Computer technology and nursing: demystifying cyberspace

This is the first in a series of articles which aims to explore the impact of computer technology on nursing and nursing practice. In this article, the history of the development of computers is summarised and terminology associated with computer use defined and explained, as well as the basic uses of computer programs. In subsequent articles the development of health-information systems will be explored, along with their impact on nursing practice. In addition, the use of computer technology to inform all areas of nursing practice and education will be discussed in light of the voluminous information now available worldwide, literally at one's fingertips, via the Internet and the World Wide Web.