History and health issues in using computers

History of computers

Br. Jeffrey

Pioquinto, SJ

Ateneo de Davao University

history

Looking at our past so as we can better understand today and plan well for the future.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

GEORGE SANTAYANA

Technology is:anything that wasn’t around when you were born.

ALAN KAY

operate the machine

Consider these planes (an ancient tool): their designers sought fitness for use, ease of use, good control, long-lasting materials, a good feel in the hand, efficiency of operation, precise adjustment. In use over time, these tools come to be loved by their owners.

pre-computer

Most of the qualities we seek in a machine have been valued through the ages.

• useful

• usable

• desirable

• affordable for the right people

• appropriately complex

• appropriately styled

• appropriately adaptable, extensible, malleable

• overall, having “good fit” with people, context, activity, result

startcomputer history?

where would you

characteristic statement of the time

The abacus, also called a counting frame, is a calculating tool used primarily in parts of Asia for performing arithmetic processes

mechanical1650

1940

Pascaline – first mechanical computing machines

electronic1940

1960

Vacuum tubes invented = transition to electronics

electronic1940

1960

ENIAC (first electronic computer) – 1946

electronic1940

1960

1948 – transistor invented (replaced vaccuum tubes)

mini1960

1975

Integrated circuits are born

equivalent of millions of transistors

the mac taps into pent-up desire for ease and pleasure of use

Then, during the 1984 Superbowl, you see the first commercial for the Macintosh (directed by Ridley Scott of Blade Runner fame). A crowd of solemn men is gathered in a gloomy auditorium, listening to a ranting bureaucrat on a huge screen.

Think of a world full of command-line interfaces…

An athletic woman in colorful clothing runs into the auditorium, carrying a huge hammer…

…which she throws into the screen, smashing the image and voice of the status quo.

hello.

network1990 present

Ergonomic tips in using computers

Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability

An ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of cure !