Review Questions.

1. What is the difference between general-purpose and special-purpose computers?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages between CISC and RISC microprocessors?

3. In which of the three markets do you think workstations are most useful?

4. What will be the future role of the mainframe computer?

5. Compare the difference in processing speeds between a mainframe and a supercomputer. Why do you think a supercomputer is so much faster?

6. How would a pen-based computer make you more productive?

Discussion Questions.

1. Why do we need to constantly improve computer performance?

2. History tells us that it’s fairly common to overlook the true inventor or creator. For example, Edison did not invent the first light bulb, nor did Bell invent the first telephone. Does this tell us that it’s not the very first, but the first successful invention or creation that counts?

3. When might you prefer a notebook to a laptop? A palmtop to a notebook?

4. Discuss some ways you would use a portable computer in your life. Do you think you would use it as your sole and only computer, or would you want both a desktop and a portable?

5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of multitasking. When would you use it? How would it help you be more productive?

6. Discuss the future of the mini, in light of the fact that workstations and personal computers can perform many of its tasks.

7. Why has the mainframe remained a general-purpose computer? Why has it never become an OEM computer?

Multiple-Choice.

1. The portable computer:

1. Is usually more expensive than a desktop PC.

2. Does not always have a floppy disk drive.

3. Performs all the same tasks as a desktop Pc.

4. Can transfer data to other computers.

5. Sometimes comes with built-in software.

2. What do the terms human-computer interface and ergonomics mean to you?

1. Making the computer amenable to the way knowledge workers work.

2. A colorful, graphic screen display.

3. Keyboards and monitors that are easy to use.

4. A marketing concept to get more people to buy computers.

5. A government regulations that manufacturers have to comply with.

3. Why are mainframes losing their “do-every-thing” role in business?

1. They are too expensive.

2. They have grown too old.

3. Knowledge workers want processing power on their desktops.

4. The mainframes were too busy for all the tasks required of them

5. Many shoulders make a light burden.

4. A mainframe computer:

1. Can run hundreds of applications simultaneously.

2. May have more than one CPU.

3. Is the same as a PC, only bigger.

4. Is primarily used in business.

5. All of the above.

Fill-in-the-Blank.

1. The computer continues to become , , and .

2. CISC stands for .

3. RISC stands for .

4. Packaging a computer, special hardware, and custom software are called

.

5. A palm top computer often has its software built into an .

6. The most advanced supercomputer technology is called .