IT 103 Exam 1 Review

If you have a friend who says super-intelligent technology will cause the end of humanity you should be able to explain how (a) they might not be wrong, but also (b) why they have fallen into the trap of technological determinism.

(a) my friend might be true because experts have predicted that A.I. might reach human-level performance/intelligence without limitations by the year 2040. When A.I. reaches this level of intelligence, it would want to do what is best for itself, which might be ending humanity. (b) Technology cannot update itself on its own. This view ignores the fact that technology is developed and deployed by human beings, who have agency and can shape the direction of technological progress.

Technology as applied science

- To define technology simply as applied science is misleading systematically and historically. - Modern technology is pursued primarily by those with a scientific background and within the framework of modern science. - Many of the specific inventions are products of chance or of trial and error, and not as a direct application of scientific theory to achieve a pre-assumed goal. - Although technology involves knowledge, particularly know-how, a definition of technology that characterizes it simply as applied science is too narrow.

Generalized AI, strong AI

-Ability to learn and adapt to new situations. -Can perform a wide range of tasks at or near a human-like level. -Can understand and adapt to broad, complex, unanticipated experiences. Is Spot Weak AI or Strong AI?

Narrow AI, weak AI

-Trained to perform a specific task -Can only perform one thing (or a specific set of things) very well. -Narrow scope of expertise

Free as in speech, not free beer

1) "Free as in speech" refers to the freedom to use, modify, and distribute software. Tt means that users have the right to access the source code of the software and modify it to suit their needs. This type of freedom is important because it allows users to customize and improve software to better suit their needs, without being dependent on the original developer or vendor. 2) "free as in beer" simply means that the software is available at no cost.

What is a protocol?

1) General definition: A set of rules for how devices communicate and how data is transmitted across a network 2) In the context of computing and networking, a protocol is a set of rules or procedures that govern how data is transmitted and received over a network. Protocols are used to ensure that devices on a network can communicate with one another in a standardized and predictable way.

Technology as hardware

1) Physical devices we use to accomplish tasks Used to support ourselves in making tasks easier and being more efficient. (electronic toothbrush, washing machine, hairdryer, dishwasher).

Is Moore's Law still "alive"? What would it mean if we have reached the "end" of Moore's Law?

1) Some experts believe that Moore's Law is reaching its limits, and it may not be possible to continue doubling the number of transistors on a microchip every two years. 2) if Moore's Law comes to an end, it may not necessarily mean the end of progress in computing technology. There are many other technological innovations that could continue to drive advances in computing performance, such as improvements in software, data storage, and networking.

Human-centered computing

1) a multidisciplinary field of study and practice that focuses on the design, development, evaluation, and deployment of computing technologies that are centered around human needs, capabilities, and experiences. The goal of HCC is to create technology that is accessible, intuitive, and meaningful for people, with an emphasis on enhancing human performance and well-being. 2) Human-centered computing studies the design, development, and deployment of mixed-initiative human-computer systems. HCC is emerging from the convergence of multiple disciplines that are concerned both with understanding human beings and with the design of computational artifacts.

Technological system

1) a system through which a technological process combines resources to provide an output in response to an input. 2) hardware as well as the human skills and organization that are needed to operate and maintain it.

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)

1) an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military. 2) Over the years, DARPA has been responsible for a number of breakthroughs in technology, including the development of the Internet, GPS, and stealth technology. The agency also conducts research in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity.

Technology as a system

1) technology is both the combination of an item/skill and the person using/understanding it (hardware + software); machinery alone does not function as technology. 2) Ex: For an artifact or a piece of hardware to be considered technology, it needs to be set in the context of people who use it, maintain it, and repair it.

Can you explain how that specific year (2040) was identified?

1)Technological determinism: The belief that the development of super-intelligent technology would result in the extinction of humanity. 2) A survey was sent to A.I. experts asking "By which year do you think there is a 50 percent probability that we will have achieved human-level machine intelligence?" the answer was the year 2040 or 2050 depending on the group asked.

What are the main elements of a sociotechnical system?

1. technical components 2. social components 3. processes 4. context 5. feedback mechanisms

Aaron Swartz (think "freedom")

A computer programmer and internet activist. He was associated with freedom because of his advocacy for free and open access to information, as well as his work in promoting Internet freedom and digital rights. In 2011, Swartz was arrested and charged with a number of federal crimes related to the downloading of millions of academic articles from a subscription-only database. Swartz committed suicide in 2013, and his death has been widely attributed to the stress and pressure of his legal case. Swartz has become an icon of the Internet freedom movement

The Technological Singularity

A hypothetical point in the future when artificial intelligence (AI) will surpass human intelligence and lead to a rapid acceleration of technological progress, resulting in profound and unpredictable changes to human society.

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)

A method of labeling any device connected to the network with a unique numerical value. Uses four bytes usually expressed in this notation: 123.123.003.243

Technological determinism

A theory that suggests that technology is the primary driver of social and cultural change, and that it has the power to shape human behavior, beliefs, and values. This theory views technology as an autonomous force that operates independently of social, political, and economic factors, and that has a deterministic influence on the course of human history.

Vint Cerf (think "DARPA")

American computer scientist who is often referred to as one of the "fathers of the Internet" due to his role in the development of the TCP/IP protocols that form the foundation of the modern Internet. He is also known for his work in promoting Internet governance and for his advocacy for the continued expansion and development of the Internet.

Retrofuturism

An artistic movement that seeks to combine elements of the past and the future in the present time

What happens at the "event horizon" that Ray Kurzweil describes?

An event horizon beyond which it is impossible to see. Technological singularity: A hypothetical time period when technological advancement becomes unstoppable and irreversible, causing unforeseen changes to human civilization.

OSI Model

Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical

What problem(s) was it originally intended to address?

At the time, there were several problems with computer communication. One was that computers used different languages and protocols, making it difficult for them to communicate with each other. Another was that communication was limited to point-to-point connections, which meant that only two computers could communicate with each other at a time.

Why was the Web created? What problem(s) was it originally intended to address?

At the time, there were various computer networks, but they all had different ways of storing and presenting information. In addition, accessing information across networks was difficult and required specialized knowledge. Berners-Lee envisioned a system that would allow information to be easily shared and accessed across different computer systems.

Machine Super-intelligence

At this level of intelligence, machines would be able to perform tasks that are currently only possible for humans, and would be able to do so at an exponentially faster rate. This could lead to profound changes in many areas of human society, such as the way we work, communicate, and solve problems.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee (think "hypertext")

British computer scientist who invented the World Wide Web (WWW), he primary tool used to access and share information on the Internet. He is associated with the concept of an open, free, and accessible Internet, and has been a vocal advocate for its continued development and expansion. He conceived of the idea for the World Wide Web as a way to make it easier for scientists to share and collaborate on research data.

Intended consequences of technology

Consequences that are either anticipated, desired, or undesired. Some consequences include: 1. improved communication 2. access to information 3. economic growth

The "practical requirements" that hypertext is intended to address

Hypertext is a technology that enables the creation and sharing of non-linear, interconnected documents. Navigability, flexibility, interactivity.

the fundamental principle that defines Moore's Law

It states that the number of transistors on a microchip will double approximately every two years, while the cost of the chip remains the same or decreases. This observation has held true for several decades, and it has had a profound impact on the development of computing technology.

What happens at the point of the "telescoping of the future" that Nick Bostrom describes?

Machine superintelligence could become so powerful and smarter than humans that it could even dictate the fate of humanity according to what it wants. "Once there is superintelligence, the fate of humanity may depend on what the superintelligence does. Think about it: Machine intelligence is the last invention that humanity will ever need to make. Machines will then be better at inventing than we are, and they'll be doing so on digital timescales." (TED)

Can you explain what the TCP/IP and OSI network models are?

OSI Network Model is a conceptual model that provides a common basis for the coordination of standards development for the purpose of systems interconnection. TCP/IP is a series of rules governing how computers must communicate on the Internet. TCP/IP is a set of rules for how computers must interact.

What is the purpose of packet switching in the context of the Internet? In other words, how does packet switching help fulfill one or more of the original goals of the Internet?

Packet switching helps to achieve several of the original goals of the Internet. It enables a decentralized, fault-tolerant network that can survive network failures or disruptions. It provides a flexible, efficient, and scalable way to transmit data over the network, supporting a wide range of applications and services. Packet switching also promotes innovation and collaboration by enabling devices and applications from different vendors to interoperate seamlessly and facilitating knowledge sharing across various fields and disciplines.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

TCP/IP Model helps you to determine how a specific computer should be connected to the internet and how data should be transmitted between them. It helps you to create a virtual network when multiple computer networks are connected together. The purpose of TCP/IP model is to allow communication over large distances.

Hypertext

Text that has been embedded with instructions to take a web page viewer to additional information.

Why was the internet created?

The Internet started in the 1960s as a way for government researchers to share information. It was made to allow computers to share information.

How does Moore's Law connect today's technology with the possible emergence of super-intelligence? (Hint: Think "explosions")

The argument is that the continued exponential growth in computing power could eventually lead to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) that is capable of self-improvement and learning at an ever-increasing rate. As AI becomes more powerful, it could lead to the development of super-intelligence, which could have significant implications for human society.

Microprocessor

The central processing unit that is generally made from a single integrated circuit. Integrated circuits that contain the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer or other electronic device. They are responsible for performing arithmetic, logical, and control operations, and they execute instructions stored in memory to carry out tasks.

what does Moore's Law say about computing power?

The doubling of transistors on a microchip every two years means that the computing power of microchips has been increasing at an exponential rate. As the number of transistors on a microchip increases, so does the chip's processing power, speed, and efficiency. This has allowed for the development of increasingly powerful and sophisticated computer systems and devices.

NetChoice, LLC v. Paxton

The law required social media companies to disclose their moderation policies and to provide users with notice of any content moderation decisions that affected them. It also prohibited social media companies from censoring or discriminating against users based on their viewpoints.

The Internet as a series of tubes

The phrase became widely known and mocked due to its simplicity and inaccuracy, as it suggests that the internet is a physical network of tubes, rather than a network of interconnected computer systems.

Technology

The tools, methods, techniques, and processes used to create, develop, and improve products, services, and systems. It involves the application of scientific and engineering knowledge to solve practical problems and meet human needs.

Web Components

To achieve this, Berners-Lee developed three key technologies: the HyperText Markup Language (HTML), which allowed the creation of web pages; the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which allowed web pages to be transferred between computers; and the Uniform Resource Locator (URL), which provided a standard way of addressing web pages.

The Internet as a series of technical rules

Together, the TCP/IP protocol stack, OSI model, and IP addressing provide the technical infrastructure that enables the Internet to function as a network of interconnected computer systems. These technical rules are essential for the functioning and continued growth of the Internet.

Free software

When users have the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software.

Unintended consequences of technology

Why Do We Have Unintended Consequences? - complexity - dynamics - intransparence - ignorance and mistaken hypotheses Can be desirable or undesirable. Some consequences are social isolation, job displacement, disinformation, addiction, etc.

linked data

a data set that results from merging data from more than one source so that a more comprehensive set of variables becomes available for subjects in the data set

Sociotechnical systems

a framework that recognizes that technology is not developed and used in isolation, but rather within a larger social and organizational context. This context includes people, processes, culture, policies, and values.

TCP layers

application, transport, internet, network access, and (hardware)

Hypermedia

documents include embedded references to audio, text, images, video, and other documents

Semiconductors

elements that conduct an electric current under certain conditions

What kinds of problems informatics majors are likely to study as students and encounter in their professional lives?

informatics majors are likely to study and encounter a wide range of problems related to the design, development, and use of technology in various contexts.

Technology as rules

technology involves patterns of means-ends relationships (i.e. software)

Futurism

the study of social and technological advancement for the purpose of exploring how people will live and work in the future.

Informatics

use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making. The study of information processing. an interdisciplinary approach to domain problems, and as such is limited neither to a single discipline nor a single domain.