Publisher's Synopsis
This edition has been revised and updated to reflect technological developments. Matters relating to hardware take into account computer architecture in respect of mainframes - minis and microcomputers. Software has been updated and revised to provide a more practical appreciation of menu-driven accounting packages and vertical applications.;Interfacing techniques have been added, indicating the various ways in which both machines and people can be linked to the processor. Interfacing includes an appreciation of GEM interfacing software, which enables non-specialist computer personnel to use a computer in a user-friendly and simple manner.;Details relating to the functions of the processor have been expanded to provide a greater understanding of the fetch-execution cycle. The use of windows, icons, menus, mouse and pointers is also considered.;Programming principles have been presented in a more practical way to provide a greater understanding of the underlying philosophy. The nature of structured programming is discussed together with the use of structured English for defining the logic of a problem before program coding is undertaken. An appreciation of prototyping and structured system development methodology is also included.
