Zheng Yu Sun Computer Science 1 Futures in Computing As society continues to modernize, computers will grow increasingly prominent in our

daily lives and knowledge about the different aspects in computing will be important to have. Computer Science 1 has been a very rewarding experience for me, as it exposed me to a myriad of different fields in computing. Furthermore, the presenters were all very passionate as well as knowledgeable on their respective topics. Each presentation gave me a glimpse of a possible career path after my four years here at UCLA. I was already in my choice to enroll as a computer science major, but CS1 furthered fueled my interests as it showed me various real-world connections to my studies in the classroom. My favorite lecture for all of CS1 is Carey Nachenbergs lecture on Stuxnet. He was a very engaging and effective lecturer who was able to breakdown a very complex virus into simple ideas as well as make it interesting. I enjoyed learning about how the ways a virus can spread and how methodical it was in attacking its target. His presentation made me realize how important and how large of a role security plays in technology. Another reason why I liked the lecture on Stuxnet is because there is a very mysterious aspect to computer viruses and I enjoyed listening to Careys deductive reasoning about where he thought Stuxnet originated and how it was created. Another lecture I enjoyed was Professor Alkalais lecture about the role of computer science in space exploration. I liked how he showed that computer science is important in a field that one normally would think has no affiliation with computer

science. I also enjoyed him giving a history of all the space missions as well as the various technologies and organizations behind them. His explanations were very easy to follow and all the graphics in the presentation gave me a sense visually of what the spacecrafts looked like and how they function. I believe that one major innovation in the future is an electronically augmented reality. Through the use of either eye lenses or a device that directly sends sensory information to our brain, users are able to view new information on a overlay on top of what they already see. Furthermore, with the use of kinetic detection technologies, users are able to interact with an user interface to access additional information. This augmented reality can have many applications, ranging from entertainment to education. For example, in movie theaters, users will be able to view subtitles in what ever language they prefer, or read on the biographies on the actors, or view trailers for other movies. We are currently not far off from achieving an augmented reality, as the technologies required are already invented. Electronic viewfinders found in many highend cameras display information on an overlay on top of what is seen optically, and motion detection technologies are found in many video game consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Kinect. After a few years of technological advancements to improve the functionality and decrease the size, an augmented reality is well within the means of implementation. Another advancement in technology I foresee is the advancement of artificial intelligence to such a degree that it becomes prominent in our everyday lives. I predict that in the future, AIs will eventually be able to replicate high level thought processes, such as complex emotions and deductive reasoning. Artificial intelligence will be

everywhere, and will have many practical uses and solve complex problems which range may range in difficulty from high level research to simple everyday tasks. There are many examples today of artificial intelligence. Deep Blue is an example of how computers can be successful in a complex game. Watson showed that computers are capable of difficult deductive reasoning, and Siri shows that AI can help us solve everyday problems. Therefore, I believe in the future there will be an advanced AI which can aid us in higher level problem solving, such as accurately predicting the economy or helping with advanced difficult scientific research. Another idea about technology I predict that will occur is 3D video chat software. With 3D visuals, video chats will seem more personal and intimate. As bandwidth continues to grow and 3D technology continues to improve, I think this idea is very viable. 3D can be implemented into currently existing video chat software or packaged in a new client. Out of all the ideas Ive listed, I would most like to work on the artificial intelligence, because I find the idea of computers replicating human behavior to be very interesting. I hope that my years at UCLA will provide me with the knowledge as well as the creativity to allow me to pursue future innovations.