Advantages of Computers
Following
are certain advantages of computers.
High
Speed
- Computer is a very fast device.
- It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
- The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the picoseconds.
- It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will spend many months to perform the same task.
Accuracy
- In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
- The calculations are 100% error free.
- Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is correct.
Storage
Capability
- Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
- A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
- It can store large amount of data.
- It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.
Diligence
- Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of concentration.
- It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
- It can perform repeated tasks with the same speed and accuracy.
Versatility
- A computer is a very versatile machine.
- A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
- This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
- At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment it may be playing a card game.
Reliability
- A computer is a reliable machine.
- Modern electronic components have long lives.
- Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
Automation
- Computer is an automatic machine.
- Automation is the ability to perform a given task automatically. Once the computer receives a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer memory, then the program and instruction can control the program execution without human interaction.
Reduction
in Paper Work and Cost
- The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paperwork and results in speeding up the process.
- As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of maintenance of large number of paper files gets reduced.
- Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high, it substantially reduces the cost of each of its transaction.
Following
are certain disadvantages of computers.
No
I.Q.
- A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
- Each instruction has to be given to the computer.
- A computer cannot take any decision on its own.
Dependency
- It functions as per the user’s instruction, thus it is fully dependent on humans.
Environment
- The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.
No
Feeling
- Computers have no feelings or emotions.
- It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike humans.
Application of Computers in Various Fields
Business
A computer has high
speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy, reliability, or versatility which
has made it an integrated part in all business organizations.
Banking
Today, banking is almost
totally dependent on computers. Banks provide the following facilities: Online
accounting facility, which includes checking current balance, making deposits
and overdrafts, checking interest charges, shares, and trustee records. ATM
machines which are completely automated are making it even easier for customers
to deal with banks.
Insurance
Insurance companies are
keeping all records up-to-date with the help of computers. Insurance companies,
stock broking firms are widely using computers for their concerns. Insurance
companies are maintaining a database of all clients with information showing:
Education
The computer helps in
providing a lot of facilities in the education system. The computer
provides a tool in the education system known as CBE (Computer Based
Education). Computer education is rapidly increasing the graph of number of
computer students. It is used to prepare a database about performance of a
student and analysis is carried out on this basis.
Marketing
In marketing, uses of
the computer are following:
- Advertising - With computers, advertising professionals create art and graphics, write and revise copy, and print and disseminate ads with the goal of selling more products.
- Home Shopping - Home shopping has been made possible
through the use of computerized catalogues that provide access to
product information and permit direct entry of orders to be filled
by the customers.
Healthcare
Computers have become an
important part in hospitals, labs, and dispensaries. They are being used in
hospitals to keep the record of patients and medicines. It is also used in
scanning and diagnosing different diseases. ECG, EEG, ultrasounds and CT
scans, etc. are also done by computerized machines.
Engineering
Design
Computers are widely
used for Engineering purpose. One of the major areas is CAD (Computer Aided
Design) that provides creation and modification of images. Some of the fields
are: Structural Engineering Industrial Engineering Architectural Engineering
Military
Computers are largely
used in defense. Modern tanks, missiles, weapons, etc. Military also employs
computerized control systems.
Communication
Communication is a way
to convey a message, an idea, a picture, or speech that is received and
understood clearly and correctly by the person for whom it is meant. Some main
areas in this category are: E-mail ,Chatting, Usenet, FTP, Telnet,
Video-conferencing
Government
Computers play an
important role in government services. Some major fields in this category
are: Budgets , Sales tax department, Income tax department, Computation
of male/female ratio, Computerization of voters’ lists, Computerization of PAN
card, Weather forecasting
