4 Why might a computer scientist with a primary interest in databases also need to know about
networking?
1.5 The acronym API stands for Application Programming Interface. What do you suppose API means with
respect to an operating system?
12 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE [CHAP. 1
1.6 If you were offered a job with Microsoft and permitted to choose between working on operating systems,
database products, or applications products like Word or Excel, which would you choose, and why?
1.7 Whom do you believe should be credited as ???the inventor of the modern computer????
1.8 What applications of computing seem to you to be unethical? What are some principles you can declare
with respect to the ethical and unethical use of computers and software?
1.9 List some important ways in which computing has contributed to the welfare of humanity. Which people,
if any, have suffered from the advance of computing technology?
CHAP. 1] INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE 13
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CHAPTER 2
Algorithms
DEFINITION OF AN ALGORITHM
An algorithm is a method for solving a class of problems. While computer scientists think a lot about
algorithms, the term applies to any method of solving a particular type of problem. The repair manual for your car
will describe a procedure, which could also be called an algorithm, for replacing the brake pads.
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