Computer+Science

Computer Science is formally defined as the “study of the principles and use of computers” by Merriam-Webster. Boston University defines it as, “the systematic study of the feasibility, structure, expression, and mechanization of the methodical processes (or algorithms) that underlie the acquisition, representation, processing, processing, storage, communication of, and access to information, whether such information is encoded in bits and bytes in a computer memory or transcribed in genes and protein structures in a human cell. The fundamental question underlying all of computing is//: what computational process can be efficiently automated and implemented?//” In Lehman’s terms, it is having a complete understanding of the computer and anything encompassing it. Computer Science is about having the ability to apply the logic of computers to almost anything. Professor Claveau once posed the question, “If you really think about it, isn’t everything a computer?”
 * What is Computer Science?**

A supercomputer.

Humans have always been looking for ways to make their lives easier. They have always been inventing better ways for transportation, getting food, and for keeping warmth. Humans have also always been fascinated with the idea of being able to think “easier.” For as long as time can tell, people have been building various computation devices. It all started with the abacus back in 3000 B.C. in Babylonia. Then throughout time, they have created better and better devices. In 1610, John Napier was able to construct Napier’s rods which completely simplified multiplication. There were many influential people that were able to invent various machines that could handle menial tasks. It wasn’t until 1941 when Konrad Zuse released the first truly programmable computer designed to solve complex engineering equations. This was the first machine to not use the common decimal system and move to the binary system. Another very important figure in all of Computer Science is none other than Alan Turing. His most famous contribution is the Turing Test. This was the first test for the field of Artificial Intelligence. The term Computer Science finally became seen as its own discipline in the 1960’s. The term was coined by George Forsythe. The Abacus was the first machine used for computation.
 * Background of Computer Science**

Computer Science is one of the most lucrative degrees a student can receive in college. This is mainly because everything in our world today is backed by software. After interviewing a Computer Scientist from Freescale and an Arizona State University Alum, Tyler Barnett told me that Computer Science is literally everywhere. Any piece of technology that you touch no matter how simplified or how intricate the design is going to have software behind it. It could be from something as simple as an elevator that makes sure you get to the right floor and displays it to something as complicated as a supercomputer that is able to predict what our galaxy looks like. There are two major divisions of Computer Science: Theoretical Computer Science, which deals with what people think computation will be able to accomplish either abstractly, logically, or mathematically and Applied Computer Science, which is what we as “users” usually encounter. This deals with the end-result, the interfaces that we use to navigate through our laptop or the Heads-Up Display that we look at when we play our favorite video game. As a typical citizen, we our surrounded by the work that Computer Scientists have done on a daily basis. Again, it goes from the simplistic program that your digital alarm clock runs on to the technological marvel that is your mobile phone. Computer Science is almost as prevalent as electricity. Typically, whenever you see something that is powered, there has to be some sort of design or program that either controls or monitors the apparatus. Computer Science has been able to make our life so much easier by providing a constant stream of information, a safety net, and entertainment at our fingers. A rendering of an iPhone 5.
 * Computer Science Today**

Computer Science is only going to become more and more important. As everything in the future is poised to be automated, there needs to be a solid design behind it to make sure that it is efficient and safe. Technology in general is always incredibly exciting. Some of the things that have been leaked by either DARPA or Google X Lab are things that we could only dream of. Google X has been working on their Artificial Reality glasses which they have dubbed Google Glass. They are standard glasses that when you look at objects, you are instantly given information on whatever you are looking at. This was something that ten years ago would have been thought of as heresy but will be out in the near future. There are also various companies that are working on Heads-Up Displays for your car. This would basically move your odometer up to the wind-shield and display all of your information there. These are all projects that are coming out within the next five years. In the near future (about 10 years), the government has been working closely with Lockheed Martin and various other companies to perfect Biometrics. Biometrics is the idea of having your iris, voice, or palm print is your primary source of identification. Then, all your information would be added along to your biometrics. If you wanted to pay for your coffee, you would look into a camera. If you were pulled over and need to provide identification, you would just place your palm on the reader to show that you are insured. Computer Science is one of the fasted evolving industries in the world. It is something that we greatly depend on and it is something to keep your eye in the next few years. Google Glass demo.
 * Computer Science in the Future**

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