CS491 Assignment A2
Due 9/18/02


(1) Download "algorithms and processes" from the CS491 web site
resources section.  Write a report on the main claims and on what
you learned that you did not know.  (2 pages max)

(2) Give definitions and distinctions among the base words of IT:
     data
     algorithm
     information
     practices
     knowledge
in such a way that they form a hierarchy with data the most primitive
idea.  At what point in the hierarchy does human judgment enter into
the definitions?  (2 pages max)

(3) What is meant by "algorithmic thinking"?  Why is algorithmic
thinking a practice rather than a concept?  Give an example of how you
yourself engage in algorithmic thinking without consciously willing
yourself to do so.  Algorithmic thinking is not helpful for some
problems, such as unemployment, or some actions, such as playing a
violin.  Why is this?  What are the limits of algorithmic thinking?
What problems could you cause for others by insisting on algorithmic
thinking in cases where it doesn't fit well?

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The following are extra credit problems, due by Sep 23.

(4) (+1 point Extra Credit).  Read David Harel's book COMPUTERS LTD
and write a short report about its main claims and what you learned
but did not know.  (2 pages max)

(5)(+2 points Extra Credit).  Write a self reproducing program in C++.
For the purposes of this question, a program is self-reproducing if it
prints out an exact copy of its source code.