Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
The label of a fifth generation of computers
refers to the alternative developments in computer
technology. A Japanese Fifth Generation Com-
puter Systems (FGCS) project from the eighties
was supposed to perform much calculation using a
parallel processing system instead of a file system.
The FGCS program ended in 1993. Computers
from 1993-6, such as Intel Pentiums or a series
of Macintosh are also called the fifth generation
computers and then the sixth generation comput-
ers. Superconductors, dual processors, a release
of Netscape Navigator 1.0 and 2.0 in the nineties,
Netscape Communicator, Internet Explorer, and
other web browsers, as well as the beginning of
artificial intelligence characterize the fifth gen-
eration. DNA computers use DNA molecules and
enzymes instead of silicon microchips. Research-
ers from Israel developed the first programmable
molecular computing machine in 2004 that could
diagnose cancer cells and release drugs.
Then, computer software took over the codes
and interconnections securing instructions to run
a specific processor and control the state of the
computer. Many types of software applications and
packages containing sets of computer programs
and related data have been developed for comput-
ers to operate data processing systems. Generally
speaking, software is considered a set of programs,
procedures, algorithms, and its documentation.
Issues pertaining to software quality refer to
software architecture, documentation, libraries
(collections of functions), standards related to
programming languages, operating systems, and
environments, the ways to execute the software,
testing the software quality and reliability, and
issues related to licenses and patents.
Presently in a networked environment specific
kinds of software serve business (for example, ac-
counting, tax calculation, word processing), home
management (systems for inventory, security,
and budgeting tasks; infrastructure for a digital
home), education (geared to drill, tutor, or instruct,
or for simulation), health (affordable technolo-
gies for personal health monitoring), and games
(video games, adventure games, educational
games). Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI)
direct interaction between a computer, acting as
instructor, and a student. Interactive programs are
being widely used for the classroom and online
educational applications. Apple Computer, Inc.
developed a multimedia educational workstation
including text, sound graphics, animation and
video, all controlled by Macintosh computers.
The 'Multimedia in Education' consists of inter-
active video workstation (including a computer,
videodisc player and a monitor), sound workstation
(using a sound digitizer with sound sources and
speakers), interactive imaging system consisting
of a computer, a video digitizer and monitor, one
or more of video sources (such as videodisc, VCR,
camera) and scanner, or interactive presentation
workstation, where videodisc-controlled computer
program may be fed into an overhead projector
with a projection pad. Tools for visual presentation
of information and objects become present in our
everyday environments due to the developments in
ubiquitous computing and communication, which
depending on the authors and context is described
as pervasive computing and applications, physical
computing, or ambient intelligence. Instruction is
often delivered through handheld devices such as
smart phones and tablets. Computing specialists
design small gadgets, ubiquitous, and social ro-
bots - smart software or service providers within
ambient intelligence environments integrated with
semantic web, cloud computing and ubiquitous
computing technologies.
Early Examples of Graphic Display
Graphics showing quantities or events going in
time, such as data about weather, are called time-
series charts and make the most frequently used
form of graphic design. Information about these
graphics comes from the topics of Edward Tufte,
a guru of graphic designers, computer scientists
and visualization specialists. Time-series plots
began in 1700s, however the oldest illustration
