Objectives of module 2:

• Give a coherent and informed account of the development of the personal computer;

• Identify the key people, organizations and technologies who have played a part in the development of the personal computer;

• Explain the basic architecture of a computer and the functions of its main hardware and software components;

• Appreciate the cultural context in which technological developments take place;

• Understand the key business concepts particular to the PC industry;

• Talk comfortably about the current issues in the PC industry;

• Recognize familiar trends in new developments;

• Write a  report on a relevant issue;

• Find and assess relevant information.

NOTE:

This has been copied and pasted from the T171 web site.

Module 2 is based around a set book called Accidental Empires by Robert X. Cringely; the book explains the birth of the PC industry. Moreover, how the computer industry began and the key personalities involved in its development. I personally found this module enjoyable and I learnt so many interesting things. Such as, how Microsoft was founded, the differences between an Apple Macintosh and an IBM PC and different types of software and hardware. I read about the entrepreneurs of the PC business that led the way, people like Steve Jobs the co-founder of Apple.  I learned how computers operate and what binary is. Of Intel's history of the microprocessor and how it works, what start-ups are and how they became successful. The role Xerox Parc played in the development of computer technology and how the flat management structure works in the PC industry to keep up with the demanding fast pace of change.