Microprocessors in the home

​A microprocessor is really just a tiny cpu built onto a single chip.

Microprocessors are tiny chips that are used to control devices.
 
Alarm systems are controlled by microprocessors.
​
Intelligent ovens help us prepare our food to perfection.
 
Intelligent fridges keep food at optimum temperatures and help reduce wastage.
 
Microprocessor controlled devices affect our lives in lots of different ways including in our homes, our leisure time, how we interact socially. They even have an affect on our needs to actually leave our houses.

Where do we find microprocessors?

​Computer System:Your desktop PC or laptop will contain a microprocessor called a CPU (powerful machines will contain more than one).

The CPU controls all the processing that go's on within the computer

Washing Machines:Washing machines contain microprocessors to control things like:

Water temperature Valves to let water in

​Valves to let water out.

Heating Systems:Heating systems use microprocessors to control things like:

When the heating is switched on / off

​Keeping a constant temperature Some can make the temperature different from room to room.

The microprocessor inside intelligent ovens can read the barcodes on packaging and then automatically set the temperature and cooking time to the perfect levels.

Intelligent microwaves work in much the same way.

Intelligent Fridges:

​Intelligent fridges can read the barcodes on food and determine the 'use by' dates.

Food that is due to go bad is then automatically moved to the front of the fridge so that you use it first.

Effects of Microprocessor-Controlled Devices on Leisure Time

Increased free time:Laptops, PDA's, Mobile Phones, IPads etc, allow us to work on the move which means we get to enjoy more free time.

For example: I could complete my work for the evening using a laptop on the train. This means I don't have to do it when I get home.


Increased leisure time:Microprocessors in household appliances can make sure that the task is completed without you actually being there.

Once you have started the appliance you can go off and sky dive.... or whatever you want.


Increased fitness:Because microprocessor-controlled devices can reduce the amount of time it takes us to complete our every-day tasks we are left with more free time.

Some people choose to spend some of this extra time in the gym getting fit.


Increased relaxation:Extra leisure time can be spent watching t.v, surfing the net, listening to music, gaming or other relaxing pastimes.


Increased productivity:With microprocessor-controlled devices taking care of household chores, people are freed up to tackle more work-related tasks.

For example: A businessperson could email clients while an intelligent oven cooks their dinner to perfection.

Negative effects of microprocessor-controlled devices on leisure time:

​Laziness:When devices do a lot of our tasks for us it is easy to become lazy.

For example: Instead of vacuuming the floor I could let a robotic vacuum do the job while I go sit and eat ice-cream.



Decreased fitness:Because microprocessor-controlled devices do most of the work for us it means that we are not doing as much hard manual work as we used to.

For example: Before we had washing machines, doing the laundry was actually quite a demanding task. You had to wash the clothes by hand and then hang them on a washing line. Now all we need to do it put them in the machine and press 'go'.

Effects of Microprocessor-Controlled Devices on Social Interactions

​Mobile Phones:Mobile phones allow us many ways in which to interact or chat to friends and family. These ways include:

Calling Text / SMS Email facilities Accessing social networking site and interacting there

​Accessing chat rooms and chatting there Instant messaging
(E.g. Blackberry Messenger - BBM)


Social Networking Sites:Social networking sites are growing more and more popular as a way to keep in contact with friends. Facebook alone has 1 billion active users.

These sites have many ways in which you can interact including: Private Messaging Status Updates Commenting on images or statuses


VoIP Services
(like Skype):Skype is a 'VoIP' (voice over Internet protocol) service which allows you to make very cheap phone calls over the Internet.

Skype is especially useful if you want to talk to someone in another country as the prices are very cheap, no matter how far apart you are.


Emails:Good old emails are still sent in their billions. They are quick and easy and allow us to send and receive messages, no matter where we are in the world, at the click of a button.

Emailing can now be carried out on the move thanks to portable devices (like mobile phones, IPads and laptops) and Wi-Fi.

Effects of Microprocessor-Controlled Devices on the Need to Leave the House

Online Shopping
(E-Commerce):Goods can be ordered over the Internet and delivered to your house.

Any device that allows you to connect to the Internet can be used to shop online.

Retailers that offer customers the ability to buy items online include:
Supermarkets Entertainment businesses (DVD 's, Music, Games) Clothing.


Teleworking
(working from home): Many people work from home and use ICT to perform tasks and contact clients and colleagues.

Teleworking requires the following equipment: A computer or laptop Internet connection Email facility Videoconferencing software (business meetings be held over the Internet).


Entertainment:We can entertain ourselves very easily using microprocessor devices and the Internet. For example: You Tube (videos, music etc) Gaming Social networking (to chat to friends) Downloading mp3's to listen to Downloading and watching videos Chat rooms.


Online Banking:Banking can now be carried out online. We can perform all sorts of tasks without actually visiting the bank. These tasks include: Transferring money Viewing statements to track spending Payment of bills Setting up new accounts Applying for loans.


Research:Research can be carried out using a computer with an Internet connection.

For example: we can find the following information online: Bus timetables Shop's opening / closing times Movie showing times Information for a school assignment.