Common Man’s Guide to Computers: Concepts, Applications, Issues

Computer, like any other tool, aids common man in performing his task. It enables the job to be done more quickly, with more ease, and opens new fields of operation which were closed before. The computer acts only as an intermediary. Its information is supplied by common man, its duties are defined by common man, and it works at the discretion of common man. This book unravels the mystique of computer for common man. What is a microprocessor? How does a personal computer (PC) work? How are industrial control and quality regulations achieved by computer? What is the selection process for acquiring a computer? How do computers form a network to share hardware and software resources? What are the evergreen trends of management information system (MIS)? After answering these questions, a few selected sectors are taken up and broad information is provided as to what is happenning by using computers in these areas: agriculture, education, health, banking, railways and industry, not to mention the areas of law and order, civil administration, public utility system, even for the handicapped and the liberal arts. While all these vital sectors are linked up with the well-being of the common man, it is also important to know the desirability and scope of computer usage, assessment of meaningful applications computer, impact of computer technology on the labour and automation, involvement of general management with computers, and some concern with training and education on computer. On the whole, the book attempts to initiate the common man not merely to the concept of computers, but also the Indian practice as well as the germane issues valid for this country.