Re: what is virtual?

From: Michael Martinez <Michael_at_xenite.org>
Date: Tue 17 Apr 2001 12:14:14 -0600

MICHELLE ANDREWS <mandrews_at_gold-medallion.com> WROTE:

>I recently have noticed there has been some
>conversation about this virtual technique being used
>to space up web pages and make them more interactive
>and more entertaining for people? I'm sorry and
>correct me if I'm wrong but I thought virtual meant
>an interactive feature you can interact with?

I don't recall the reference, but in computer science
a "virtual" thing is something which exists only inside
a computer, usually in the form of a model or the
representation of a model by an application. Virtual
technology was developed primarily for the study and
development of mathematical and engineering models and
applications. We'd create virtual computers inside
computers to test out new designs for the next
generation of computer tecnology; virtual devices and
materials to test their capabilities; virtual models
of mathematical concepts, the universe, weather systems,
etc.

The term "virtual" has since been extended from that
concept to include applications and concepts which are
related but not quite the same thing. "Virtual reality"
is the most well-known extension. It's not really the
same kind of virtuality, however, as it invests more in
developing a fantasy world that we can project our
senses into. That fantasy world may be intended to
reflect or imitate the real world, but it's not used
for developing a new real world, or for testing our
theories about that world. So that is where your
"virtual interface" comes from.

The evolution of the word's meaning is useful and
logical, but ultimately a "virtual" thing is just
something we represent or construct in a computer.
It's a model which is maintained and manipulated by
software. Interaction with a user is not necessary.


Michael Martinez
 Science Fiction and Fantasy info_at_xenite.org
  Visualizing Middle-earth, a book for all Tolkien fans
   http://www.xenite.org/



Received on Tue Apr 17 2001 - 13:14:14 CDT