switches to punch cards to the command line and finally the GUI)_{- 1}

Main Body -

Limits of the non-GUI interface, from the mainframe input via punch cards to the original keyboard input directly via the command line. Although the CP/M system developed for the PC worked, it still required considerable specialist knowledge in order to obtain a useful output. Although a working language it was not one that very many end user would have the ability to learn. It slowed down the output e.g. letters would not be at all suitable when the PC became an object to be used by the masses. Development of the PC needed research, research needed cash and for companies to grow they needed to sell PC's in large numbers. The interface had to change and Psychology would lead to an answer. Brief History of GUI _{- 1}

This led to the system of WYSIWYG (define) and this along with further development ' Star Interface' (define) led ultimately to the use of the desktop GUI's via effective GUI standards so loved by Apple, Linux and Microsoft _-2 

In turn this lead to the killer programmes which sold the PC as a must have item, e.g. spreadsheets etc. _-3
 

Conclusions.

T171 TMA 02 Question 2

Microsoft the differences in their contribution to the development of the PC
 

IBM created in 1924 and produced its first computer in 1950. It realized in 1980 that it needed to produce a microcomputer and quickly. Realising early on that time was not on its side IBM decided to ‘break the rules’ and out source both the hardware components and software in order to meet a tight deadline.

‘ The only thing remarkable about the IBM Personal Computer was that it was designed and built by IBM.’ ₁

This is partly correct, as in, following this path it created not only a working PC but the de facto PC hardware standard. This was so strong, that it not only applied to the first generation of PC’s but also to all future PC’s generations. This should have given IBM a unbeatable advantage over its competitors but the outsourcing of the components meant design rights of the various component parts were not owned by IBM. Thus the IBM PC and was very quickly copied and manufactured by many others who could claim fully compatibility IBM PC’s. As these machines were compatible the price became the marketable difference, IBM still had vast overheads to account for, the generic clones could be produced for less since their overheads were considerably lower. Ultimately this would lead to a fragmentation of the market and over the years lead to the reduction of importance of  IBM as the main player in the PC market even if everyone still calls it an IBM Pc..

Once the hardware had been created it required software for it to work, IBM  looked for an operating system (OS) to buy in, after a refusal by its first choice, Digital Research, it asked Microsoft  to produce its OS. Bill Gates had a vision and  monopolizingthe software market was his aim. At the time he was approached by IBM, he did not have a OS. Instead he acquired  the rights to an OS ‘QDOS’ which was manufactured by Seattle Computer Products and then quickly adapted it. Microsoft then pulled off a masterstroke, it agreed to lease rather than sell the OS to IIBM surprisingly IBM agreed.  In doing so, Microsoft, managed to create a de facto standard for all future PC’s. Rather than creating a fragmented  market, the fact that the OS remained proprietary to Microsoft meant that the manufactures of the  IBM compatible machines had little option but to use it and  pay Microsoft for both iit'soriginal OS and all the future versions developed from it. 

Both companies had produced the de facto standard for their side of the PC we know. But the crucial difference between them, is that   Microsoft's proprietary OS’s ownership has allowed it to continue to develop and control the way that the PC market has developed over the years. It has gained from both IBM and all the other cloned PC manufacturers hardware developments whereas IBM has lost its initial  advantage to other PC hardware manufactures.

₁  Cringely, Richard X. (1996), Accidental Empires, Penguin

 

T171 TMA 02 Question 3

Differences between synchronous and asynchronous and its uses in T171.

Synchronous and asynchronous technologies, both allow for verbal or written interaction to be made normally via an intranet or the internet. The former technology allows for an immediate reaction while the latter allows for a delayed reaction. By its very nature the Open University is totally reliant on distant education technology, rather than the classroom based style of the conventional university and in addition to the normal printed educational material,  books or notes and it currently uses mainly a asynchronous technology teaching style.

The main asynchronous technology currently used, are the web based discussion forums, especially the tutor group forums. These allow the student a reasonable period of time to mull over these ideas and questions, to research them either via the course website, course books or to hunt through the previously posted questions and answers, prior to having to submission. This clearly allows for a much more considered response, with far less chance of a misunderstanding occurring, than the alternative synchronous technologies currently used by the OU, such as the live on line discussions e.g. the welcoming webcast, which can easily become heated and difficult to follow with too many inputs at once.

Of course sometimes it is important to allow faster communication and to enable this, real time interaction, although not currently in official in use for the T171 course is available via the OU's FirstClass Live Chat system. This does allow students who normally have little direct contact to communicate directly to at least one other student in a synchronous manner.

There is one other type of asynchronous technology which has recently become popular on the www, is known as a weblog or blog, this is basically a personal chronological diary, which is published on the web for either, individual, group or unrestricted readership. As one of the difficulties of studying with the OU is the isolation from your fellow students. I would suggest that if the members of each tutor group were encouraged to start a blog of their experiences as the course developed it may help to create a spirit of comradeship which the current forum system does not really foster. Also since it is common practice for a blog to link directly to others similar bogs and  As tutorial group members are likely to be at the same stage in the course it would also allow a method of sharing the individual knowledge of a particular subject at the appropriate time in a more coherent manner than the posts on the discussion forums.

In conclusion I've found that asynchronous technology currently used greatly enhances the T171 Course but that newer technologies could enhance it further

 
Feedback T171 2004 - TMA 02 DUE DATE: 29^th April 2004
 

Overall comments

This is a good assignment, it was submitted in the correct HTML file format and you kept within the required word limits.

You are making good progress in your T171 studies and have shown that you can write a clear web report.

Best regards,

Barry