Computers, Remote Teleprocessing and Mass Communication.

Recent developments in computer technology are reducing the limitations of computers as mass communication devices. The growth of remote teleprocessing is one important step. Computers can now interact with users via terminals which may be hundreds of miles from the actual mainframe machine. Many terminals can be in operation at once, so that many users may communicate with the central processing unit (CPU) simultaneously. Furthermore, computer languages are being developed which are peculiarly suited to such remote teleprocessing, and which permit communication in language closely resembling conversational English. The user can also ask supplemental questions and receive individualized answers. Thus, the computer's information is becoming available to any user who has access to electricity. Finally, costs are being sharply reduced by organizational systems like commercial time-sharing or establishment of user consortiums. Currently, work is going forward on a device which will make the transistor seem as bulky as the tube. This and other developments make the future of computers in mass communications enormous. (Author/JK)