Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
same collection of problems. All basic computers are equivalent to
Turing Machines in what they can do at a theoretical level. This
universality of computers means that the choice of hardware should
depend on such factors as ease of use, speed, and cost.
In selecting a computer system for purchase, a careful and me
thodical approach can be most helpful. This process involves an
identification of your specific needs, review of software to satisfy
those needs, consideration of what other systems you will want to
work with, identification of the hardware recommendations given
by the software packages you select, and consideration of such prac
tical issues as price and ease of use.
■
Terminology from This Chapter
algorithm
algorithmic thinking
data structure
database
decomposition
modeling
parity bit
refinement
repetition
simulation
spreadsheet
topdown
methodology
Turing Machine
universality of
computers
■
Discussion Questions
1.
Consider the following anecdote involving the use of comput
ers to generate mail and to automatically process applications.
A Dead Fish
Fred Finn Mazanek, a oneyearold guppy, died recently,
leaving an estate of $5000. A student at the University of
Arizona received one of the computermailed “occu
pant” life insurance offers. The student diligently filled
out the insurance form for this fish, listing the fish's age
as six months, his weight as thirty centigrams, and his
height as three centimeters. Another computer (or
maybe the same computer who mailed the original offer)
duly issued Policy No. 3261057 in Fred Finn's name
from the Global Life and Accident Insurance Company
and began billing and collecting premiums.
