I skimmed through the article on the open source software (GNU Project) and I think that on many levels it seems like a good idea. I really do need to look more into the software and read up on it more. I think that the dicussion about it being free or not is very valid however, because while I do sometimes associate free with bad quality you can also see successful programs (such as virus protection software) that is offered free online as a download and has been very successful. I think that the biggest issue is the market competition and how it will affect other operating systems and software that is sold in the computer industry. Overall I can’t form an opinion on it till I get hands on experience with the system and really see how the benefits outweigh current software systems and why it has been so successful for schools such as Harvard and other businesses within the world.
January 30, 2007
January 9, 2007
Week 2 Extra Credit Blog
I remember learning about how the internet actually started for military purposes back in my 201 class last year with David Silver and I remember thinking how ironic the whole situation ended up being. I’m sure upon the ARPANET’s creation the government had no idea the impact that they would be making, not on their own nation’s war strategies and systems, but eventually on the average American’s everyday life and the mass communication of our world as we know it.
In relativity not that much money went into the internet initially as has gone into up to recent day. We put so much stress and immediance on our government these days and its funny to think that they brought us one of our most precious pieces of communication and information from day-to-day from a completely different place of study and intent. After reading over these passages a puzzling question comes to mind; are their inventions in progress today simply designed for the government’s use that could someday impact our society on a much bigger level, much like the internet did starting in the 60′s? If so, what would this device be used for and would it provide more hurt than it does aid? How big will it’s impact be compared to that of the internet and will it stretch out further from our own nation’s borders to make an impact on the world as well?
