Computers and information flow

Expert InsightsPublished 1973

An introduction to computers for the decisionmaker who needs a layman's knowledge of the field (updated from a University of California Extension lecture). Hardware, software, rental arrangements, and programmer relations are described. Useful classifications of types of computing include the misnomers "scientific" (meaning little input-output and much arithmetic) and "business" (meaning very high input-output and very simple computations, as in payrolls). Also defined are batch, online, and real-time processing. Process control and military command and control are discussed as online applications. Indications of a latent computer need usually are: (1) a volume operation of which the repetitive portions can be defined and the exceptions recognized; (2) any extremely complex job; (3) a need for immediate results; (4) a large file that must be current and accessible to several users; and (5) extremely precious data that require sterile handling.

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Computers and information flow. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1973. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P2791-2.html.
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