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8 UNIT 1
Computer Users
Find the answers to these questions in the
following text.
1
Name some types of devices that use
‘computers on a chip’.
2
What uses of handheld computers are
mentioned in the text?
3
What are the benefits of using computers
with the following items?
a Security systems
b Cars
c Phones
4
What smart devices are mentioned in the
text?
5
What are smart cards used for?
6
What are the advantages of multimedia?
7
What can medical expert systems do?
8
How can computers help the disabled?
9
What types of computing systems are made
available to people in remote locations
using electronic classrooms or boardrooms?
10
What aspects of computing can people
power determine?
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 organisers.
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
performing smart tasks like cooking dinner,
programming the DVD recorder, 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
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Computers
Make the World
Smaller and Smarter
A