Study Guide to Accompany Computer and Data Processing provides information pertinent to the fundamental aspects of computers and computer technology. This book presents the key benefits of using computers. Organized into five parts encompassing 19 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the evolution of modern computing systems from the earliest mechanical calculating devices to microchips. This text then introduces computer hardware and describes the processor. Other chapters describe how microprocessors are made and describe the physical operation of computers. This book discusses as well how computers present their outputs and explains the storage and retrieval of massive amounts of computer-accessible information from secondary storage devices. The final chapter discusses the use of computers in the transportation systems and the ways in which they make possible other innovations in transportation. This book is a valuable resource for computer scientists, systems analysts, computer programmers, mathematicians, historians, computer specialists, and students.

Preface

Part One: Introduction


1. The Information Revolution


2. The Evolution of Computers


Part Two: Hardware


3. The Processor


4. Input: Gateway to the Computer


5. Output: Getting Results from the Computer


6. Secondary Storage


7. Data Communications


Part Three: Software


8. Structured Programming


9. Programming Languages


10. Structured Systems Analysis and Design; Systems Acquisition


11. Database Management Systems, Management Information Systems, Decision Support Systems


12. Operating Systems


Part Four: Computers in Business


13. Personal Computing


14. Office Automation


15. Electronic Funds Transfer Systems, Security, Privacy, and Computer Crime


Part Five: Computers in Society


16. Robotics and Artificial Intelligence


17. Computers and Medicine


18. Computers and the Handicapped


19. Computers and Transportation