20 years ago, Nicholas Negroponte, a professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology told us: “Bytes – the smallest memory unit of a computer and DNA of the new information era – are fast replacing atoms as the basic elements of the human society”. But at that time, who would’ve believed what he said? But 20 years later, when we chat via WeChat, shop online, work using computers and exchange information throughout the world using the Internet and various terminals, we have to salute the superb foresight of this American professor. Now, three core technologies that change the pattern of information dissemination have gradually emerged. The first one is mobile Internet. Its development allows messages and information to be shared freely, so people can exchange information anytime and anywhere without any limitations. The second one is portable terminals. Their development provides a platform for multiple social applications for network messaging for everyone. Now, various needs of people such as learning, entertainment, shopping, social interaction, etc. can be fulfilled by using smartphones and tablets. The third one is cloud computing that uses large databases. Its development greatly promotes the sharing of information, resources and services. Furthermore, in meeting people’s social needs, it also improves the efficiency of operations of the community and of individuals’ personal lives. These three technologies have changed the forms and patterns of information exchange among people, allowing remarkable changes to take place in the provision of public information, development of social relations and evolution of the social structure. Kids, you are born and grow up in the era of computers and the Internet. You will also welcome a magical and beautiful world that is beyond our imagination with them. Hence, besides mastering the skills of using them, you need to understand their amazing power and discover their hidden energy too. So that you can create a connection linking your future with computers and networks to make your life more colourful and exciting! Now, let’s begin your journey into the world of computers and networks through this book! Gao Gang Professor and doctoral tutor School of Journalism and Communication Renmin University of China An Expert’s Recommendations
★ What is a computer? 8 ★ What is CPU? 10 ★ Why do computers use the binary system? 14 ★ What are computer software and hardware? 18 ★ Can computers talk? 20 ★ Why can compact discs (CDs) and diskettes store information? 24 ★ Why are the letters on the keyboard arranged in the way it is? 28 ★ How was the computer mouse invented? 32 ★ What are the main features of a computer? 36 ★ Who invented the most commonly used operating system (OS) in the world? 40 ★ How powerful is the supercomputer? 44 Contents
★ Can we use computers by touch screen? 48 ★ How do changes in the form of computer terminals influence people’s lives? 52 ★ What is Internet? 56 ★ What is information sharing? 60 ★ What is a router? 64 ★ Why won’t it be chaotic when millions of people use the Internet simultaneously? 68 ★ Why do we need search engines to find information online? 72 ★ What problems does junk mail bring? 76 ★ Will computers “get sick”? 80 ★ Why do you need to install a firewall in a computer connected to a network? 84 ★ Why does the number of online shoppers keep increasing? 88 ★ Why can we watch free movies online? 92 Contents
★ How has the Internet changed the way people chat? 96 ★ Why is the number of mobile Internet users increasing? 100 ★ What is an app? 104 ★ Why do some people like to read online? 108 ★ Can doctors treat patients who are thousands of miles away through the Internet? 112 ★ Why is digital learning getting more popular? 116 ★ Can computers replace human brains? 120 ★ Will the development of computers and networks make us lazier? 124 ★ Computers and networks encyclopaedia 128 ★ Vocabulary 140 Contents
Bonk Choy Cherry Bomb Heavenly Peach Wall-nut White Radish Sunflower Torchwood Squash Acid Lemon Peashooter Introduction of the main characters
Imp Pirate Zombie Cowboy Zombie Pirate Captain Zombie Zombie Bull Rider Pompadour Zombie Prospector Zombie Pirate Zombie Qigong Zombie Imp Monk
What is a computer? Wow, this is cool! I want to buy this one! It’s too expensive! I want! I want! I want to buy a computer! A computer is a calculating device that can perform complex calculations. It can carry out multiple operations automatically and has partially replaced the functions of the human brain! It can help me study better. It is useful to me! Alright, alright. I’ll buy one for you! Hooray! What is a computer and why do you want it? 8
Here! Have some dessert to cool yourself down! No thanks! You can have it yourself! Hey! I bought this for you! This is a CALCULATOR, not a computer! The word ‘computer ’ comes from the Latin word computare, which has the meaning of ‘to calculate’, ‘to count’, ‘to sum up’ or ‘to think together’. A computer serves as an information processing tool and its scope of application keeps expanding. It not only can help us solve complex calculations quickly and correctly, but also has a huge storage and a function of logical reasoning. Now many tasks that require humans’ thinking abilities and calculations can be solved by computers. Quick Facts 9
Doctor, my heart is beating rapidly! Do I have any acute disease? Sorry, I can’t treat you today because my computer is out of order. I couldn't switch it on because there is a problem with its CPU. I cannot arrange my cases nor do diagnoses without it. Why? What is CPU? 10
I know what CPU is. It stands for central processing unit. It’s a large-scale integrated circuit network and a computer’s computing core and control unit, am I right? Yup, that’s right! The CPU is the “brain” of a computer. The computer cannot work if there’s something wrong with the CPU. There IS a connection between them! What is it? Doctor, can you please clarify? But doctor, you can use your STETHOSCOPE1 to treat me. What has your computer got to do with this? 11
Okay... Did you bring your medical record card? Yes. THIS is where the problem is! Yes. Did you bring your medical insurance card? Most importantly, did you bring CASH? No, but you can deduct the consultation fee from my insurance card. My computer broke down, so I CAN’T deduct the fee from your card. 12
Plants vs Zombies 2 : Can Computers Replace Human Brains? Story & Comic by ｜ Xiao Jiangnan Layout by ｜ Chan Yin Yee Translated by ｜ Yap Fwee Yi Edited by ｜ Anthony Chan Yew Choong Published by ｜ G.Apple Studio Sdn. Bhd. (517085-P) Distributed by ｜ United Publishing House (M) Sdn. Bhd. (14620-K) (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Sasbadi Holdings Berhad) 5078-9, Lorong 18/64A, Taman Sri Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Tel: 03-8943 0631, 03-8943 6610 Fax: 03-8943 6909 Email: [email protected] Website: www.uph.com.my Printed by ｜ Vinlin Press Sdn. Bhd. (25680-X) No 2, Jalan Meranti Permai 1, Batu 15, 47100 Puchong, Selangor. Price ｜ RM13.50 SB/SWK RM14.20 S’PORE $8.00 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED First Printed November 2017 Plants vs Zombies II·Science Comic Books Computers and Networks Text Copyright © China Children’s Press and Publication Group First published in China by China Children’s Press and Publication Group This edition is published under licence by China Children’s Press and Publication Group, for sales in Malaysia and Singapore only and may not be bought for export thereafter. If there are problems of missing or torn pages, kindly return to the distributor for replacement. Plants vs. ZombiesTM © 2017 Electronic Arts Inc. PopCap is a trademark of Electronic Arts Inc. Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Xiao, Jiangnan Plants vs. Zombies 2 : Can Computers Replace Human Brains? / Xiao Jiangnan. ISBN 978-967-0659-81-7 1. Plants--Comic books, strips, etc.--Juvenile literature. 2. Zombies--Comic books, strips, etc.--Juvenile literature. 3. Comic books, strips, etc. I. Title. 741.5