Many online services are being inundated by new users that are not people at all, but rather computer programs designed to sign up for thousands of free email accounts, cast votes in online polls, or perform other automated tasks. Since there needs to be some way to tell whether a user is a human or one of these programs, computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University initiated the CAPTCHA...

In an age of ever-expanding technology, it stands to reason that our vocabulary also continues to expand. This website by Fact Monster offers a glossary of computer terms -- from applet to WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) -- to help you when you are stumped or simply want to learn more about computers. Other interesting facts about the computer and the internet include: The Dawn of an...

This report was prepared by the Human-Computer Interaction and Information Management (HCI&IM) Coordinating Group and released in October 2003. It identifies the main challenges facing research and development in HCI&IM and provides motivation for greater U.S. government efforts in this area. The report highlights some of the benefits for HCI&IM advancement, including revolutionizing scientific...

The Stanford Computer Forum is sponsored by the Industrial Affiliates Program for the Computer Science Department and CS/EE Computer Systems Laboratory. The Forum brings together students, faculty, and industry leaders through events and programs, and offers members "facilitated interaction with faculty, students, and colleagues at other member companies." The website announces upcoming meetings,...

This article and accompanying lesson plan from the New York Times Learning Network examines how consumers have self educated themselves about technology, especially in regard to computer applications and networking. Even if a person does not work in a technical field, he or she is still likely to operate computers on a regular basis. The infeasibility of seeking professional training has resulted...

The Virtual Museum of Computing provides an extensive list of websites on the history of computing and on-line computer-based exhibits around the world. Inventors who recently died are highlighted, with links to websites about them and their work. The online galleries include exhibits on mathematics, computing, electronics, corporate histories and general historical information. Links to other...