| The two phases of computer networking: 1. Smart server, dumb terminal You install the software on the server and the terminal makes a connection to the server; the terminal is only an input/output machine. 2. Smart server, smart terminal You can install the software on the terminal itself and run the software locally. (A desktop application) You can install the software on the server and the terminal makes a connection to the server; the terminal acting as an input/output machine. (A traditional web site with POST requests) You can also install software to the server and the terminal downloads a copy of the software to be run locally, downloading data from the server as needed. (A 'web 2.0' web site or an app downloaded from an app store.) The possible two phases of manufacturing: 1. Production at the factory, Consumption at the home The factory produces the goods and the goods are delivered to the home to be consumed. 2. Production at the factory, Production at the home The factory produces the machines for producing consumables, and the machines are delivered to the home to produce whatever the home requires. Computers were one of the first "systems" to become decentralized. I believe it is only a matter of time before other systems, such as factories, become decentralized too. |