Hi Subbukk,
The idea of software computer reminds me a lot of the history of Squeak
and the idea to manage complexity by the creation of virtual computers
that can work together. Also remind me the idea of giving computer
support to the creative spirit inside everyone of us, so Squeak is some
kind of metamedium (text, music, graphics, animation, video) and needs
to do everything that you can do with a computers.
Sound nice to me :),
Cheers,
Offray
subbukk escribió:
Hi,
When trying to explain the Squeak 'image' file to young learners and non-tech
friends, the term 'software computer' popped into my mind. Squeak allows one
to create a 'software computer' that holds text, sounds and pictures. It is a
computer that you can carry along on a floppy, hard-disk or USB flash memory.
Just as we use microscope to look into minute stuff, we use a physical
computer (and squeak vm) to look into our software computer and make changes
to it. The computer can be used to record sounds, make drawings, access
web-sites or chat with others and so on. This computer can even hang or crash
like a physical computer :-). But unlike physical machines, perfect copies
(images) are easy to make and share with friends. If the computer breaks
down, you can send it for 'repairs' over email while continuing to work on a
older copy. One can create potentially infinite varieties of copies without
worrying about hazardous waste or recycling. Each copy will be a 'perfect
image' and we dont have to worry about loose nuts or bolts :-).
I tried this metaphor on some (unsuspecting) folks and they could get it
faster than when I used the book or toy metaphor. One can't crash a book by
coloring it, for instance, so they dont see a need to snapshot an image
often. For most people, "toys" are not for serious work, while Squeak can be
used to produce serious essays or music too.
Is the metaphor appropriate?
Subbu
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