General Computer Question 21: Are there  health considerations when using computers?

Answer:   When new devices and new tasks are introduced into the workplace, there is bound to be concern about a person's prolonged exposure to these new conditions. With the growing computerization of businesses, there has been a great deal of concern about exposure to the types of screens that are commonly used in computers, screens based on the  cathode-ray tube ( CRT). There has been discussion that prolonged exposure to CRT screens might cause tumors, cataracts, or that they might cause problems for pregnant women. While the evidence related to the use of CRT screens is complicated and produces no clear-cut indications, it is a concern that should not be taken lightly. Today, new CRT screens have been designed to limit the emissions they give off and many are now purchasing these types of screens.

General Computer Question 20:

General Computer Question 20: What types of  computer jobs are available?

Answer:   The invention and evolution of the computer has resulted in millions of new types of computer-related jobs. From those who enter the data to those who maintain the largest computer systems, there continues to be a worldwide demand for workers who are trained to play a role in the development and use of computer technology. There are a number of schools and training programs that teach  data input skills. This type of program provides training in the kind of skills needed for entry-level jobs in the computer industry. Skills related to the use of the basic types of applications programs will often be sufficient for those who want to be involved in the data input process. Because computers are used to store vast amounts of data, there is a great need for people who can use a keyboard, or other input devices, to get data into the system. As companies have become computerized, much of the training of employees to use computers has taken place on the job. Often this training takes place on the fly: data-entry people learn how to use a word processor while using it to do their job. When they get stuck, they refer to manuals and they ask questions. However, many companies have learned that it is more profitable in the long run to use a more realistic approach that provides in-house training or payment to employees who attend courses offered elsewhere.

As the use of computers has become more common, many businesses now are more likely to require potential employees to have computer skills before they are hired.

General Computer Question 19

General Computer Question 19: How can I improve my  computer skills?

Answer:   If you intend to find work in the computer field itself, or if you plan to go into any of the large number of other fields that use computers, it is likely that you will need some kind of specialized computer training. There are a wide variety of resources available for those who do not want to become a computer professional, but who do want to gain some computer skills. They provide skills that will allow you to enter the job market for the first time or improve your chances for promotion in a job that you already have.

A number of universities now offer an introductory computer course that must be taken by all students. These courses are designed to introduce students to basic computing concepts, such as those presented in this text. In addition, these courses often provide hands-on tryouts of the most popular computer

General Computer Question 17 - 18

General Computer Question 17: What is  public domain and shareware?

Answer:   There is a great deal of software that is available for free or for a nominal copying fee. Users are free to make a copy of  public domain software and use it without the restrictions of licenses found on commercial software. Documentation included with this type of software often encourages users to make copies and distribute them to friends.

Another category of inexpensive software, called  shareware, may be copyrighted, but generally the developer allows users to make copies without an initial charge. However, if you intend to use the software beyond a brief tryout, the developer requests that you pay for the program. The cost of shareware is generally quite a bit less than off-the-shelf software and is frequently sold at computer swap meets, conventions, through the mail, and over the internet.

General Computer Question 13 - 16

General Computer Question 13: What is a  computer virus?

Answer:   The computer virus is a new concern for computer users that has appeared in the last decade. Some people have found a way to create computer programs that silently replicate themselves on storage media without the computer user realizing it. These programs are referred to as  computer viruses because, in many ways, they act much like a human virus. When human viruses invade the body, they may or may not cause trouble when they reproduce themselves. They begin to cause us trouble when that replication or something inherent to the virus begins to interfere with the body's normal functions. Likewise, when a computer virus begins to replicate, it may or may not be designed to cause trouble (some computer viruses are very dangerous because they are designed to damage data). But, as with human viruses, even if the virus is not designed to damage data, we would prefer not to have this kind of undetected replication going on. Even if a virus program was written just to replicate itself and nothing else (some people may write these programs just to see how far they will travel and how many computers they will infect), it may end up causing trouble by interfering with other programs.