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Computers are electronic devices that perform calculations in millionths of a second. Unlike other computational aids, such as adding machines, computers must be designed to operate with limited human attention. The comparatively slow reactions of human users would severely reduce the computer's tremendous productivity. Because computers operate without human intervention, before the computer can be utilized, the calculations to be performed must be completely specified. A set of instructions prepared for the computer is called …

…problem solving aspects of a problem, and less on coding. The text teaches FORTRAN in a "Spiral Curriculum" where the student is not presented with every detail and possible option when a concept is introduced; rather, the presentation starts slowly, gradually adding new concepts in a rational way at appropriate intervals. This approach suited the materials to learn well since programming FORTRAN and programming in general require strong analytical skills and advance problem solving capabilities.