The social impact of computersUpplaga 2

This Second Edition of The Social Impact of Computers serves as a guide to the social implications of current and future applications of computers. Beginning with three chapters of basic background and historical information on computers and technology, the book covers major computing applications in business, medicine, education, and government and their social implications. The book also includes an in depth discussion of the major social issues being affected by the use of computers including computer crime, privacy, free speech, and work. Updated to reflect the latest trends, the Second Edition analyzes new computing technologies and problems with special emphasis on the Internet. Topics that are covered include: industry regulation, electronic funds transfer systems, international competition, national industrial policies, robotics and industrial automation, productivity, the information society, videotext, ethics, and professionalism in computing. Each chapter contains extensive notes and additional readings, which supplement the material in the book. An appendix lists relevant publications and professional societies for those who are interested in further study. Accessible to students or general readers with only a basic computing background, yet sophisticated enough for computer science majors, this book provides an excellent base for a thought-provoking course on computers in society. Key Features * Analyzes computing applications in business, medicine, education, and government and the related social implications * Major social issues including computer crime, intellectual property rights, privacy, free speech, access, and work, including descriptions of relevant legislation * New computer technologies and problems: @subbul* industry regulation, electronic financial systems, electronic stock markets, international competition, and productivity * Deals with ethics and professionalism in computing