key term - Computer

Definition

A computer is an electronic device that processes data, performing calculations and executing instructions through hardware and software. It has become an essential tool in the modern world, facilitating communication, commerce, and access to information, thus driving globalization by enabling instant connectivity across the globe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Computers have revolutionized the way people communicate, breaking down geographical barriers and allowing for real-time interaction through various platforms like email and social media.
2. The rise of personal computers in the 1980s marked a significant shift in how individuals interacted with technology, making computing accessible to a wider audience.
3. Globalization has been accelerated by the development of computers and the internet, allowing businesses to operate internationally with ease and consumers to access products from around the world.
4. Computers play a critical role in data management, allowing for the collection, storage, and analysis of vast amounts of information that drive decision-making in various sectors.
5. The proliferation of mobile computing devices like smartphones and tablets has further integrated computing into daily life, enhancing connectivity and access to information on a global scale.

Review Questions

• How have computers changed communication on a global scale?
  • Computers have fundamentally transformed communication by enabling instant messaging, video calls, and social media interactions across great distances. This instantaneous communication fosters connections among individuals and businesses worldwide, facilitating collaboration and cultural exchange. As a result, it has made global interactions more frequent and accessible than ever before.
• Discuss the impact of computers on e-commerce and its role in globalization.
  • Computers have significantly impacted e-commerce by providing platforms for businesses to sell products online, reaching customers globally without the need for physical storefronts. This shift has led to increased competition and innovation, as companies can easily enter new markets. Furthermore, e-commerce allows consumers worldwide to access diverse products, driving economic integration and contributing to the overall process of globalization.
• Evaluate the implications of the digital divide on global development and connectivity.
  • The digital divide highlights disparities in access to computers and the internet, which can hinder economic growth and social development in less connected regions. Areas lacking this access face challenges in education, healthcare, and business opportunities, limiting their participation in the global economy. Addressing this divide is crucial for fostering equitable growth, as it enables all communities to engage in digital literacy, innovation, and access to information necessary for development.

Related terms

Internet:

A global network of interconnected computers that communicate with each other using standardized protocols, enabling the sharing of information and resources.

Digital Divide: The gap between those who have easy access to digital technology and the internet and those who do not, impacting socioeconomic status and opportunities in a globalized world.

E-commerce: The buying and selling of goods and services over the internet, which has expanded rapidly due to the increasing reliance on computers and digital technology.