Showing papers on "Personal computer published in 1978"

A rule-based approach to knowledge acquisition for man-machine interface programs

Abstract: The development of computer programs, called agents, that act as man-machine interfaces for computer users are described. These programs are written in RITA: the Rule-directed Interactive Transaction Agent system, and are organized as sets of IF-THEN rules or “production systems.” The programs, or “personal computer agents,” are divided into two main categories: those that interface the user to computer systems he wishes to use and those that interact with the user to acquire the knowledge needed to create these interface programs. The relationship between the interface program and the knowledge acquisition program is that of parent-offspring. Three types of parent-offspring RITA agent pairs are described: (1) an exemplary programming agent that watches a user perform an arbitrary series of operations on the computer and then writes a program (a task agent) to perform the same task; (2) a tutoring agent that watches an expert demonstrate the use of an interactive computer language or local operating system and then creates a teaching agent that can, help naive users become familiar with the language or system demonstrated by the expert; and (3) a reactivemessage creating agent which elicits text from a user (the sender) and from it creates a new RITA agent which is a reactive message. The reactive message is sent to some other user (the recipient) who interacts with it. During the course of the interaction a record of the recipient's responses is sent back to the sender.

The Oregon Report Personal Computing

Abstract: In the home, in business, in science, in education, the personal computer is an increasingly available resource, prompting widespread attention to both its use and its impact.

Low-cost microcomputing: The personal computer and single-board computer revolutions

Abstract: Personal computing is one of the most revolutionary applications of microprocessors; single-board computing is another. The origins of both applications are traced and current products and services described in a tutorial fashion. Trends are forecasted and conclusions drawn about these two low-cost computing revolutions.

Network Operating Systems.

Abstract: : Network operating systems represent a promising approach for realizing the full potential of computer communication networks. A network operating system (NOS) is a collection of software and protocols that allow a set of autonomous computers, which are interconnected by a computer network, to be used together in a convenient and cost effective manner. This report investigates some of the technical problems posed by an NOS by describing and comparing five NOS designs. The system designs considered are: a system for automated terminal access and file transfer (ATF); the Resource Sharing Executive (RSEXEC); the National Software Works (NSW) System; the Efficient Local Access Network (ELAN) System; and the Personal Computer ELAN (PC-ELAN) System. The PC-ELAN System is an NOS designed to support the requirements of collections of personal computers. (Author)

Position paper on: personal computers for science in the 1980's

Abstract: This paper examines the problems involved in the development of an inexpensive personal computer for use by scientific researchers in a variety of disciplines. Since the term "personal computer" (PC) is ill-defined, we begin by describing what it is intended to mean here and the special requirements imposed by the context of use in scientific research. Subsequently there will be much more detailed examination of the reasons behind the assertions that follow.

Personal computing position paper

Abstract: The goals of personal computing are to improve the quality of life for individuals by providing them with a tool that not only relieves them from doing boring tedious work, but gives them a means of automating many of the marvelous ideas that the human brain can generate. The artist can use the personal computer to create new art forms. The stock analyst can use the personal computer to analyze stock trends. The secretary can use the personal computer to edit a manuscript. The uses of the personal computer are as varied as the individuals who use them.

The personal computer and society: a technology assessment

Abstract: The University of Southern California has initiated a technology assessment of the personal computer. The assessment is partially supported by the National Science Foundation. The ultimate purpose of a technology assessment is to help provide a more human future with less shock. This technology assessment is directed toward examining the potential future impacts of personal computers and identifying the public policy issues associated with these possibilities. This article summarizes the major factors that we intend to explore during the assessment.

Personal Computing - A little past and a lot of future.

Abstract: We are incredibly lucky! When I look back in time, I see no time more exciting than now! When I look forward in time, I see no time more exciting than now! For now, we are privileged to witness the dawn of the era of personal information processing. Few people have ever lived at such a time of technological change. Perhaps only those who were present when the first book was printed have, before us, had a similar opportunity to observe the birth of a technology-derived tool having the power of the personal computer to improve our quality of life. We are presently witnessing what is probably the most significant of all technology-based revolutions surpassing in importance the printing press, the automobile and the assembly line. Low-cost abundant computing brings us to the dawn of a new era. A new era in which information processing power will no longer be the exclusive tool of government and large business. Rather we will have computers for people to use in a near limitless variety f ways in our work, our play, and all aspects of our daily lives.

Personal computing: problems of the 80's

Abstract: The personal computer defies exact definition. Any general-purpose computer affordable by an individual is certainly a personal computer. If that same computer is used by a business, it is still a personal computer. Usually even in the business it would be dedicated to the use of a person or a small group. In a company, a person's computer may be analogous to his desk--the desk is personal even though it is owned by the corporation. Just as an automobile may be the personal property of one family member or shared by the entire family, so can the personal computer be singly used or shared, perhaps even time-shared.