Using Computers

Abstract

As recently as twenty years ago many research projects did not utilize computers. Today virtually all research projects involve the use of computers. Computers are used to collect data, store data, analyze data, and write reports. There are two types of computers in use in research: specialized computers and general-purpose computers. Specialized computers are used as part of many data collection systems. These specialized computers are similar to the computers used in new automobiles to monitor the operation of the various parts of the car. Although these computers are extremely common they will not be discussed here because their use depends completely on the equipment to which they are attached. General-purpose computers can be programmed to do a variety of jobs. General-purpose computers include the personal computers that have become so familiar. In this chapter we will discuss the parts, operation, and use of general-purpose computers in a research project. From here on, since only general-purpose computers will be discussed, the word computer will be used to mean general-purpose computer.