Computers: A Survey of Trends and Limitations

Abstract

Enormous progress in electronic technology is accelerating the use of computers in everyday life. In this article trends in hardware, input-output technology, computer architecture, software, communications, and artificial intelligence are examined and complexity is identified as a limitation to further progress. Promising directions of research, which may extend the range of computer applications, are discussed.

Optimal Sequencing in Multiserver Systems

“…Similar problems arise in (i) multiple access mechanisms for high-performance computers [1] and (ii) storage systems where loading/unloading mechanisms are moved individually along a common track. Similar problems arise in (i) multiple access mechanisms for high-performance computers [1] and (ii) storage systems where loading/unloading mechanisms are moved individually along a common track.…”

“…The objective is to minimize the cost of processing a known number of requests that occur according to a given distribution. Similar problems arise in (i) multiple access mechanisms for high-performance computers [1] and (ii) storage systems where loading/unloading mechanisms are moved individually along a common track.…”

Impact of the technological environment on programmer/analyst job outcomes

“…That this is so should come as no surprise: large software development backlogs have been reported by researchers (e.g., Alloway and Quillard [1]); the business press reports a significant shortage of DP/IS personnel that it likely to worsen over the next decade; the cost of DP/IS personnel continues to rise while the cost of hardware is falling and the demand for appli-CO 1' 986 ACM 0001-0782/86/0600-0546 75c cation systems is growing [7]; and, DP/IS personnel continue to exhibit a troublesome turnover rate [6], Thus, there is considerable interest in understanding how to increase DP/IS personnel productivity, satisfaction, and organizational commitment, and to decrease turnover.…”

Medical Information Science

“…Those clinical investigators21 who have chosen to address the procedural details of everyday medicine have not excited the academic computer community. 3. Computer languages and other software tools guide the development of applications.…”