Binary conversions and Number systems

In non-positional number systems, symbols are associated with values. An example of this is the Roman numeral system. Conversely, in positional number systems, a number is a sequence of symbols. This value's sequence depends on the symbols' position in the number and the base of the number system. Examples of positional systems are binary and hexadecimal.

Global Swarming

The slug metaphor is a great one because it helps us understand the concept of us leaving electronic trails. Combining this concept with that of "positive feedback" demonstrated by Linepithema humile is a good model of the potential we have for seeking out information on the internet. I find myself using the very same tool described on amazon.com. When looking for music to buy, I often take a look at the related items the website posts for me, and this often produces good results.

One idea that intrigued me was that of a Traffica Cybernetica. It seemed a little too far-fetched for me. How can it be possible to make roads and interstates mobile enough for them to change. And if this is accomplished, what happens to the little used routes and those who use them? Sure, they are little used, but they are used, nonetheless.

I am very concerned with the privacy issues of human-machine symbiosis. I don't think it will be possible to make such a high level of connectivity safe enough for people to use. It would be a gateway into allowing people to find out information that is far too personal. However, when focusing on the good things coming from a perfect symbiosis, it is easy to see how it would make many facets of life easier.

I feel that it is important for us to remember not too sacrifice the old technology to make room for the new. When I think of this quote, I think of not forgetting the purpose of the original machine. I agree with the article when it says that we should aspire to integrate the new and the old together.

Health care in Neil Gershenfeld's TTT [Things That Think] world would be much more efficient. The article is correct when it says that there is a great effort into taking care of those who took their medication wrong. A thinking medicine and cabinet would make analysis much more efficient. You could also apply this to something like probation for drug testing. You could easily monitor a person's intake on a daily basis to ensure they aren't violating terms of their probation.

It blows my mind to think of how people would act in a TTT world. I am not sure if some people would be able to adapt to this type of world. However, those who have the resources and choose to purchase a TTT house and live in a TTT environment, could live a very efficient, streamlined life. If that's for you, then that's your choice. I really don't think some people would take to this kind of idea. Those type of old-fashioned people who stray from technology would stay behind.

Whether or not we are able to integrate technology into our lives, we must remember that as we develop technology we must protect ourselves from the dark side of development and progress. I am very wary of these tools having so much control over our lives.

Unix Commands

In Unix, sometimes there will be a lot of information to display. If this is the case, then the system may only show a percentage of the information, which they show you at the bottom next to "more." If you want to see all of the data, than all you need to do is click the spacebar. The Windows counterpart to this is the "Page Dn" and "Page Up" buttons. You can also use "Home" and "End". Also, I just realized this: in Windows pressing the spacebar scrolls down as well.

The Unix command to remove a file is "rm." The Windows command parallel to this is the "Delete" button, which sends the selected file(s) to the Recycle Bin.

To make a directory in Unix, use the command "mkdir" followed by what you want the directory to be named. In Windows you can make new folders in a drive by opening a particular drive or folder and use the command "Ctrl+N," which stands for "New." You can then edit the name of the new folder.

To logout of Unix, we use the command "exit." To logout of Windows, click "Start," then "Log Off." You can then choose if you want to switch users (if there is more then one account on the system), or you can completely log out.

Modeling the World

It is important to understand that information is a relation. This is the basis for modeling the world around us. Signs are related to a thing that the agent can understand. Signs make it easier to communicate the message the agent needs to know and understand.

Using signs and symbols we can understand the natural laws of the world. It is interesting to think about the type of mind that it takes to put these laws into words. We all basically know these laws, but they are hard to put into words. Aristotle must've been a genius.

The Hertzian Modeling Paradigm is interesting because it allows us to attempt to predict the future. Based on logical model, we can try to follow what we think will happen in the future; therefore, allowing us to prepare for our predicted result. Whether or not the observed result is congruent with our prediction depends on the accuracy of the model and physical laws.

I have never thought about trying to model nature. For example, when we were talking about modeling the plant, I did not think it was possible to break it down into a pattern. However, with the use of symbols and colors, it was quite easy to see the pattern. It wasn't entirely accurate, but it gave us a good model of how the plant branched out.

the thing I like most about the process of modeling is that it isn't a particularly difficult concept to carry out. It simplifies the world around us and the natural laws within. The Fibonacci sequence absolutely blows my mind, and the fact that someone was able to notice this amazes me.