Describes the hardware, software, applications, and current proliferation of personal computers (microcomputers). Includes discussions of microprocessors, memory, output (including printers), application programs, the microcomputer industry, and major microcomputer manufacturers (Apple, Radio Shack, Commodore, and IBM). (JN)

Built-in data structures are the registers and memory words where binary values are stored; hard-wired algorithms are the fixed rules, embodied in electronic logic circuits, by which stored data are interpreted as instructions to be executed. Various topics related to these two basic elements of every computer program are discussed. (JN)

Discusses four types of computer programs that can manipulate linguistic symbols with great facility. These programs deal with: (1) machine translation; (2) word processing; (3) question answering; and (4) adjuncts to electronic mail known as coordination systems. Also considers the future of computer software dealing with language. (JN)

Interactive computer graphics is fast becoming the standard medium of communication between computers and all kinds of users. Reasons for this trend, the technology of interactive graphics displays, software considerations, applications (including classroom and laboratory applications), and future developments are discussed. (JN)

Discusses the nature of programing languages, considering the features of BASIC, LOGO, PASCAL, COBOL, FORTH, APL, and LISP. Also discusses machine/assembly codes, the operation of a compiler, and trends in the evolution of programing languages (including interest in notational systems called object-oriented languages). (JN)

A computer operating system spans multiple layers of complexity, from commands entered at a keyboard to the details of electronic switching. In addition, the system is organized as a hierarchy of abstractions. Various parts of such a system and system dynamics (using the Unix operating system as an example) are described. (JN)

Discusses software developed to organize and retrieve electronically stored data, examining structure of the databases in which information is stored and the physical structure of the storage medium. Hierarchical and relational databases, unordered files, B-trees, and storage/software for specific purposes (such as weather, stock market, and…

Computer software for process control has the primary function of communicating with and governing physical devices. The structure of such software, process-control systems, multitask systems, message passing, problems of deadlock, distributed computer systems, and protection against failure in process-control systems are among the areas examined.…

Discusses whether machines can think in the same sense that humans think. Provides four conclusions based on axioms of differences between computer programs and human minds. Compares claims of strong and weak artificial intelligence. (YP)

This familiar card game has interested mathematicians, economists, and psychologists as a model of decision-making in the real world. It is now serving as a vehicle for investigations in computer science. (Author/MA)

Discusses the nature and development of computer software. Programing, programing languages, types of software (including dynamic spreadsheets), and software of the future are among the topics considered. (JN)

Speech recognition by computers is discussed, including methods of recognizing isolated words and procedures for analyzing connected speech. Describes Bell Laboratories' speech recognition system which attempts to combine major elements of human communication into a single operating unit. (DS)

Describes kinds of results achieved by computer programs in artificial intelligence. Topics discussed include heuristic searches, artificial intelligence/psychology, planning program, backward chaining, learning (focusing on Winograd's blocks to explore learning strategies), concept learning, constraint propagation, language understanding…

Described are some of the ways in which computers can enter invisibly into people's lives. The social issues that embodied virtuality will engender are discussed. The hardware and software, connected by wires, radio waves, and infrared that will allow this to occur are described. (KR)

Creative applications of computer networks are discussed. Products and services of the future that come from imaginative applications of both channel and computing capacity are described. The topics of entertainment, transactions, and electronic personal surrogates are included. (KR)