Autonomic Computing

A Quick Guide to the Human Autonomic Nervous System

IBM chose well when naming their new initiative of self-healing, self-configuring, and self-protecting systems. We would not be able to live healthy normal lives if it were not for our internal autonomic nervous system (ANS). This silent guardian is working constantly to ensure that the body is stable and performing at optimum levels. The human nervous system is divided into the voluntary and involuntary systems. You control the voluntary system. For example, when you feel something uncomfortable, such as pain, heat or bright light, you can choose to move away from it or react to it in some fashion, normally defensive. The involuntary system—which is the autonomic nervous system—handles actions ...