Objectives

After you read this chapter you should be able to:

• Describe how word processing and desktop publishing software have revolutionized writing and publishing
• Discuss the potential impact of desktop publishing and Web publishing on the concept of freedom of the press
• Speculate about future developments in word processing and digital publishing
• Describe the basic functions and applications of spreadsheets and other types of statistical and simulation programs
• Explain how computers can be used to answer what-if questions
• Explain how computers are used as tools for simulating mechanical, biological, and social systems