Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers, Internet and World Wide Web 3
object-based programming. Nonprogrammers learn basic skills that underlie good pro-
gramming; experienced programmers receive a rigorous explanation of the language and
may improve their programming styles. To aid beginning programmers, we have written
this text in a clear and straightforward manner, with abundant illustrations. Perhaps most
importantly, the book presents hundreds of complete working Python programs and shows
the outputs produced when those programs are run on a computer. We call this our Live-
Code™ approach. All of the book’s examples are available on the CD-ROM that accom-
panies this book and on our Web site, www.deitel.com.
Most people are at least somewhat familiar with the exciting capabilities of computers.
Using this textbook, you will learn how to command computers to exercise those capabil-
ities. It is software (i.e., the instructions you write to command the computer to perform
actions and make decisions) that controls computers (often referred to as hardware).
Computer use is increasing in almost every field. In an era of steadily rising costs, the
expense of owning a computer has been decreasing dramatically due to rapid developments
in both hardware and software technology. Computers that filled large rooms and cost mil-
lions of dollars 25 to 30 years ago now are inscribed on the surfaces of silicon chips smaller
than a fingernail and that cost perhaps a few dollars each. Silicon is one of the most abun-
dant materials on the earth—it is an ingredient in common sand. Silicon-chip technology
has made computing so economical that hundreds of millions of general-purpose com-
puters are in use worldwide, helping people in business, industry, government and their per-
sonal lives. Given the current rate of technological development, this number could easily
double over the next few years.
In beginning to study this text, you are starting on a challenging and rewarding educa-
tional path. As you proceed, if you would like to communicate with us, please send us e-mail
at deitel@deitel.com or browse our World Wide Web sites at www.deitel.com,
www.prenhall.com/deitel and www.InformIT.com/deitel. We hope you
enjoy learning Python with Python How to Program.
1.2 What Is a Computer?
A computer is a device capable of performing computations and making logical decisions at
speeds millions and even billions of times faster than those of human beings. For example,
many of today’s personal computers can perform hundreds of millions—even billions—of
additions per second. A person operating a desk calculator might require decades to com-
plete the same number of calculations that a powerful personal computer can perform in one
second. (Points to ponder: How would you know whether the person added the numbers cor-
rectly? How would you know whether the computer added the numbers correctly?) Today’s
fastest supercomputers can perform hundreds of billions of additions per second—about as
many calculations as hundreds of thousands of people could perform in one year! Trillion-
instruction-per-second computers are already functioning in research laboratories!
Computers process data under the control of sets of instructions called computer pro-
grams. These programs guide computers through orderly sets of actions that are specified
by individuals known as computer programmers.
A computer is composed of various devices (such as the keyboard, screen, mouse, disks,
memory, CD-ROM and processing units) known as hardware. The programs that run on a
computer are referred to as software. Hardware costs have been declining dramatically in
recent years, to the point that personal computers have become a commodity. Software-devel-
pythonhtp1_01.fm Page 3 Monday, December 10, 2001 12:13 PM
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