SPECIALIST READING. COMPUTERS MAKE THE WORLD SMALLER AND SMARTER

SPECIALIST READING

COMPUTERS MAKE THE WORLD SMALLER AND SMARTER

The ability of tiny computing devices to control complex operations has transformed the way many tasks are performed, ranging from scientific research to

producing consumer products. Tiny 'computers on a chip' are used in medical

equipment, home appliances, cars and toys. Workers use handheld computing devices to collect data at a customer site, to generate forms, to control inventory, and to serve as desktop organizers.

Not only is computing equipment getting smaller, it is getting more sophisticated. Computers are part of many machines and devices that once required continual human supervision and control. Today, computers in security systems result in safer environments, computers in cars improve energy efficiency, and computers in phones provide features such as call forwarding, call monitoring, and call answering.

These smart machines are designed to take over some of the basic tasks previously performed by people; by so doing, they make life a little easier and a little more pleasant.

Smart cards store vital information such as health records, drivers' licenses,

bank balances, and so on. Smart phones, cars, and appliances with built in computers can be programmed to better meet individual needs.

A smart house has a built-in monitoring system that can turn lights on and off,

open and close windows, operate the oven, and more.

With small computing devices available for 35 performing smart tasks like cooking dinner, programming the VCR, and controlling the flow of information in an organization, people are able to spend more time doing what they often do best -

being creative. Computers can help people work more creatively.

Multimedia systems are known for their educational and entertainment value,

which we call 'edutainment'. Multimedia combines text with sound, video, animation, and graphics, which greatly enhances the interaction between user and machine and can make information more interesting and appealing to people. Expert systems software enables computers to 'think' like experts. Medical diagnosis expert systems, for example, can help doctors pinpoint a patient's illness, suggest further tests, and prescribe appropriate drugs.

Connectivity enables computers and software that might otherwise be incompatible to communicate and to share resources. Now that computers are proliferating in many areas and networks are available for people to access data and communicate with others, personal computers are becoming interpersonal PCs. They have the potential to significantly improve the way we relate to each other. Many people today telecommute -that is, use their computers to stay in touch as with the

office while they are working at home. With the proper tools, hospital staff can get a diagnosis from a medical expert hundreds or thousands of miles away. Similarly, the disabled can communicate more effectively with others using computers.

Distance learning and videoconferencing are concepts made possible with the

use of an electronic classroom or boardroom accessible to people in remote locations.

Vast databases of information are currently available to users of the Internet, all of

whom can send mail messages to each other. The information superhighway is

designed to significantly expand this interactive connectivity so that so people all

over the world will have free access to all these resources.

People power is critical to ensuring that hardware, software, and connectivity

are effectively integrated in a socially responsible as well. People - computer users

and computer professionals - are the ones who will decide which hardware, software, and networks endure and how great an impact they will have on our lives. Ultimately but in a socially responsible way.

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