What is a genetic algorithm (GA), what can it do, how does it work, and when should it be used?  Why is it called 'genetic' and is it truly intelligent?  This presentation will begin with some brief applications of optimization and some solutions to these problems.  Considerations of using each will be discussed.  Origins, definitions, and terminology of GAs will be covered.  A few examples of successful implementation from the literature will be shown.  A hybrid AI system exhibiting cognitive behavior will be discussed.