CompEd2009XL: literacy

CompEd2009XL


A computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a list of instructions. The first devices that resemble modern computers date to the mid-20th century (1940–1945), although the computer concept and various machines similar to computers existed earlier. Early electronic computers were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers (PC).[1] Modern computers are based on tiny integrated circuits and are millions to billions of times more capable while occupying a fraction of the space





Computer Literacy:

Computer literacy is the knowledge and ability to use computers and technology efficiently. Computer literacy can also refer to the comfort level someone has with using computer programs and other applications that are associated with computers. Another valuable component of computer literacy is knowing how computers work and operate. As of 2005, having basic computer skills is a significant asset in the developed countries. The precise definition of "computer literacy" can vary from group to group. Generally, literate (in the realm of books) connotes one who can read any arbitrary book in their native language[s], looking up new words as they are exposed to them. Likewise, an experienced computer professional may consider the ability to self-teach (i.e. to learn arbitrary new programs or tasks as they are encountered) to be central to computer literacy. In common discourse, however, "computer literate" often connotes little more than the ability to use several very specific applications (usually Microsoft Word, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Outlook) for certain very well-defined simple tasks, largely by rote. (This is analogous to a child claiming that they "can read" because they have rote-memorized several small children's books. Real problems can arise when such a "computer literate" person encounters a new program for the first time, and large degrees of "hand-holding" will likely be required.) Being "literate" and "functional" are generally taken to mean the same thing.

CompEd2009XL:Computerized Voting

the use of computerized voting software has emerged so quickly. With some states and the federal government banning punch card ballots, the explosion of computerized voting will continue at a greater pace than ever. As an experienced software developer, it amazes me that there do not appear to be any laws that consider the ways voting software can be inappropriately manipulated. It is incredibly easy to cheat the system, for one bad apple or rogue programmer to literally steal an election, or a lot of elections. it is the one way protecting are votes against the people who wants to steal or manipulate are vote just to get their wants to be in the position that they running of..!

Private ownership raises more questions about the safety of the integrity of the ballot. But even if companies were publicly held or government owned the risks of corruption are too great. It’s easy to manipulate the underlying algorithms that do the counting and analysis within the software. It’s easy to add switches which can be remotely turned on or off, converting a program from normal functioning to cheating-- to distorting the data. It only takes one person who knows what to do. And the nefarious switches can even be set to disappear after they’ve been used.