Computers, myths and development

Abstract

The paper discusses the question of the extent to which computers contribute to the development process of the Third World. An answer is not easily found as long as the evaluation is primarily quantitative and the most common measure seems to be the total number or value of computers installed. The computerization process is discussed from both global and developing perspectives and, with reference to other writers, the importance of qualitative measures is emphasized. The case of Egypt is taken as an example: the number of installed computers seems impressive but as most of these belong to the technology of the mid‐1970s Egypt has a low computer capacity at a high cost. Finally, the paper raises the question of whether the contribution of computers to the development process is a myth.