How Does an Algorithm Work?

You may have heard the term “algorithm” circulated more and more lately, and like all newly emerging technologies, there are some fears and stigmas attached, some warranted, some not. But what is an algorithm?

An algorithm is simply a set of instructions given to precisely define a sequence of some kind. That’s pretty much it! Usually, we’re talking about instructions given to computer systems to allow them to do their thing.  Web sites, applications, even malware. But we could also talk about instructions necessary to make a great Shepard’s Pie.

And since the instructions were precise?  Great Shepard’s Pie every single time! These step-by-step procedures help computers determine the best answer to given questions, such as “what text am I likely to type out next in this Google Search,” “what devices should get priority on internet bandwidth,” and “Did my smart device just hear you say ‘order toilet paper,’ or ‘wake me at four in the morning..?”

Okay, so they’re not perfect.

Basically, we give a set of instructions to a computer that guide the programming to more desired results. That’s all an algorithm is. A list of instructions, like a cooking recipe, or a list of chess moves. The danger isn’t in using algorithms, that technology has already emerged, and it’s here to stay. The issue lies in how the algorithms are used, and their intended goal. On their own, algorithms aren’t dangerous, or evil.

But one bad programmer or hacker can change the goal of an algorithm for the worse, and our own biases as we design algorithms can bleed through, leading the result to reflect our own preconceptions and biases.

Check out our Learning Center for answers to more questions!

Bob Coppedge

About Bob Coppedge

Simplex-IT, CEO

Bob is the CEO of Simplex-IT. He has over 40 years’ experience in IT (Information Technology and in 2007 he created Simplex-IT to be the “good guys” in the IT world, specializing in making IT work for small to medium businesses and to “Simplify the Complex”. Bob is an industry leading expert with the ability to translate tech talk into everyday language. Bob has authored three books “The MSP’s Survival Guide to Co-Managed IT services”, “A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology”, and his latest “I Don’t Want Your Job: Is Co-Managed IT services the Right fit for You?”. Bob regularly speaks at various national and area events, including IT Nation, DattoCon, Private Directors Association and more.

Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlcoppedge/

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