The
World of Computers
Have you used a computer recently? Chances
are you have. If you have made a phone call, ridden in a car, watched a
TV, played a video game you have used a computer. Even as you read this
paper, keep in mind the words you are reading were put into type by a computer.
Here is a list of statements about computers. Decide
whether each statement is true or false .
-
Computers are smarter than humans.
-
Computers have brains.
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Some computers have feelings.
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Computers can solve any problems.
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You need to know a lot of science and math to use a
computer.
If you decided that each statement is false, you are
correct. Then what is a computer? What can it do? It is a machine that
can handle large amounts of information and work with amazing speed. A
computer is built to do these four jobs:
Computers are conformed to follow instructions from
humans. They can solve only the problems that people tell them to solve.
Since people cannot solve every problem, neither can computers. To tell
a computer what to do, you have to know what problem you want to solve
and have a plan for solving it.
Since computers can't do anything 
without
instructions from a human, what makes them so special? They can do some
things better than humans. Computers calculate faster than humans. They
are more accurate than humans. Computer can also store vast amounts of
information, and they do not "forget" what they store. These kinds of qualities
make computer wonderful tools to help people solve complex problems.
Computers have become important and valuable tools
in today's world. Since they affect so many parts of our lives, it is important
to be aware of how they are used and how they work.
Questions
1. Name two jobs computers are designed
to do?
2. Explain what makes the two
jobs listed in question 1 so important?
3. What are two things that
computers do that outperforms humans?
4. Why is it important to know
about computers?
5. How do computers solve problems?
This site was created by Roderick
Hames
for the primary purpose of teaching and demonstrating
computer & business skills..
Any distribution or copying without the express or
written consent of
Alton C. Crews Middle School or its creator is strictly
prohibited.
***
Any questions, comments or suggestions concerning
this page or this Web site should be forwarded to
Roderick
Hames, Computer Science / Business Education Teacher
Copyright© 1998, Alton
C. Crews Middle School: CS Dept - Articles
