Like other people I feel like the definition of "computerized things" it somewhat vague and can vary based on each individual person's definition. Weiser however, stated that there are computers in light switches, thermostates, steroes, and ovens. He argued that computers are largely invisible to their users but that there exist "hundreds of computers per room (page 5)." I found this definition of computer to be a bit overwhelming so I used my own definition of computerized things for this post.
I tracked my use of computerized things while I was at home last night for my Dad's Christmas party. In order to get home my boyfriend and I drove in his car. While we were in the car he was able to change the heat, radio station, cd, windsheild wipers, etc. Most of the commands he gave his car were displayed on the in-dash screen which I would argue to de a computer especially because his car is a BMW. Both of us used our cell phones all night to stay connected with our friends back in Madison. Cell phones today have the function of mini hand held personal computers. At one point in time I went on the internet on my phone to check the dates for an event coming up while my boyfriend BBMed his friend throughout the evening trying to make plans for this morning because they needed to figure out details for going to the Packer game today.
Some of the guests that came to the party needed to heat up some food so all night I was also showing people how to use the oven and the microwave to heat up their food. I would argue that both of these devices are computers because they have pre-programmed settings that can be called to action with the push of a button. Other guests brought their food in mini crock pots and so it was my job to find plugs for these "computerized things" and get them set up for others to use.
In the beginning of the night I was using the stereo to play Christmas music as well.
If we take the definition that Weiser gave, I also used the light switches to turn down the lights for the party and I turned on Christmas tree lights around the house for the decorations. My dad also had me use the television to play a DVD of a fire burning in a fire place (we don't have a fire place and he is in love with this makeshift DVD).
While these are some of the "computerized things" that seemed obvious that I was using, Weiser argues that most computerized things we use are invisible to our attention, so I am most likely missing some of the things that he would have listed.
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