1. TRUE or FALSE? Computer technology has greatly impacted the banking industry, to the
extent that credit cards and debit cards have reduced consumers’ reliance on cash.
TRUE
2. TRUE or FALSE? Embedded processors are computer chips that are built into appliances and
machinery to control their workings.
TRUE
3. TRUE or FALSE? Instant messaging software allows users to send and receive messages almost
instantaneously, allowing for interactive conversations between remote users.
TRUE
4. TRUE or FALSE? Commercial software systems are thoroughly tested so that all programming
errors are identified and fixed before the system is marketed.
FALSE
5. TRUE or FALSE? Search engines such as
Web pages before they report those pages.
FALSE
6. TRUE or FALSE?
TRUE
7. TRUE or FALSE? Because of budget constraints, public schools are less likely to have Internet
access today than they were 10 years ago.
FALSE
8. TRUE or FALSE? The “digital divide” refers to the fact that the disadvantaged in society (e.g.,
minorities, the poor, and uneducated citizens) are less likely to have access to the Internet.
TRUE
18.2
9. Do you think that Gormley’s list (Figure 18.1) represents the 10 most important inventions of the
last 1,000 years? If not, what inventions do you think are missing from this list? What possible
developments in computer technology might increase the relative importance of computers?
Student answers will vary.
10. In addition to the examples listed in this chapter, describe two other aspects of society that have
been greatly impacted by computer technology. Within these areas, what specific activities or
jobs were most affected? On the whole, has the impact been positive or negative? Justify your
answers.
Student answers will vary.
11. Describe two advantages of online newspapers over their print counterparts. Do you think that
electronic newspapers will completely replace printed papers in the near future? Why or why
not?
Advantages include the ability to update content immediately, and the ability to integrate other
media (e.g., sound and video) with text.
12. Perform a Web search on your name. That is, enter your name into a search engine, such as
Google or Yahoo!
matching pages did the search engine find? If you have your own Web page, did the search
engine find it? You may need to include additional search parameters if your name is relatively
common.
Student answers will vary.
13. Utilize a search engine to research and answer the following questions. Identify the site at which
you obtained your answer, as well as the search parameters you used to locate the page.
Google.com verify the accuracy of information onAmazon.com is the largest e-commerce site in terms of yearly online sales.® Search, and then search the Web for occurrences of that name. How many•
Who invented the programming language PHP?•
In what year did the Battle of Hastings take place?•
Who won the Academy Award for best actress in 1996?•
Rasmus Lerdorf
1066
Frances McDormand
21 number-one hits on the Billboard chart
How many number-one hits did the Beatles have?