Are you intimidated by computers? Do you worry that computers
might eventually take over everything? See what these textbook
authors, computer scientists, have to say on the subject.
Although computer technology has become increasingly more
sophisticated since this selection was written, the principles
described in it remain as true today as when they were first
written. 1 Computers exist to benefit and assist people, not to
replace them. Computers cannot, for example, make emotional
judgments, disobey instructions entered by humans, read people's
minds, or replace interpersonal relationships. On the contrary,
people must be extremely explicit in instructing a computer to
perform even the simplest commands. What computers can do,
however, is extremely helpful. They can - Store data in vast
amounts - Process data quickly and accurately - Simulate
possible outcomes based on a given set of conditions - Recommend
or take action based on output 2 Computers cannot be effective
unless the people using them are able