Figure 4-3. A modem, situated between the computer and telephone lines, translates
analog signals of the phone lines into digital signals that the computer can
understand, and vice versa.
4-10. COMPUTERIZED CREDIT CHECKING
Computerized credit checking technology will be used to speed up the payment
process. In an attempt to increase the convenience factor, fast food chains are also
experimenting with ways to speed up the payment process. Arby's, McDonald's, and
Wendy's are experimenting with credit card use in limited areas. With the latest
technology, payment can be processed in as little as two or three seconds. (As an
added bonus, chains have discovered that the average credit card user spends double
the amount of a customer who opts for gold-fashioned" cash.)
4-11. ELECTRONIC MAIL
Electronic mail, the transmission of messages at high speeds over
telecommunication lines, will become more common. Early word processors could not
communicate with each other; text transfers had to be done manually. Now, text
transmissions are possible, and any type of message can be sent electronically. Since
MD0058
4-6
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