In the 1960's - The Use Of Main Frame Computers Became Widespread In Many Companies

In the 1960's, the use of main frame computers became widespread in many companies. To access vast amounts of stored information, these companies started to use computer programs like COBOL and FORTRAN. Data accessibility and data sharing soon became an important feature because of the large amount of information required by different departments within certain companies. With this system, each Application owns its own data files. The problems thus associated with this type of file processing was uncontrolled redundancy, inconsistent data, inflexibility, poor enforcement of standards, and low programmer maintenance.

In 1964, MIS (Management Information Systems) was introduced. This would prove to be very influential towards future designs of computer systems and the methods they will use in manipulating data.

Application Development

In 1966, Philip Kotler had the first description of how managers could benefit from the powerful capabilities of the electronic computer as a management tool.

In 1969, Berson developed a marketing information system for marketing research. In 1970, the Montgomery urban model was developed stressing the quantitative aspect of management by highlighting a data bank, a model bank, and a measurement statistics bank. All of these factors will be influential on future models of storing data in a pool.

According to Martine, in 1981, a database is a shared collection of interrelated data designed to meet the needs of multiple types of end users. The data is stored in one location so that they are independent of the programs that use them, keeping in mind data integrity with respect to the approaches to adding new data, modifying data, and retrieving existing data. A database is shared and perceived differently by multiple users. This leads to the arrival of Database Management Systems.

These systems first appeared around the 1970=s as solutions to problems associated with mainframe computers. Originally, pre-database programs accessed their own data files. Consequently, similar data had to be stored in other areas where that certain piece of information was relevant. Simple things like addresses were stored in customer information files, accounts receivable records, and so on. This created redundancy and inefficiency. Updating files, like storing files, was also a problem. When a customer=s address changed, all the fields where that customer=s address was stored had to be changed. If a field happened to be missed, then an inconsistency was created. When requests to develop new ways to manipulate and summarize data arose, it only added to the problem of having files attached to specific Applications. New system design had to be done, including new programs and new data file storage methods. The close connection between data files and programs sent the costs for storage and maintenance soaring. This combined with an inflexible method of the kinds of data that could be extracted, arose the need to design an effective and efficient system.

Here is where Database Management Systems helped restore order to a system of inefficiency. Instead of having separate files for each program, one single collection of information was kept, a database. Now, many programs, known as a database manager, could access one database with the confidence of knowing that it is accessing up to date and exclusive information.

Some early DBMS=s consisted of:

Condor 3

dBaseIII

Knowledgeman

Omnifile

Please

Power-Base

R-Base 4000

Condor 3, dBaseIII, and Omnifile will be examined more closely.

Condor 3

Is a relational database management system that evolved in the microcomputer environment since 1977. Condor provides multi-file, menu-driven relational capabilities and a flexible command language. By using a word processor, due to the absence of a text editor, frequently used commands can automated.

Condor 3 is an Application Development tool for multiple-file databases. Although it lacks some of the capabilities like procedure repetition, it makes up for it with its ease to use and quick decent speed.

Condor 3 utilizes the advantages of menu-driven design. Its portability enables it to import and export data files in five different ASCII formats. Defining file structures is a relatively straightforward method by typing the field names and their length, the main part of designing the structure is about complete. Condor uses six data types:

alphabetic

alphanumeric

C. numeric

C. decimal numeric

C. Julian date

C. dollar

Once the fields have been designed, data entry is as easy as pressing enter and inputting the respective values to the appropriate fields and like the newer databases, Condor too can use the Update, Delete, Insert, and Backspace commands. Accessing data is done by creating an index. The index can be used to perform sorts and arithmetic.

dBaseIII

DbaseIII is a relational DBMS which was partially built on dbaseII. Like Condor 3, dbaseIII is menu-driven and has its menus built in several levels. One of the problems discovered, was that higher level commands were not included in all menu levels. That is, dBaseIII is limited to only basic commands and anything above that is not supported.

Many of the basic capabilities are easy to use, but like Condor, dBaseIII has inconsistencies and inefficiency. The keys used to move and select items in specific menus are not always consistent through out. If you mark an item to be selected from a list, once it=s marked it can not be unmarked. The only way to correct this is to start over and enter everything again. This is time consuming and obviously inefficient. Although the menus are helpful and guide you through the stages or levels, there is the option to turn off the menus and work at a little faster rate.

DBaseIII=s command are procedural (function oriented) and flexible. It utilizes many of the common functions like:

select records

C. select fields

C. include expressions ( such as calculations)

C. redirect output to the screen or to the printer

C. store results separately from the application

Included in dBaseIII is a limited editor which will let you create commands using the editor or a word processor. Unfortunately, it is still limited to certain commands, for example, it can not create move or copy commands. It also has a screen design package which enables you to design how you want your screen to look. The minimum RAM requirement of 256k for this package really illustrates how old this application is. The most noticeable problem documented about dBaseIII is inability to edit command lines. If, for example, an error was made entering the name and address of a customer, simply backing up and correcting the wrong character is impossible without deleting everything up to the correction and re-entering everything again.

DBaseIII is portable and straightforward to work with. It allows users to import and export files in two forms: fixed-length fields and delimited fields. It can also perform dBaseII conversions. Creating file structures are simple using the menus or the create command. It has field types that are still being used today by applications such as Microsoft Access, for example, numeric fields and memo fields which let you enter sentences or pieces of information, like a customer=s address, which might vary in length from record to record. Unlike Condor 3, dBaseIII is able to edit fields without having to start over. Inserting new fields or deleting old fields can be done quite easily.

Data manipulation and query is very accessible through a number of built-in functions. The list and display commands enable you to see the entire file, selected records, and selected files. The browse command allows you to scroll through all the fields inserting or editing records at the same time. Calculation functions like sum, average, count, and total allow you to perform arithmetic operations on data in a file. There are other functions available like date and time functions, rounding, and formatting.

Omnifile

Omnifile is a single-file database system. This database is form oriented meaning that it has a master form with alternate forms attached to it. Therefore, you can work with one file and all of its subsets at the same time. The idea of alternating forms provides for a greater level of security, for example, if a user needed to update an address field, they would not be able to access any fields which displayed confidential information. The field in need of updating would only display the necessary or relevant information.

Menus are once again present and used as a guide. The use of function keys allows the user to move about screens or forms quite easily. Menus are also used for transferring information, either for importing or for exporting. One inflexibility noted was that when copying files the two files must have the exact same fields in the same order as the master file. This can be problem if you want to copy identical fields from different files.

Forms design is simple but tedious. Although it may seem flexible to be able to paint the screen in any manner that you wish, it can be time consuming because no default screen is available. Like other database management systems, the usual syntax for defining fields apply, field name followed by the length of the field in braces. However, editing is a little more difficult. Changing the form can be done by inserting and deleting, one character at a time. Omnifile does not support moving fields around, nor inserting blank lines. This means that if a field was to be added at the beginning of the record, the entire record would have to be re-entered.

Records are added and viewed in the format that the user first designed it. Invalid entries are not handled very well. Entering an illegal value in a certain field results in a beep and no message, the user is left there to try and decide what the error is. Omnifile does support the ability to insert new records while viewing existing records and to make global or local changes.

Querying can be performed by using an index or using a non-indexed search. If a search for a partial entry is made like ARob@ instead of ARobinson@, a message is then displayed stating that not an exact match was found.

Overall

These are just a few of the database programs that help start the whole database management system era. It is apparent that DBMS=s today still use some of the fundamentals first implemented by these >old= systems. Items like menus, forms, and portability are still key parts to current applications. However, programs have come along since then, but still have as their bases the same fundamental principles.

In the 1960's - The Use Of Main Frame Computers Became Widespread In Many Companies

Computers for 2011 - What's Hot, What's Not?

As technology gets another update for the new year, technophiles are keeping an eye out for the hottest new releases expected for 2011. Meanwhile, for those of us who are living in the digital past, there are a few sure signs that you're due for an upgrade in the near future.

What's Hot

Create An Ipad App

Tablet PCs

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is known for being one of the best indicators of emerging trends in the consumer electronics market. This year, the CES was all about tablets and creating an "iPad killer", with RIM (the makers of Blackberry), Motorola, Toshiba and Asus all debuting their tablets at the show. Experts are predicting some competitive pricing for these machines once they enter the market, so consumers will be able to take advantage of a number of different price points to get their hands on one.

Apps

Meanwhile, the rise of tablets and smart phones is changing the way we compute with Application based computing replacing "bulky software packages" on our PCs. Applications are becoming more and more specific to handle a particular need or task, which opens up the software game to many small time developers - the great software giant, Microsoft is finally facing some stiff competition.

Wireless

As more and more niche electronic gadgets become must-have mainstream items, the ability for these devices to "talk" to each other via wireless or Bluetooth will be essential. Our home theatre systems and entertainment equipment will no longer be lost in a tangle of wires with remote access and wireless communication.

What's not -Technology Fading Fast (and signs you need to upgrade!)

Minidiscs players - harking back to the first days of digital music and the mp3, the MiniDisc and Laser Disc had been touted as the new way to listen to music, but are now quickly becoming obsolete. Launched in 1992, the ability to record up to 45 hours of audio on a single disc seemed incredible. However, with the release of hard drive based music players, most importantly the Rio and the iPod, MiniDisc players can now officially be retired into obscurity.

Google's Nexus One - Google's own Android based mobile phone was noted as one biggest technology flops of 2010. Vodafone started carrying the mobile phone in 2010 and was offering it free with a per month, 24 month contract. Meanwhile, Google's own Nexus One store officially closed but a Nexus S successor, manufactured by Samsung was released in the US in late December. This model is available for sale in the US and UK.

Stay up to date with the latest technology for 2011 - hire a computer and get the flexibility to upgrade at the end of your lease term, instead of holding on to your machine until it becomes obsolete - you're not still running Windows 95 are you?

Computers for 2011 - What's Hot, What's Not?

Why You Should Learn to Program Computers

For many of us computers are a daily part of our lives. At work, at home, at the cafe, and almost anywhere we might be we are wired up and logged on to the internet - and even when there is no internet connection available we're using our computers for work, play, and keeping ourselves organized. But there is a big difference between using a computer and really controlling it. A person who can program a computer has learned to do more than just "use" the computer - they understand the inner workings and have learned how to make a computer do what they want it to do.

For years we have used mechanical devices to make our lives "easier" - things like calculators, typewriters (remember those?), and even blenders and toasters are (or have been) commonplace for a long time now. But these types of devices do very specific things and there isn't much you can do to customize how they operate or how effective they are. The typical personal computer, on the other hand, is a general tool used for countless purposes - everything from word processing to controlling industrial equipment to playing multi-user internet based war games. And we have only scratched the surface of what computers can be programmed to do.

Application Development

So the question you might ask is "Why should I learn to program computers when there are so many software programs I can buy to do everything I could possibly want to do"? That is certainly a good question - and the answer is a personal one which will be different for each person asking it. So here are a few reasons you might want to learn at least a little bit about programming computers:

1 - Someone who understands the basics of programming and how computers work internally can have an advantage in the work world, especially in highly technical industries.

2 - As you learn to program, you will gain an understanding of how to better use the software you already use on a day-to-day basis - many common Applications, like word processors and spreadsheets allow the user to customize and automate how they work using simple macros and special programming languages.

3 - As a career, software Development is in high demand and constantly rates in the top 10 best paying jobs.

4 - It is a fascinating hobby - it allows you to create, invent, control, solve problems - it really exercises your mind.

5 - There is a deep satisfaction in seeing someone else using your creation. And for a change, you can be the one they are cursing under their breath when something doesn't work right.

6 - You will gain an appreciation for how much work has gone into even the worst programs you use. It is humbling, and we all need that.

7 - Learning to program computers will help develop your thinking abilities and organizational skills. Or at least you can hope that it will.

8 - You can lord it over people and make them think you are a genius. Well, this doesn't actually ever happen, and you might jeopardize your current social standing if you aren't careful.

9 - It's fun.

10 - You might as well do something useful while you are sitting at that computer all day.

Programming is hard enough to be a challenge, and easy enough that almost anyone who can use a computer can learn to program. I hope you give it a try.

Why You Should Learn to Program Computers

Future of Cycling Computers

Our society and economic system are currently facing dramatic changes in their infrastructures and processes. Large corporations are constantly pushing new concepts, standards that will benefit them most. People watch television, and see those skinny athletes how they push themselves to the limits. Of course it wouldn't be possible without using high tech technology these days. Especially cyclers are pushing their body to the extremes. They need to see how much calories have they burned, and calculate, how much they need to eat to maintain the power, speed, endurance.

I would like to see some mobile phones integrating really high end Applications for measuring cycling data.

Iphone Application

Professional cycling computers are currently developed by Garmin and Polar. Garmin made a great introduction of GPS based computers. We already have GPS smart phones that we can use for demographic shot of terrain. There comes the idea to incorporate some Applications inside those smart phones, no need to buy additional cycling computer, that enables us speed, power wattage, location, altitude etc.

To monitor speed that bicycle is currently at, we could use GPS signal. With speed, we can then calculate distance, average speed, maximum speed etc. These data will be saved internally on phone's memory. To measure cadence, we would use small device that is mounted on bicycle pedal. This will count the number of turns per minute, simply by small magnet. The data would be send to phone by using Bluetooth protocol. Each device will be equipped with code number, so you could enter inside you phone's application. So there will be no interference with other cyclers in the group. You can add as many devices to the allowed list as you want.

For measuring heart rate, we would use strap that works with Bluetooth signal also. All those data we could then analyze on computed with different interfaces that our phone allows.

There could also be international database that allows other users to compare their results to others.

I could continue writing this idea with lots of fresh ideas. But since some of those applications are already there, let me show you what is currently already available.

Every Trail is a GPS application for your iPhone Application, B.iCycle cyclometer, Cychosis, MotionX-GPS, Pedal Brain which supports ANT+ cycling sensors such as SRM, PowerTap, Quarq, MetriGear & Garmin. ANT+ was invented by Garmin and is available to other vendors to incorporate hear monitoring in any device using chest strap.

Most of those fancy applications are available for free, some are not, but as I said it is not suitable for long rides, because you would need to constantly recharge battery. However if you have a dyno hub the new E-werk hub dynamo powered universal power supply might solve that problem.

We will see if Polar or Garmin is interested in developing such applications that will benefit us users that already have smart phones and doesn't need to buy their expensive products. As they are priced above 0 currently and better models will cost you about the same as iPhone does.

Future of Cycling Computers

Synchronising Your Files Between Computers Easily

If you have just the one computer, you have a problem. You have got no easy way of doing backups (except maybe to an external hard drive, USB or other memory stick, or recordable DVD or CD media).

If you have multiple computers, you can solve that problem easily by copying your important files between them, but then a different problem manifests itself. If you work on projects on multiple machines and you "hot desk," you may not have the files you're working on on your current computer. Also, you have to make sure that the important files are copied in both places.

Iphone Application

There are a couple of solutions to this. If you're running with a Windows PC, there are two Applications that allow you to synchronise the contents of your folders. This means that the two folders will have exactly the same contents. It is handled by performing operations on the remote folder periodically to ensure the same files exist on both sides with the same contents.

For Windows PCs, there are two Applications that handle this. Searching for 'SyncToy' will provide you with a link to some free software from Microsoft that can perform this task.

Karen's Replicator will do the same job, but it also allows you to set up a schedule, and keeps details of its history. It is free for non-commercial purposes; a relatively cheap license is available if you want to run it in connection with your business; and there exist a number of other programs that come with that license. Search for 'Karen's Replicator' for more details.

These are fine if you run Windows all the time, but there is a solution that works on other platforms, including Mac and Linux. You can even access your files via an iPhone.

It stores a copy of your files on secured servers on the internet, and then when you make any changes to the folder that you set up to synchronise, those changes will be copied to the server on the internet. They will then propagate to any other machines that you have connected to the service on which you have set up a similar folder.

The service is intelligent enough to know that if your computers are on the same network and powered up and running at the same time, they can talk to each other to synchronise the folders between them, and the transfer does not have to proceed across the internet; this saves time. Of course, the files are still copied to the servers on the internet, regardless.

The transfer over the internet takes some time, depending partly on the speed of your internet connection (BroadBand recommended). This is not good for copying huge quantities of data, unless you've got the time to wait for it. For tens of gigabytes of data, it could take days! But for smaller quantities, and especially if you're working on a project, it's a good service.

The service is positioned as a backup solution as well. Again, if your backup needs are light, then it's likely to be good for you. If you have a lot of data that you wish to back up, you're better off getting a hard drive big enough to handle the data, and using one of the software-only solutions described above.

The service is called DropBox, and at the time of writing it is free for up to 2Gb of data and has subscription options to allow you to use it for up to 100Gb.

Synchronising Your Files Between Computers Easily