CHAPTER 1 The World of Computers
Virtual Newscaster
The British have introduced Ananova, a virtual newscaster, who reads the news as any human newscaster would. She is a bit unusual, having the characteristics of an animated character, green tinted hair and big eyes. She is very likeable and is willing to work around the clock without breaks. This virtual character has emerged as a star, doing commercials and appearing on the covers of magazines. AnanovaÕs voice is synthesized speech created by scanning electronic text for the various stories.
Encouraging Computer Competency
Ford Motor Company ushered in the industrial revolution with the introduction of the assembly line. Recently, the company has introduced another innovation, which may result in similar improvements in productivity. Ford has offered its employees a personal computer for their home including Internet access for only five dollars a month. Ford and many other companies have suffered productivity losses due to the limited computer competency within their workforce. This move is intended to boost computer competency and productivity throughout the company. Look for other companies to make similar offers to employees.
How We Use Computers in the Workplace
In a recent survey by Rutgers University and the University of Connecticut, 36 percent of workers indicated that they use the computer at least half of every workday. On average knowledge workers spend about one-third of their day at the computer. Approximately a quarter of that computer time is spent on the Internet. Word processing and e-mail remain the most popular applications. Almost half of the respondents indicated that they could do their work just as effectively by telecommuting.