CHAPTER 1 The World of Computers
The Computer Proficiency Digital Divide
In the United States, an estimated 113 million people are considered knowledge workers who routinely work with computers. However, the vast majority of these people, about 105 million, would not be considered computer competent! The fact that these people routinely use computers but are not computer competent is referred to as the "computer proficiency digital divide." Most people use their PCs for only one or two applications, such as word processing or e-mail, or they are trained to work with a specific system, such as accounting, airline reservations, or inventory management. Many of the latter become quite good at the specialized systems but may not be motivated to learn personal computing applications that would let them help their children with their homework, do research, or scan an image for grandmother.
E-book Legitimacy
Stephen King has just published what many consider to be the most significant book, Riding the Bullet, specifically designed for release on the Internet and for viewing on PCs, Palm Pilots, and other e-book devices. The publisher, SoftBook, was caught by surprise with 400,000 orders in the first 24 hours. The short book sells for $2.50 and can be downloaded from the SoftBook, Barnes & Noble, and other Web sites. The success of this book has focused attention on the commercial potential of electronic publishing.
Is English Language of Technology?
In the last decade English has emerged as the language of international electronic communications, possibly because the Internet evolved in the United States or perhaps because English was already the international language of technology. However at least one country, France, is reluctant to accept any English words into French lexicon, including internationally used technology and Internet-based terms, such as "e-mail," "startup," and "Web site." The French Ministry of Finance has banned "e-mail," "startup," and many other common English language words and phrases. They have directed civil servants to use the phrase "courrier electronique" for e-mail and have offered French alternatives for all other common English-based technology words