

A.


computer

	video screen and system box	$1400




computer disks



	video game		$50	images of spacecraft etc, moving objects, shooting items in battle


	accounting system	$1200	 prints reports of total sales for the month, prints cheques to pay suppliers, etc


	word processing		$800	facilities for large text, logos on letterhead paper, formatting paragraphs etc
	




In order to make effective use of a computer you need the hardware (screen, system box) and some software (one or more disks)



B.


creating the software involves 'systems development', 'programming' etc. which is similar to writing a book (i.e. writing 

	pages of text, 
	
	with the software being writting in a language that is partly mathematical equations, and partly english 

	language words.


	Large volumes are required, e.g. 1,000 pages of text for a medium complexity system



C.


'mainframe' systems used by banks may have system units occupying large cabinets, and a division with hundreds of

	staff developing the systems (writing software), discussing new requirements (changes in accounting procedures,

	new tax laws etc), and generally keeping the infrastructure of systems processing operating.




D.

Internet


A network connecting personal computers all across the world, with indivudal servers (larger computers) storing

	news, academic research, etc. The servers are operated by government departments, corporations (e.g. information

	about the bank's products), and individual companies (internet dating, books and music purchased through the

	website and delivered to the customer's address, etc).





