Abstract This paper compares Steve Jobs and his company, Apple Inc. with Bill Gates and his company, Microsoft. It provides an overview of Steve Jobs and his company and then analyzes of the company's current "MacversusPC" campaign. It discusses Microsoft versus Apple's advertisements for products and services and analyzes why Apple's strategy is so successful.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Company Overview
Evolution of the Apple Product
Current Marketing Initiatives at Apple
Rationale
Conclusion
From the Paper "Today, Apple designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers and related software and peripherals, as well as a wide range of personal computing and communicating solutions. From the company's humble beginnings in the garage of one of its founders, Apple has taken on all comers and has emerged a winner in the highly competitive personal computer market because it has not been afraid of innovation and providing many consumers with what they really want: a computer that makes their lives easier and more fun. Because the newest incarnations of the Mac are able to run the Windows office suites, it is reasonable to assume that many former PC loyalists will be thinking twice about their next computer choice."
Abstract This paper looks at the longstanding rivalry between IBM PC-compatible systems and Apple Macintosh computers to determine specifically which type of laptop is best for the average consumer. The author compares Apple's MacOS X 10.4 with Microsoft Windows Vista Premium Edition and explains that the former has been shown to be consistently more stable than its Microsoft counterpart. Apple's dual processor strategy and its implication for the consumer is also described. However, in sheer numbers, Microsoft has far more customers,and almost ten times as many developers as Apple, and statistics show that the breadth and depth of applications generated for IBM PC-compatible laptops are far greater than those generated for the Apple Macintosh. The author compares prices, warranties and software, and concludes that the Apple PowerBook G4 clearly delivers exceptionally more value for a lower price given the software and warranty included in the standard price.
Outline:
Introduction
Operating System Price/Performance Comparisons
Ergonomics and Usability
Developer Communities and New Application Development
Feature Comparison
Conclusion
From the Paper "The largest value-added cost component of any laptop is the software royalties paid to 3rd party companies for the use of their operating systems and applications. It is common for $75 or more per IBM PC-compatible laptop to be paid to Microsoft for use of their operating system alone (Frakes, 2006). In fact Microsoft is known for having an expensive enterprise licensing model (Hedgebeth, 2007) which has forced many laptop manufacturers to consider open source operating systems including Linux. The cost for Microsoft Office on an IBM PC-compatible laptop can also add an additional $150 or more to the cost of manufacturing the laptop was well."
Abstract This paper follows the course of a legendary myth: "The Feud Between Horus and Seth". The writer examines this myth and finds the parallels to Christianity. It points out that even those who do not practice as Christians are well aware of the Bible's teaching of Lucifer, commonly known as the Devil, and God, a perfect example of good versus evil. The paper begins by reliving the myth of Horus and Seth, followed by the Biblical tale of the fall of Lucifer and the casting to Hell. It then looks at the aspects of these stories and explores commonalities that have transcended time and place to depict this constant struggle for one's very soul.
From the Paper "There is no rebuke that religion has played at the forefront of the Earth's Religions over time. These Religions or belief systems have ranged in iconology and practice but common threads are clear and concise. Most notably is the idea of "Dualism". Merriam Webster defines Dualism as a "doctrine that the universe is under the dominion of two opposing principles one of which is good and the other evil." With this definition we can further elaborate of the meaning of the concept as an intricate balance, here of good vs. evil. This theme may be as widespread as civilizations needed to classify their residents and at the same time teach them the difference between good and evil. Egyptians used Mythology to educate their society on behavior and religion. Myths are based on rivalry or struggle of the Myths characters."
Abstract This paper explains that the Old Irish tale: "Scela Muicce Meic Da Tho" or "Mac Datho's Pig", survives in only six manuscripts of which the earliest, the "Book of Leinster" (the earliest witness, c.1160), is used for this paper. The author points out that the primary significance of the 'scela' is as a negative exemplum of rulership and manhood, which critically acknowledged that Mac Datho is a weak ruler. The paper assesses that there is no evidence of any generosity on his part, that his poisoning of the pig crosses the line between legitimate deception and non-heroic treachery and that the tale does not ultimately reflect well on Leinster. The author relates that the tale is a critique of the undercurrent of excess and futility within the Irish heroic tradition, demonstrating that already the Irish epic is a genre of extremes and excesses, which this tale then amplifies in a well-executed burlesque of the heroic tradition.
From the Paper "The heroes do not act admirably either. Although Conall's defeat of Cet in the competition for the champion's portion leaves the reader with no doubt that he deserves the prize, his subsequent behavior is gluttinous: ..."he took then the belly in his mouth, he sucks on the belly--a load for nine men--[and] he left behind nothing of it." [section 17] Having devoured an enormous portion on his own, he insults the people of Connaught by leaving them only the two fore-quarters of the pig."
Abstract This paper discusses the Medium Access Control (MAC) Protocol, which enables different devices to connect through a common, shared medium by providing three main features: The ability to detect when the shared media is free and the device should send the data, the ability to decide what to do if the data collides with data from another device and the ability to determine how long to wait before re-sending data that has collided. The paper includes illustrations
From the Paper "The data is monitored during transmission and if it changes, a collision is assumed to have occurred and the detecting device sends out a "jam bit" or ?jam sequence,? a random bit pattern meant to ?kill the corrupted frames.? At the other end, MAC receivers read the first 6 bytes of the PCI, determining the destination address of the frame. If that address matches it's own, the receiver continues to read the rest of the frame. The PDU or data payload of the frame is then read, followed by the CRC. The MAC receiver calculates the CRC to detect any errors in the data, such as a collision, and allows it to discard corrupted frames. Once done, the receiver transmits back confirmation data to the source, notifying it whether the data was sent successfully or was corrupted and needs to be resent."
Abstract This five-page undergraduate paper analyzes the poem "Mac Flecknoe" as a "mock epic", the poet John Dryden wrote this poem with the objective of ridiculing a rival Thomas Shadwell. The poem is piece of harsh and fierce satire on the writing skills and capabilities of Shadwell.
Abstract This paper analyzes the effect of government indirect subsidy to mortgage and securities sector of the economy and how the effects could be demonstrated through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Abstract This paper addresses the ongoing argument and published research results which contend that home-cooked food is significantly healthier that fast food. This paper analyzes the ingredients found in a McDonald's Big Mac while comparing them to those found in the home-cooked version. The writer of this paper contends and attempts to prove that fast food is not as unhealthy as previously thought and may even promote weight loss, if eaten in moderation.
From the Paper "American culture currently stereotypes fast food as being intrinsically unhealthy giving the average person food for thought about the risks versus benefits of eating a fast food meal. However a careful examination of facts supports the argument that not only is fast food not unhealthy when compared to the typical American home-cooked meal but that it can actually promotes weight-loss and health by helping people control their portions."
Tags: fast food, McDonald's, Big Mac, rebuttal argument, nutrition
Abstract This paper discusses the medieval Irish Dierdre story, "Longess Mac nUislenn." It specifically looks at the dichotomies of male and female, king and people, the cultivated and the wasteland within the story and discusses their significance. The paper describes the roles of the significant characters in the story and the dichotomies that they represent.
Table of Contents:
The King and His People
The Dichotomy of Male and Female
The Un-Culture of the Feminine
Conclusions
From the Paper "Once born, Deirdre remains separated from Ulaid society. She is raised in a separate court, as discussed earlier, and perhaps it is this that explains her forwardness toward Noisu. After learning that a man existed in Ulster who fit her image of beauty, she quickly approaches him and exchanges some suggestive banter. If one compares this to Tochmarc Emer, the gender roles are reversed. Just as Cu Chulainn admired the fair country in which he wished to lay his spear, Deirdre tells Noisu of her need for a young bull. As a woman requisitioned by Conchobor, this in inappropriate, but it is in her character to act outside social norms, not being a part of Ulster society."
"This role seems tied to her gender, especially because the female satirist Leborcham acts in a similar way. Leborcham visits Deirdre because no one can prevent her. She is a satirist, so like Deirdre, she possesses powerful words--perhaps more honest than the words of the king. And Leborcham ignores social mores by telling Deirdre exactly where she can find her desired man, with his "hair like the raven, and a cheek like blood, and a body like snow." She too is a character working against "culture", ignoring Conchobor's decisions Deirdre's home and future."
The following paper examines the way in which the declining number of desktop PC shipments in the U.S. and worldwide, in 2001, has given a new challenge to the PC industry.
Abstract This paper explores the factors that caused the decrease in desktop industry growth. This essay focuses on new technology substitution, competition forced price-cutting, and decrease in consumer demand. The author contends that portable PC's will eventually outsell desktops
From the Paper "PC makers, especially branded vendors, then can turn to small business, which has been growing enormously in the last five years. There is a great demand in using the Internet to facilitate the work-at-home businesses, which means this could be a fast expanding and stable market to rely on for several years in the future.What people need nowadays is simply to make the most of the effective and efficient use and maximum performance of the hardware as advertised by each company. If they need to combat the time with the fast growing internet era, then the speedy and accurate software is what business people need. Industry needs to grow various options to customers where they can choose what they need and in some good options. An industry may need to develop direct selling through customers, getting more various new entries in market diversification. "
Abstract The paper explains that not only can PCs do almost everything that the larger mainframes can do, but also they can do it at a significantly lower cost. The author points out that there are legitimate uses for the higher mainframe power, especially when a company or institution needs to support hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. The paper relates that, even if many PC computers are linked together with the server, they still cannot compare the I/O capability of the mainframe, which makes all the difference in certain applications.
From the Paper "In addition to the advantages of a mainframe regarding reliability and speed is something known as ?parallel sysplex.? Parallel sysplex is a way of writing serial code that can work across more than one mainframe. Again, this may not be useful for all purposes, but in those industries that demand more functionality in their computer power, the mainframe continues to tower over the PC."
Abstract This paper attempts to clarify and explain the benefits offered to the medical community by its increased use of PDAs and Pocket PCs. The paper suggests that PDAs and Pocket PCs not only improve the quality of the work provided by medical care professionals, but also their efficiency in the completion of their administrative functions.
From the Paper "The era of the Dot.com has come to an end. Customers are no longer enamored of new and snazzy technical gadgets. So too is their reluctance with snapping up the newer versions of software that are flooding the markets. There are reports that there has been a full stop to the purchasing of products and services all around without the comprehension of the exact benefits that they would derive and the impact of these products and services on the bottom line and whether this would be in keeping with the overall business objectives. This has caused a reversal of fortunes for the computer companies and there has been a realization that a lot of effort is needed to find fresh revenue generating markets and invigorate the old markets. It is in Health care that these companies have found the fresh market that they were looking for to generate revenues that were not coming in. Health care was one segment of industry that was slow in going in for information technology and still has to go along way in embracing this new technology and thereby automating its most fundamental processes. (What's New in Mobile Computing for Healthcare?)"
Abstract This paper explains that one of the first things to consider in putting together a PC system is the computer's intended use, which will influence the choice of power supply, CPU and motherboard. The author points out that, after assembling the components, it's almost time to start the build; however, there are a few simple safe practice guidelines such as wear an anti-static band around your wrist to eliminate the threat of "frying" your drive, motherboard, CPU and other sensitive components because of static electricity build-up. The paper instructs that, if the computer does not begin to install the operating system from the CD drive, the builder might need to get into the BIOS to set it to read from the CD.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Components
We are Ready to Start our Assembly!
The Steps
Installing the System Software
Congratulations. You Have Just Built Your First PC!
Addendum
From the Paper "3. Carefully take out the motherboard from its antistatic bag and match up the holes in the board to the holes on the case. Then add the plastic stand-offs (supplied) to those holes. At this time, also make sure that the rear of the motherboard matches the bracket at rear of case. If not, remove case bracket and replace with compatible bracket which will have been supplied by motherboard manufacturer. Before fixing the motherboard to the case, it is easier to attach the CPU and fan assembly to the motherboard first."
Abstract This paper explores the effectiveness of the interaction between the human brain and the machine built to facilitate human tasks, in this case, the pocket-sized Sprint Ultravox Pocket PC, which is the most advanced PDA. The PDA is evaluated on factors such as memorability, recovery from errors, user satisfaction and ease of use. The paper concludes that the challenge for the pocket PC lies with understanding hierarchical data in direct reaction to its diminishing disk space.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
HCI Issues or Usability Attributes/Principles Used to Evaluate the Interface
Memorability
Recovery from Errors
User Satisfaction
Ease of Use
Recommendations for Improving the Interface Design
Recommendations for Improving the Interface Design
From the Paper "As far as memorability, we refer once again to HCI principles of methods of operation, this time referring to testing for memory retrieval as a means of measuring human association between two things where the user has to stop and think. This method of cognitive operation duplicates the cognitive structure of the human brain as a processor is intended to integrate the processing structure of the human being with the processing of the machine."
Tags: integration, touch function, efficiency, energy usage, disc space
Abstract This paper evaluates the Sprint PC website according to specific variables that usually make a website more visible and user-friendly. The paper shows that by using these variables as a guideline, it is easier to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of this particular website.
From the Paper "An effective Web site should provide good error messages; however, even better than good error messages is a careful design that prevents a problem from occurring in the first place. In addition, the "help" button should allow users to recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors, and error messages should be expressed in plain language (no codes), precisely indicate the problem, and constructively suggest a solution. As such, as each link and button was pressed respectively on a recent visit to Sprint PCS's Web site, no error messages were received. This is in stark contrast to other Web sites, particularly those that reset after a prescribed amount of time, thereby eliminating even the "back" option."
