WLCS - User contributions [en]

People and machines

2009-09-16T16:06:19Z

Brojas:

==Definition==
'''People and machines''' is a concept that includes all of the issues that relate to how people interact with machines. The main issues include, User Interface Design, and usability. From a computer science perspective, the focus is on interaction, specifically on interaction between one or more humans and one or more computational machines.<ref>http://sigchi.org/cdg/cdg2.html#2_1</ref>

==Layman's Definition==
'''People and machines''' is the interaction between people and machines. It involves how products, like computers, are designed to help the user interact. In other words, it has to do with how people use technology.

==Events==
The '''mouse''' is an important device used in every day computer interaction.

'''Operating Systems''' are large examples of user interface design. '''Windows''' was a major landmark in the interaction between people and machines.

'''CAD''' allows users to sketch and design objects. This system shows how we can use computers to design other technologies.

== User Interface Design ==
User Interface Design (UID) allows the user to interact with the machine, and makes communicating simpler. The relationship between people and machines involves the ways in which users interact with computers. A common example of how people interact with machines is a graphical user interface. GUIs allow for better interaction between the user and the machine by increasing usability. The main purpose of the interface is to allow a person to input information, and receive an output. For instance, a user inputs information, clicks a button, and gets some sort of response, which is the output. Most products are complex in design, and require a more basic interface to make it usable.<ref>http://www.usernomics.com/user-interface-design.html</ref>

== Usability ==
An important aspect of interaction between humans and machines is the usability of the machine. Usability involves how efficiently a machine can be accessed by a user. Usability addresses the relationship between tools and their users.<ref>http://www.usabilityfirst.com/intro/index.txl</ref> Usability is one of the focuses of the field of Human-Computer Interaction. As the name suggests, usability has to do with bridging the gap between people and machines.<ref>http://www.usabilityfirst.com/intro/index.txl</ref>

== Human-Computer Interaction ==
Companies use [http://www.usernomics.com/user-interface-design.html Human-Computer interaction (HCI)] to sell their products. The easier and more efficient the machine is to use, the more the customer would want to buy it. The emphasis placed on Human-Computer interaction is to design products to make using a computer more efficient.

Human-Computer interaction is also a graduate program, offered at some universities. The goal of the program is to "understand and create technology that harmonizes with and improves human capabilities, goals, and social environments through interdisciplinary research and education in design, computer science, and behavioral and social sciences."<ref>http://www.hcii.cmu.edu/</ref>

==See Also==
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_human-computer_interaction_topics List of Human-Computer Interaction Topics] 

[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6824862.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=2015164 Green racing car]

[http://www.macworld.com/article/142709/madden_10_iphone.html MADDEN 10 ON Iphone]

[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10351387-64.html HCI 2]

[http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/23472/?a=f Salt and Paper Battery]
* In Sweden they made a battery out of salt and cellulose that's going to replace the battery for the low-power devices.

==References==
[http://www.usernomics.com/user-interface-design.html Human-Computer interaction (HCI)] 
<references/>

==Authors==
Daniel Veizaga 
Paul Vu

People and machines

2009-09-16T16:06:00Z

Brojas:

==Definition==
'''People and machines''' is a concept that includes all of the issues that relate to how people interact with machines. The main issues include, User Interface Design, and usability. From a computer science perspective, the focus is on interaction, specifically on interaction between one or more humans and one or more computational machines.<ref>http://sigchi.org/cdg/cdg2.html#2_1</ref>

==Layman's Definition==
'''People and machines''' is the interaction between people and machines. It involves how products, like computers, are designed to help the user interact. In other words, it has to do with how people use technology.

==Events==
The '''mouse''' is an important device used in every day computer interaction.

'''Operating Systems''' are large examples of user interface design. '''Windows''' was a major landmark in the interaction between people and machines.

'''CAD''' allows users to sketch and design objects. This system shows how we can use computers to design other technologies.

== User Interface Design ==
User Interface Design (UID) allows the user to interact with the machine, and makes communicating simpler. The relationship between people and machines involves the ways in which users interact with computers. A common example of how people interact with machines is a graphical user interface. GUIs allow for better interaction between the user and the machine by increasing usability. The main purpose of the interface is to allow a person to input information, and receive an output. For instance, a user inputs information, clicks a button, and gets some sort of response, which is the output. Most products are complex in design, and require a more basic interface to make it usable.<ref>http://www.usernomics.com/user-interface-design.html</ref>

== Usability ==
An important aspect of interaction between humans and machines is the usability of the machine. Usability involves how efficiently a machine can be accessed by a user. Usability addresses the relationship between tools and their users.<ref>http://www.usabilityfirst.com/intro/index.txl</ref> Usability is one of the focuses of the field of Human-Computer Interaction. As the name suggests, usability has to do with bridging the gap between people and machines.<ref>http://www.usabilityfirst.com/intro/index.txl</ref>

== Human-Computer Interaction ==
Companies use [http://www.usernomics.com/user-interface-design.html Human-Computer interaction (HCI)] to sell their products. The easier and more efficient the machine is to use, the more the customer would want to buy it. The emphasis placed on Human-Computer interaction is to design products to make using a computer more efficient.

Human-Computer interaction is also a graduate program, offered at some universities. The goal of the program is to "understand and create technology that harmonizes with and improves human capabilities, goals, and social environments through interdisciplinary research and education in design, computer science, and behavioral and social sciences."<ref>http://www.hcii.cmu.edu/</ref>

==See Also==
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_human-computer_interaction_topics List of Human-Computer Interaction Topics] 

[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6824862.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=2015164 Green racing car]

[http://www.macworld.com/article/142709/madden_10_iphone.html MADDEN 10 ON Iphone]

[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10351387-64.html HCI 2]

[http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/23472/?a=f Salt and Paper Battery]
** In Sweden they made a battery out of salt and cellulose that's going to replace the battery for the low-power devices.

==References==
[http://www.usernomics.com/user-interface-design.html Human-Computer interaction (HCI)] 
<references/>

==Authors==
Daniel Veizaga 
Paul Vu

Globalization and cultural diversity

2009-09-14T16:52:58Z

Brojas:

'''Globalization''' is the growing interconnectivity of all aspects of the world, especially the world economy,<ref>globalization. 2008. In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
Retrieved September 11, 2008, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/globalization</ref> through IT resources.<ref>Bui, Paul. "ITGS Layman's terms." WLCS. 9/15/08. 15 Sep 2008 <http://paulbui.net/wl/images/c/cf/ItgsLaymansTerms.ppt></ref> In practical terms, this means that people and businesses can disregard physical distances using IT. Globalization affects many other global issues as well.

'''Technology''' affects globalization in many ways. Technological developments are thought to be the main cause of globalization.<ref>Effects of Technological Developments on Globalization Process. Retrieved September 19, 2008, from http://mediaif.emu.edu.tr/pages/atabek/GCS7.html</ref> The Internet has allowed companies to shift jobs away from central offices. As people in developing countries acquire computers and Internet connections, they will be able to integrate into the global economy and global workforce.<ref>"Contributed by Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), 2008, Retrieved February 15,2006 , http://www.globalenvision.org/library/7/970/, " </ref>
Technology also changes what kind of work is done and how it is done. In nearly all cases, the jobs created by technology demand more education and training than traditional jobs.

Technology changes the way business operates by transforming relationships between suppliers, producers, retailers and customers.<ref> Ross, Timothy J. "Innovations in Technology and Globalization: Introduction to the Information Era". Making career sense of labour market information. March 3, 1998, http://workinfonet.bc.ca/lmisi/Making/chapter2/TANDG5.HTM</ref>
For example, when a Virginian customer orders a computer from an American retailer online, that product might be shipped from a packaging center in California. The different computer components might have been assembled in India and made in China. This would not have been possible without the Internet and IT.

Other things influencing globalization include news, images, and data flowing across continental borders.<ref>Riggs, Fred. "Globalization". 2000, Retrieved September 19, 2008,http://www2.hawaii.edu/~fredr/glocon.htm#chronoglo</ref>

==For Children==
To a twelve year old, globalization means that people from different countries work together. Cultural diversity is what makes you different from someone in China or Afghanistan.
==Outsourcing==
The primary area changed by globalization has been the world economy.

Outsourcing can be defined as "a company that contracts with another company to provide services that might otherwise be performed by in-house employees." <ref>"What is outsourcing?". (2003-2008). In wiseGEEK [Web]. conjecture corporation. Retrieved September 11, 2006, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-outsourcing.htm </ref>Some reasons why companies might prefer outsourcing are the lower costs, the variable capacity, lack of in-house resources, increased flexibility to meet changing businesses, and the tighter control on budget.<ref>Overby, Stephanie. "Why outsource?" Retrieved September 21, 2008 from http://www.cio.com/article/40380/ABC_An_Introduction_to_Outsourcing</ref> Outsourcing is the process by which jobs in developed countries such as America, Britain or Germany are replaced by much lower-paying jobs in developing countries such as India, China or Mexico.<ref> Samuelson, Paul A. " Globalization and Outsourcing
Pros and Cons" 2004 http://alpha.dickinson.edu/departments/econ/webring/Economics/IntroMacro1.3/econ%2017/index.htm</ref>

Through outsourcing, businesses can cut costs and lower prices.

===An Example===
IBM, a major computer IT company, has 43000 Indian employees as of June 2006. Indian workers can do the same jobs as American ones at a much lower salary. This lowers costs and raises profits for IBM.<ref>Hamm, Steve. "IBM Wakes Up to India's Skills ." Business Week 5 June 2006</ref>

==Cultural Diversity==
Cultural Diversity is ethnic, gender, racial, and socioeconomic variety.<ref>Cultural Diversity. (n.d.). Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.7). Retrieved September 19, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Cultural Diversity</ref>
Globalization has had a profound effect on cultural diversity around the world. These effects have been both positive and negative. Negative effects include the fact that the American monopoly on culture has weakened cultural diversity in foreign countries. However, many international organizations try to foster cultural diversity. Some organizations consider it a "global value" and promote it. <ref>Lechner, Frank. "GLOBALIZATION ISSUES." The Globalization Website. 2001. 19 Sep 2008 <http://www.sociology.emory.edu/globalization/issues05.html>.</ref>

===An Example===

One example of globalization's affect on cultural diversity can be seen in Saudi Arabia. There, women, who are forced to stay indoors most of the day due to religious constraints, enjoy watching "The Oprah Winfrey Show." This shows both a positive and negative effect of globalization. While it is good that Saudi women can enjoy an American TV show about empowerment, some may say that it is corrupting their cultural diversity. <ref>ZOEPF, KATHERINE. "Saudi Women Find an Unlikely Role Model: Oprah ." New York Times 18/9/08 : A1.</ref>

==Social Importance==
The importance of understanding globalization is evident whenever one walks into a clothing store. All of those clothes are made overseas. Can you trust that those clothes were made by adults and not children? Can you be sure that American jobs were not lost to overseas workers? Do you know if those clothes are of the same quality as American-made clothing? Do you know if workers are being treated well?

The answer to all of these questions is no. Globalization can make Americans lose their jobs. Globalization is putting China on the fast track to world domination. If one does not understand globalization, one cannot make wise decisions when purchasing. One must understand the issues with globalization in order to be part of the solution, not the problem.

===An Example===
In the Chinese town of Shenzhen, workers must deal with low pay and are overworked. One 19-year-old worker died after a 16-hour shift. Safety standards are inadequate. As of 2002, 1 out of every three pairs of shoes is made there.<ref>Ash, Lucy. "Inside China's sweatshops." BBC 20 July 2002. Available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/2139401.stm </ref>
This shows that consumers are unaware of the conditions in which their products are made. They are part of a large human rights problem, and need to be made aware.

==Related Articles==
[http://torrentfreak.com/israeli-mpaa-goes-after-premier-subtitling-site-090913/ Israeli confront against subtitles]

==Authors==
Samuel Passaglia,
Teddy Peneva,
Prashant Singh

==References==
<references/>

People and machines

2009-09-14T16:40:55Z

Brojas:

==Definition==
'''People and machines''' is a concept that includes all of the issues that relate to how people interact with machines. The main issues include, User Interface Design, and usability. From a computer science perspective, the focus is on interaction, specifically on interaction between one or more humans and one or more computational machines.<ref>http://sigchi.org/cdg/cdg2.html#2_1</ref>

==Layman's Definition==
'''People and machines''' is the interaction between people and machines. It involves how products, like computers, are designed to help the user interact. In other words, it has to do with how people use technology.

==Events==
The '''mouse''' is an important device used in every day computer interaction.

'''Operating Systems''' are large examples of user interface design. '''Windows''' was a major landmark in the interaction between people and machines.

'''CAD''' allows users to sketch and design objects. This system shows how we can use computers to design other technologies.

== User Interface Design ==
User Interface Design (UID) allows the user to interact with the machine, and makes communicating simpler. The relationship between people and machines involves the ways in which users interact with computers. A common example of how people interact with machines is a graphical user interface. GUIs allow for better interaction between the user and the machine by increasing usability. The main purpose of the interface is to allow a person to input information, and receive an output. For instance, a user inputs information, clicks a button, and gets some sort of response, which is the output. Most products are complex in design, and require a more basic interface to make it usable.<ref>http://www.usernomics.com/user-interface-design.html</ref>

== Usability ==
An important aspect of interaction between humans and machines is the usability of the machine. Usability involves how efficiently a machine can be accessed by a user. Usability addresses the relationship between tools and their users.<ref>http://www.usabilityfirst.com/intro/index.txl</ref> Usability is one of the focuses of the field of Human-Computer Interaction. As the name suggests, usability has to do with bridging the gap between people and machines.<ref>http://www.usabilityfirst.com/intro/index.txl</ref>

== Human-Computer Interaction ==
Companies use [http://www.usernomics.com/user-interface-design.html Human-Computer interaction (HCI)] to sell their products. The easier and more efficient the machine is to use, the more the customer would want to buy it. The emphasis placed on Human-Computer interaction is to design products to make using a computer more efficient.

Human-Computer interaction is also a graduate program, offered at some universities. The goal of the program is to "understand and create technology that harmonizes with and improves human capabilities, goals, and social environments through interdisciplinary research and education in design, computer science, and behavioral and social sciences."<ref>http://www.hcii.cmu.edu/</ref>

==See Also==
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_human-computer_interaction_topics List of Human-Computer Interaction Topics] 

==References==
[http://www.usernomics.com/user-interface-design.html Human-Computer interaction (HCI)] 
<references/>

==Authors==
Daniel Veizaga 
Paul Vu