Computer

Computer is an electronic machine used to solve different problems according to set of instructions given
to it A computer can accept data process data into useful information and store if for later use

The word Computer is derived from the word Compute that means to calculate computer can be used as
a calculating machine to produce result at a very high speed

Characteristics of Computer / Advantages of computer

The important characteristics of a computer are as follows
1. Speed:
Computer processes data at a very high speed it is much faster than the human beings A
computer can perform billions of calculations in a second for example the process of
multiplying 750 and 927 can take one or two minutes if it is performed by human beings
However a computer can perform millions of such calculations within a second computer
speed is measured in Megahertz (MHz) or Giga Hertz (GHz)

2. Reliability:
Computer is very reliable machine the electronic components in modern computer rarely
break or fail.

3. Storage:
Computer can store a large amount of Data permanently people can use this data at any
time the user can store data any type of data in the computer the Storage capacity of
computer is increasingly rapidly.

4. Processing:
A computer can process the given instructions it can perform different types of processing
like Addition subtraction division and multiplication.

5. Accuracy:
Accuracy means that computer provide results without any errors computer can process
large amount of data and produce results accurately the result can be wrong only if the
data given to the computer is incorrect Computer can produce results very accurately and
quickly.

6. Recalling:
 A computer can recall the stored data and information as and when required the data
stored in the computer can be used at a later time the computer can recall the required
data in a few seconds.

7. Control sequence:
A computer works strictly according to the given instructions it follows the same sequence
of execution that is given in a program.

8. Consistency:
Computer works in a consistence way it does not lose concentration due to heavy work it
does not become tired or bored computer performs all jobs with equal attention.

9. Versatile:
Computer is a versatile machine it can perform Different types of tasks that is why it is
being used in every field of life computer is used in hospitals, banks, offices, and at the
home A user can play games listen to music watch movies and use the internet using
computer.

10. Communications:
Most computers today have the capability of communicating with other computers we
can connect two or more computers by a communication device such as modem.

11. Cost Reductions:

We can perform a difficult task in less time and less cost for example we may have to hire
many people to handle an office the same work can be performed b single person with
the help of computer it reduces the cost

Positive Impact of Computer On Society:

Computer made a very vital impact on our society. It has changed the way of life.
People are using computers for performing different tasks quickly and easily. The use of
computer makes different tasks easier. Many organizations are using computer for
keeping the records of their customers. The banks are also providing the facility of
online banking. The customers can check their accounts balance by using the
Internet. They can also make financial transaction online. People are using computers for
paying their bills. Computer can be used in education field to improve teaching and
learning process. The students can learn to read, to count and to speak a foreign
language. The computer is being used in every field of life such as medical, business,
industry, airline, and weather forecasting etc.

Negative Impact / Disadvantage of Computer.

The use of computer also creates problems in society
1. Unemployment:
Different tasks are performed automatically by using computers. It reduces the need of
people and increase unemployment in society.
2. Wastage of time:
Many people use computers without positive purpose. They play games and chat for
long time. It causes wastage of time and energy.
3. Data security:
The data stored on computer can be accessed by unauthorized persons through
networks. It creates serious problems to data security.

4. Computer crime:
People use computer for negative activities. They hack the credit card numbers of the
people and use them for shopping.

5. Privacy Violation:
The computers are used to store personal data of the people. The privacy of a person
can be violated if the personal and confidential records are not protected properly.

6. Health Risks:
The improper and prolonged use of computer can result in injuries or disorder of hands,
wrists, elbows, eyes, neck and back. The user can avoid health risks by using the
computer in proper position.
 7. Impact on Environment:
The computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are polluting the
environment. The wasted parts of computers can release dangerous toxic materials.
Green computing is a method to reduce the electricity consumed and environmental
waste generated when using a computer.

Uses of Computer in Home

1. Home budget:
Computer can be used to manage the home budget. The user can easily calculate
expenses and income. He can list all expenses in one column and income in another
column.
2. Computer Games:
An important use of computer at home is playing games. Different types of games area
available. These games are a source of entertainment and recreation.
3. Working from Home:
People can manage of the office work at home. The owner of a company can check the
work of the employees from home. He can control his office while sitting at home.
4. Entertainment:
People can find entertainment on the Internet. You can watch movies, hear songs and
download different stuff. You can also watch live matches on the Internet.
5. Information:
People can find any type of information from the Internet. Educational and
informational websites are available. You can download books, tutorials and other
material to improve your knowledge.
6. Chatting:
You can chat with your friends on the Internet. You can also talk with them. Different
message, files and information can be sent to them.

Uses of Computer in Education

Computer can be used in education to improve teaching and learning process.

1. CBT (Computer-based training):

CBT consists of different program that are supplied on CD-ROM. These programs
Include text, graphics, and sound. Audio and video lectures are recorded on the
CD’s.
2. Computer-Aided learning:
Computer aided learning is a process of using information technology to help teaching
Learning process. The use of computer can reduce the time spent on preparing teaching.
3. Distance Learning:
Distance learning is a new learning methodology. Computer plays the key role in this kind of
learning. Many institute are providing distance learning programs. The students do not need to
come to the institute.
4. Online education:
Many websites provide online education. The user can download educational material, books,
and tutorials. Some universities provide online lectures for students.
5. Research:
Computers are also used for research purpose. Different research scientist can share their
research using the Internet. Many websites are developed for research activities.

Uses of Computer in Industry

Computers are used in industry in different types of systems. Robots are used to control many
complex tasks.
1. Automated production systems:
Many car factories are completely computerized. Cars are assembled by computer – controlled
Robots. These systems work quickly than human beings and becoming popular.
2. Design Systems:
Many products are designed using CAD (Computer aided system). Computer programs are used
to design the model of a product on the computer. After the design is complete, the actual
product is produced.

Used of computer in business

The uses of computer technology in business provides many facilities. Businessmen are using
computer to interact with their customer anywhere in the world.
1. Marketing:
Any business organization can use computers for marketing their products. Marketing
applications provides information about the products to customers. Computers are also
managed the distribution system.
2. Stock exchange:
Stock exchange is the most important place of businessmen. Many stock exchanges use
computers to conduct bids. The stockbrokers perform all trading activities electronically.
It reduces cost as no paper.
2. Banks:
The use of computers in banks has provided many benefits. It saves time and provides
convenience for customers. Many banks provide the facilities of automated teller machine (ATM)
to withdraw cash directly from machine.
3. Departmental Store:
The use of computers in departmental stores has made the business activities fast and accurate.
The cashier can enter sales can enter sales data in computer by using barcode reader.
4. Accounts /Payroll:
Accounts system is computerized in many organizations. Accounts system maintains daily
transaction of a company. It maintains daily book, trail balance and other information of
accounts.
5. Fax:
The user can send fax from computer. Different programs are used for this purpose. The quality
of fax is also higher. It is also possible to receive a fax directly to computer.
 6. Video- Conferencing:
Many companies use video-conferencing to deal with other companies. In video- conferencing
people residing at various places can talk with each other. They can see one another.
7. Office Automation:
Office automation is a process of automating office task using computers. Many tasks are
performed in an office like decision making, data manipulation, document handling and
communication.

Uses of computer in medical field

Computer can be used in medical field.
1. Hospital Administration:
Hospital is an important organization. We can use computer for the administration of a hospital.
We can computerize the accounting, payroll, and stock system of the hospital. We can keep the
record different medicine.
2. Recording Medical History:
Computer can be used to store the medical history of the patients. We can store the important
facts about the patients in computers. We can keep record of his past treatment, suggested
medicine and their results.
3. Monitoring Systems:
Some serious patients must be monitoring continuously. Monitoring is needed especially in
operation theaters and intensive care units. Many computerized devices are used to monitor the
blood pressure, heartbeat and brain.
4. Diagnosis of Diseases:
Different software is available that stores different diseases and their symptoms. Diagnosis of
disease is possible by entering the symptoms of a patients. Moreover, different computerized
devices are used in laboratories for different test and bloods.
5. Life Support System:
Life support systems are used to help disabled persons. Many devices are used to help deaf
person to hear. Scientist are trying to create a device that will help blind people to see.