Chapter 8: End-of-Chapter Questions

1. In 1951 the Census Bureau installed the first general-purpose digital computer. IBM sold the first PC in 1982.

2. Some microprocessor vendors include Intel, American Micro Devices, and Cyrix.

3. Three years would pass for the price of a $3000 computer purchased today to reach $750. (After 18 months, it would cost $1500; after another 18 it would cost $750.)

4. Megahertz measures the processing speed of a computer in millions of cycles per second. Processor speeds for computers in your lab will vary.

5. The capacity of storage media ranges from low to high for floppy disk, Zip disk, Jaz disk, CD disk, and DVI) disk.

6. CDs became “writable” in 1997.

7. The large capacities of DVDs are likely to address multimedia applications that include videos and movies. This application could become very important for training.

8. The most compelling reasons for capturing data electronically are speed and accuracy.

9. Database management systems are the most frequently cited example of 4GL.

10. The cost of custom written software has increased because of the increase in programmers~ salaries, making it much more expensive than prewritten software. Also, since custom written software is usually used by a relatively small number of users, the cost of development for each user is exceptionally high.

Topics for Discussion

1. User friendly software has been engineered so that it accommodates a wide range of users’ capabilities. The software enables users to easily apply their business knowledge without spending valuable time in learning the software. Time saved in obtaining information means that more time is made available for deciding how to use the information for solving a problem.

2. Identified improvements in computer technology will vary. Some structure for the discussion can be provided by focusing in sequence on processors, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. For each category, ask for examples of how such improvements can facilitate new approaches to business applications. For example, addition of voice input to Web pages would enable customers to order products simply by providing the information orally, rather than keying it in or using a mouse. When improvements are discussed, encourage students to remember the tremendous growth in power and the decline in cost of technology.

3. A PC no larger than a phone should have the same basic capabilities as today’s desktop computer.