CPSC 110-08: Computing with Mobile Phones

Reading: Blown to Bits, Appendix
Due: Wednesday 4/20 (before class)

Required Textbook

We will use Blown to Bits: Your Life, Liberty, and Happiness After the Digital Explosion by Abelson, Ledeen, Lewis for reading assignments about the digital revolution. You are required to acquire this book, either by purchasing it or by downloading PDF copies of its chapters.

Reading Assignment

Read the Appendix of Blown to Bits (15 pages). This chapter talks about the Internet as a system.

Reading Questions

Post answers to the following questions on a Portfolio page. We will discuss these in class.

  1. Explain each of the following terms
    1. router
    2. ISP
    3. IP Address
    4. Domain name
    5. IP Protocol
    6. TCP Protocol
    7. HTTP Protocol
    8. SMTP Protocol

  2. What's the difference between a circuit switched and a packet switched network?

  3. How have open standards helped the Internet develop?

  4. What is net neutrality and why is it important?

Portfolio

Your answers to the above questions should be recorded on a new portfolio page. Name it "Blown to Bits, Appendix" or something similar.