Computing Today

Abstract

The computer is an inescapable component of our society and culture, along with electricity, the telephone and piped water. Computers have invaded and revolutionised every conceivable sphere of human activity. Offices and publishing houses, manufacturing industry and the world of finance—all have entered a new computer era. These innovations have set in train new currents in society. Jobs done under computer control when they previously gave work to people constitute a destabilising effect on employment patterns. We examine some of the social consequences in section 12.2. The existence of large data banks holding information on individuals is seen as a threat to privacy. We shall look at the new procedures which are needed to protect the rights of people in respect of computer-held data which concerns them. Finally, we take a brief glance at some of the newer avenues of endeavour which are being opened up by the use of computers.