Today's Personal Computers Research Articles

DOC 1988: The modernization of a chinese dialect dictionary on computer

The following paper argues against the abandonment of outdated computer-based research projects in favor of the redevelopment of such projects to take advantage of the recently available computer technology. Specifically, the paper reviews the rebirth of the Dictionary on Computer (DOC) of the Project on Linguistic Analysis at the University of California, Berkeley. A team of students and faculty have redesigned this research system and are implementing it on a personal computer to increase its availability compared with the previous implementation on an obsolete mainframe computer. In addition, changes to the system which take advantage of the features available in today's modern personal computers are reviewed.

Learning concepts of fractals and probability by “doing science”

Very recent advances in computer technology provide the power of mainframe systems in relatively compact and inexpensive personal computers; soon the computing power of even a supercomputer will be available on a desktop at a price comparable to today's personal computers. Over the next decade this tremendous computing power can and probably will become available in schools throughout the world. Here we discuss the possibility of harnessing this new technological resource as a teaching tool for specific topics in mathematics and science, focusing on random processes in nature and their deep connection to concepts in probability and fractal geometry. Such natural phenomena as the growth of snowflakes via random aggregation and the disordered geometric configurations of polymer chains demonstrate that fundamentally random microscopic processes can give rise to predictable macroscopic behaviors. They also give rise to random fractal structures of inherent interest and great beauty. Because it is impossible to view the underlying processes directly, computer simulation and visualization is an indispensable tool for understanding and studying these phenomena. In the process of “doing science” with both hands-on experiments and computer simulations, students would learn abstract mathematical concepts in a context which is at once concrete and inherently motivating. Furthermore, the techniques they could employ would mirror in most respects those in current use by researchers, thus forging an unprecedented link between this curriculum and the professional worlds of science and mathematics.

Computer design tools for climate-responsive architecture

Designing a building to be climate responsive and hence less energy consuming requires calculation. Intuition can be misleading. With today's personal computers, design tools are accessible to architects. What can/cannot such tools analyse? How difficult are they to learn? How accurate are they? What are the next directions in tool development? These questions are addressed in a critical overview of modeling energy use and comfort in buildings.

The precursors of personal computing

I am compiling an anthology of historical papers which laid the groundwork for today's workstations and personal computers. The following list is preliminary, based mostly on personal recollection and a little library research and suggestions from others.

Lessons learned: Challenges abound as designers tackle integrated software, artificial intelligence, and user-friendliness

The importance of software in the microcomputer field is stressed. Advances in hardware have led to software improvements in three areas: power, functionality, and user assistance. The greater power of today's personal computer software is exhibited not only in performing its intended functions; designers of user-friendly software are also drawing on this power in an attempt to compensate for user inexperience and to accommodate the differing demands placed on software by different uses.