1. What fractional part of a second is a microsecond? A nanosecond?

~*~A microsecond is 1/1,000,000 and a nanosecond is 1/1,o00,000,000.~*~

2. Why are computers considered to be extremely accurate devices?

~*~Computers are considered to be extremely accurate devices often because a mechanical device has worn out or an electronic component burned out and they are used in almost all situations including life or death.~*~

3. What factors have contributed to the modern computer's increased durability and reliability?

~*~Some of the factors that have contributed to the modern computer's increased durability and reliability are through technical enhancements.~*~

4. What is a general purpose computer?

~*~A general purpose computers is both there computation and input/output processing capabilities are such that they can be used for almost any type of application.~*~

5. Why are modern computers considered (for the most part) to be cost-effective devices?

~*~Modern computers are considered (for the most part) to be cost-effective devices because they weigh less and only cost about $3000 and the smaller computers can do more than you could just a few years ago.~*~

6. How have computers participated in their own development?

~*~Computers have participated in their own development through its use in research and because of its computational, logic, and decision-making capabilities allow it to participate in its own development.~*~

7. Why should data be verified both before and after being entered into the computer?

~*~Data should be verified both before and after being entered into the computer to make sure it is correct and can be saved correctly.~*~

8. Identify the basic functions of the information-processing cycle.

~*~The basic function of the information-processing cycle is the process of sharing information between humans and computers.~*~

9. What are the most important characteristics of computer-generated output?

~*~The most important characteristics of computer-generated output are that it allows the user to access information that is stored in the computer.~*~

10. Explain the difference between computer hardware and computer software.

~*~The difference between computer hardware and computer software is that hardware is the actual physical devices that run the computer and the software is the program that operates the computer.~*~

11. Explain the difference between an input device, a processor, a storage device, and an output device.

~*~The difference between an input device, a processor, a storage device, and an output device is that an input device would be a keyboard, a storage device would be a hard drive, a processor would be something that process meaningful information, and an output device would be monitor.~*~


12. Explain the difference between a system program and an application program.


~*~A system program can control the computer's circuitry and hardware devices, while the application program instructs the computer to perform a specific, user-defined task.~*~

13. Briefly explain how a computer system works.


~*~A computer system works because input is put in and the output comes out and that is what you can understand.~*~


14. Describe the differences between a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, and a special-purpose computer.


~*~The differences between a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, and a special-purpose computer are that mainframes were large computers that first came out and as they got smaller they became known as mini-computers.~*~


15. Describe the differences between a personal computer and a portable computer.


~*~The difference between a personal computer and a portable computer is that a personal computer is used at home and for personal files and work where as a portable computer is used all over and can travel wherever you go.~*~


16. Identify at least three uses of special-purpose computers.


~*~Three uses of special-purpose computers are that they can be used in automobiles, space vehicles, and home appliances.~*~


17. What is an information utility service?

~*~An information utility service is a place that uses large computers that store huge amounts of information about many different subjects.~*~


18. Describe how computers can provide better service for bank customers.


~*~Computers can provide better service for bank customers through teller machines, because they can get cash anywhere they want to and the banks don't have to be open.~*~

19. How may computers be used in the home?

~*~Computers may be used in the home for home shopping and work.~*~

20. What are some ways the computer is used in dealing with the weather and environment?

~*~The computer is used in dealing with the weather and environment because the equipment may show temp ranges, precipitation levels, and wind flow.~*~

21. How have computers affected transportation?

~*~Computers affected transportation through the airport industry, they can land with the aid of a computer. Computers have contributed to improved community services through fire fighting and the saving of lives.~*~

22. How have computers contributed to improved community services?

~*~Computers improve medical and health care as well as the quality of life for those who are ill or disabled because a machine can scan the body and provide three-dimensional views never before thought possible.~*~

23. Describe ways in which computers improve medical and health care as well as the quality of life for those who are ill or disabled.

~*~Computers improve medical and health care as well as the quality of life for those who are ill or disabled because a machine can scan the body and provide three-dimensional views never before thought possible.~*~

24. What are the advantages to humans of having computers perform routine and dangerous tasks?

~*~The advantages to humans having computers perform to perform routine and dangerous tasks is that they can save peoples lives and keep them from being injured.~*~


25. Identify at least six uses of computers (other than those given in the text) in our society or everyday living.

~*~Computers are use on our society or everyday use for work, finding jobs, shopping, traveling, games, and imformation about things.~*~