Agents versus Tools
by Tony Karp


                   Agent      |      Tool
       ___________________________________________________	
	
               Domain of User | Domain of Tool

                Goal Oriented | Operation Oriented

              Self Organizing | User Organizes

  Scripts and Parameter Files | Programs and Commands

         Can Raise User Level | Can Raise Macro Level of Tool

            User Programmable | Requires Programmer

 Can Do Now, Later, Scheduled | Now Only
	
         Can Learn and Repeat | Driven by User
	
   Give Instructions One Time | Must Repeat Instructions
	
   Creates Expertise for User | Requires User Expertise
	
Intelligence in the Interface | Interfaces Difficult to Use
	
                      Logical | Physical
	
                     Symbolic | Absolute
	
          Keeps User Informed | Error Messages at Tool Level
	
                   Automation | Computerization
	
                  Interpreter | Compiler
	
               Self Modifying | User Modifies
	
                         Text | Code
	
                     Adaptive | Upgradeable
	
             Tailored to User | User Adapts to Tool
	
     Multiple language Levels | One Language Level
	
        Allows Infrequent Use | Must Start From Scratch if Infrequent
	
     Little Training Required | May require extensive training
  
    
Copyright 1987 Tony Karp