Final answer:
To use computers efficiently, it is necessary to understand the physical, design, and commonsense levels of an information system as well as the role of microprocessors in processing information.
Step-by-step explanation:
To effectively and efficiently use computers, one needs to understand the components of an information system. This includes understanding the physical level, where an engineer might see a computer as a series of electronic changes, the design level, where a programmer views the machine as running a program, and the commonsense level, which is our everyday interaction with computers, such as word processing or solving equations. Additionally, the development of microprocessors enabled digital computers to efficiently process large amounts of information. As a result, by the end of the 1980s, computers were not only common in homes and businesses but were also a part of numerous other devices, and their ability to organize and process information became invaluable.
Technology encompasses a broad range of items including computers, software, and the peripherals used to interact with the digital environment. Knowledge of how these components fit together and work is essential to leverage technology for tasks such as data processing. Computers transformed from a luxury item for hobbyists to an essential tool for a wide array of applications in society, from managing financial and health-care information to aiding in educational endeavors. Understanding these parts and how they interface allows one to use computers both effectively and efficiently.