Computer Uses from a to z

Once upon a time there were no computers. The world was a lot different. All sorts of things were not possible. There were no video games, CD-ROM players, modern TV, grocery store scanners, fast phone connections or space probes.

Right after World War II, engineers built the first digital all electronic computers. The information Age began. Computers linked to TV, telephone and satellite networks spread information throughout the world.

Before computers, most people made a living by making and selling goods and farm products. Today, more and more people are earning their living using computers. Many are producing and selling information.

Here are some examples of the many ways we use computers today:

AUTOMOBILES - Cars use computers to control the flow of gas to the engine. This gives better gas mileage. Also, many cars have computers that control displays such as the temperature, speed and. gas gauges.

BANKS - Computers in banks can transfer money from one account to another.

CARTOONS - Computers can be used to organize thousands of single pictures used to make cartoons.

DRAWINGS - Computers can be used to create drawings for engineering or designing.

EXERCISE MACHINES - Some exercise machines use computers to calculate miles or calories.

FAX MACHINES - Computers in fax machines are used to send and print the signal from machine to machine.

GAMES - Some games such as chess can be played with the help from a computer. The computer can analyze and decide which move would be the best. Other games played with computers are very popular.

HOSPITALS - A hospital patient's heart (pulse) rate can be recorded and analyzed by a computer.

INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS - Some companies use computer-controlled robots to do such things as weld parts, work on assembly lines and deliver parts.

JET PLANES - Computers help guide planes by giving pilots important information such as speed and altitude.

KITCHEN APPLIANCES - Microwaves, for instance, use computers to set the time and temperature.

LIBRARIES - Books and other materials are checked out by using computers. Each book has a bar code. When it is checked out, it is placed under a laser reader. The laser reader, controlled by a computer, records the title of the book. In addition, most libraries have a listing of their books and other materials on computers so you can find out what is available.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS - Many performers use computer-controlled machines such as electronic drum kits to create special sounds.

NEWSPAPERS - Reporters write their stories on the computer. Photographers and editors edit pictures and stories on the computer.

OLYMPIC ATHLETES - Athletes use computers to help with their training. For example, computers can measure how well an athlete's lungs are working.

PAY TELEPHONES - A computer at a central location figures out how much a call will cost. Computers connect your call to the correct number.

QUAKES - Computers are used to help predict earthquakes.

RESTAURANTS - A restaurant manager can use a computer to keep track of food orders and supplies.

SPORTS - Computers are used to record times and scores at games.

TELEVISION - Computers are used to control much in television. Using data produced by computers, networks can make their decisions about what shows stay on the air.

UNDERGROUND GAS RESERVES - Scientists use computers to help create models of underground gas reserves. This helps keep up with the supply.

VIDEOCASSETTE RECORDERS - Computers change magnetic pulses on the tape into electronic signals that then turn into pictures you see on your TV.

WASHING MACHINES - A tiny computer chip (microchip) controls your washing machine (washer).

X-RAY SCANNERS - Detailed pictures of the inside of the body can be taken from different angles. Computers are also used to sort, process and show pictures.

YACHTS - Captains use computers to help navigate courses for their yachts.

ZOOS - Zoos use computers to help keep track of animals used for breeding purposes.

GLOSSARY:

network - here a group of radio or television stations in different places using many of the same broadcasts

mileage - the distance that is traveled, measured in miles

gauge - instrument for measuring

weld - to join by heating and fusing (melting)

deliver - here take to a place

kit - set of equipment

edit - prepare smth. for printing or showing

keep/lose track (of) - to keep/not keep oneself informed about a person, state of affairs, etc.

on the right/wrong track - thinking or working correctly/incorrectly microchip - a tiny set of connected electrical parts produced as a single unit on a

slice of material such as silicon

process - to put information (data) into a computer for examination to produce

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