computer time structure :: essays research papers

What is the time structure of a computer and, more specifically on-line interactive communities? How does this structure dictate our conformity to the medium and on-line environment and what we gain and/or lose in doing so?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When we think of modern day technology, such as computers or 2-way pagers, we know that it is all an effort to save â€Å"time†. No longer do we have to go to the library for a small amount of information, now we can just log on the internet. No longer do we have to â€Å"waste time† going to store to buy products, we can just log on the internet and buy it there. No longer do we have to pick up the telephone to call a numerous amount of people to convey a message, we just e-mail everyone. So you see, the computer is suggested to be a time saver, a device that allows you to execute tasks more efficiently and more quickly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The time structure of a computer is described as this: â€Å"the central processor of the computer contains within it an electronic clock, whose extremely rapid pulses determine when one operation has ended and another is to begin† (J.D. Bolter). This is measured by megahertz or the newest form of speed is called gigahertz. Therefore more tasks can be executed in less time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The computer clock is somewhat similar to a digital clock based on the fact that it can be used to measure duration, determine the present point in time, and can even act as an alarm clock. The purpose of a clock is to tell time on the outside; however, computer time is internal. The computer has its on time structure when it comes to completing tasks. For example, you might not be able to continue typing a document and save it simultaneously. On the outside, we are looking at the time we have to wait to continue our tasks but in the â€Å"computer’s microworld† this may be normal time passage. As far as the computer is concerned no extra time has been spent to complete the task. We have too many expectations of the time frame of a computer. How many times have we bombarded the computer with so much information that is freezes up or crashes? That is because we want everything to occur at that instant. Which in turn results in a high level of anxiety and anger.