Discussion Questions

1.    Computer of the Future

Think about how mobile our computing devices have become and the convergence of different devices such as cameras, phones, and computers. What do you think the computer of the future will be like? What capabilities will it have that computers currently don’t have? Do you see desktop computers becoming obsolete in the near future?

2.    Table Monitors and PixelSense Monitors

Table monitors and PixelSense monitors are monitor-like devices built into tabletops and work surfaces. Users “grab” and manipulate objects on the display using touch commands. Like an iPod Touch or iPhone, the display is multitouch and can accept simultaneous input from multiple users, so the table monitor can be helpful with games or other products that require interactivity. Microsoft launched a product called PixelSense in 2007, and although it never really took off, you see similar devices featured on some TV crime-fighting shows as detectives manipulate crime evidence and photos. Why do you think this device never really captured the interest of the public? Would this be a useful object to have in your home, classroom, or office? Why or why not?

3.    Ethics Violations

Review the Ethics in IT section in this chapter. Which of the 10 Ethical Computing Guidelines do you think students violate most often? Why do you think these violations occur, and what do you think could be done to reduce or eliminate such unethical behaviors?

4.    External Storage

Hard drives are great for storing data on your computer, but there are many reasons why you might want to have alternative storage devices. List various external and mobile storage devices discussed in this chapter, and describe the purposes and uses of each. Which device types do you currently use, and for what purposes? What device(s) might you have a need to use in the next year or so?

5.    iPad

The Apple iPad has been enthusiastically accepted because of its multitouch screen, useful apps, two cameras, and small, light frame. If the CEO of Apple were to ask you for your advice as to what to include in the next version of the iPad, what would you suggest? What features would make tablets even more appealing to students?

6.    Market Dominance

Microsoft and Apple are large corporations and have control of most of the OS market. Although there have been some innovative changes to both of their proprietary operating systems, does their size and market dominance prevent more innovation? Why or why not? Linux, as an open source environment, is poised for greater innovation. Why do you think the Linux OS doesn’t have a greater market share?

7.    A Web-Based OS

OS interfaces have evolved from a text-based console format to the current GUI. Modern operating systems such as Windows and OS X are starting to include features that store and retrieve data from the cloud (the Internet). Many believe the OS of the future will be totally web-based and not require the installation of an OS on a specific device. Discuss the implications of this type of OS. What are the potential security issues of a totally web-based OS?

8.    To Hackintosh or Not: That Is the Question

Using Mac’s Boot Camp, or virtualization software such as VMware, it’s easy (and legal) to install Windows on a Mac. It isn’t quite as easy to install Mac OS X on a PC, but it can be done. A PC that has been modified so that Mac OS X can be run on it is called a Hackintosh. What are the benefits of tweaking a PC to run Mac OS X? Is it okay to violate Apple’s End User Licensing Agreement (EULA), which prohibits installation of OS X on non–Apple-branded equipment? If Apple changed its EULA to allow the installation of its software onto PCs, would that ultimately hurt Apple-branded computers?

9.    What App Is Best for You?

There are plenty of interesting apps available for Windows and Apple devices—some for fun, some to aid in productivity, some with specific utilitarian roles. Design or describe what the best app for you would be. What features must it have? Why would you need it?

110.    Living on the Cloud

Cloud computing is becoming more popular, and many users are working from the cloud and not even realizing it. What kinds of software applications are you using that are completely Web-based? Why do you use them instead of installed software applications? Envision a time when all software is Web-based and describe how being totally on the cloud would be an advantage. Also list some of the disadvantages a cloud-based environment might present.