Computers are general machines (Turing 1936). Not just all known, but also all future machines can be logically visualised through them. Computers are abstract from any physics (von Neumann, 1945). The networks of space and time (Baran, 1964, Licklider, 1960), reduced to minute, printed particles, connected with each other by electromagnetic modulations. Billions of them. Every computer, phone, machine. Design is no longer constructed from necessities, rather it condensates from the wealth of all possibilities. Rendered from virtual availability into concrete existence. And it’s so simple: mechanics from CNC production, electrical controls from do-it-yourself kits, general processors, accessible networks, a bit of software.
This module offers practical exercises in the established manifestations of virtual information technology order systems, and an introduction to corresponding thought patterns. Over the last few years, electronic prototyping has evolved to the extent where any interested lay person can very quickly develop electronic gadgets and connect them to the mediality of the internet. This module gives an overview over the technological concepts and delivers a guide to building your own gadgets in electronics, software and mechanics. The Internet of Things, distributed computing, remote procedure calls, TCP/IP, URL, Google Earth, sensors, actuators, Arduino, automation, interaction technologies: processing, wiring, CNC production.