APPLICATION OF COMPUTER IN THE SOCIETY

ABSTRACT

In today's world, we use computers for all our tasks. Our day-to-day activities:
paying bills, buying groceries, using social media, seeking entertainment,
working from home, communicating with a friend, etc., can all be done using a
computer. So it is important not only to know how to use a computer, but also to
understand the components of a computer and what they do.

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 INTRODUCTION
This topic explains all concepts related to computer in detail, from origin to end.
The idea of computer literacy is also discussed, which includes the definition
and functions of a computer. You learn about the components of a computer,
the concept of hardware and software, representation of data/information, the
concept of data processing and applications of IECT.

WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data from the user, processes it,
produces results, displays them to the users, and stores the results for future
usage.

Data is a collection of unorganized facts & figures and does not provide any
further information regarding patterns, context, etc. Hence data means
"unstructured facts and figures".

Information is a structured data i.e. organized meaningful and processed data.

To process the data and convert into information, a computer is used.

FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTERS
A computer performs the following functions −
Receiving Input
Data is fed into computer through various input devices like keyboard, mouse,
digital pens, etc. Input can also be fed through devices like CD-ROM, pen
drive, scanner, etc.

Processing the information

Operations on the input data are carried out based on the instructions provided
in the programs.

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Storing the information
After processing, the information gets stored in the primary or secondary
storage area.

Producing output
The processed information and other details are communicated to the outside
world through output devices like monitor, printer, etc.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER

• Accuracy: Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors

may occur due to data inconsistency or inaccuracy.
• Automation: Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it
performs tasks without manual intervention.
• Diligence: A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with
the same consistency and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of
concentration. Its memory also makes it superior to that of human beings.
• Memory: A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where
it stores data. Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen
drives, etc., which are also used to store data.

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 • Reliability: A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar
set of data i.e., if we give same set of input any number of times, we will
get the same result.
• Speed: A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy
compared to humans while performing mathematical calculations.
Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of instructions per second.
The time taken by computers for their operations is microseconds and
nanoseconds.
• Versatility: Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform
different kinds of works with same accuracy and efficiency.

USES OF COMPUTERS IN VERIOUS FIELDS

Computers play a role in every field of life. They are used in homes, business,
educational institutions, research organizations, medical field, government
offices, entertainment, etc.

Home
Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment,
watching movies or shows at home, home tutoring, social media access, playing
games, internet access, etc. They provide communication through electronic
mail. They help to avail work from home facility for corporate employees.
Computers help the student community to avail online educational support.

Medical Field
Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients’ history,
diagnosis, X-rays, live monitoring of patients, etc. Surgeons nowadays use
robotic surgical devices to perform delicate operations, and conduct surgeries
remotely. Virtual reality technologies are also used for training purposes. It also
helps to monitor the fetus inside the mother’s womb.
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Entertainment
Computers help to watch movies online, play games online; act as a virtual
entertainer in playing games, listening to music, etc. MIDI instruments greatly
help people in the entertainment industry in recording music with artificial
instruments. Videos can be fed from computers to full screen televisions. Photo
editors are available with fabulous features.

Industry
Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like managing
inventory, designing purpose, creating virtual sample products, interior
designing, video conferencing, etc. Online marketing has seen a great revolution
in its ability to sell various products to inaccessible corners like interior or rural
areas. Stock markets have seen phenomenal participation from different levels
of people through the use of computers.

Education
Computers are used in education sector through online classes, online
examinations, referring e-books, online tutoring, etc. They help in increased use
of audio-visual aids in the education field.

Government
In government sectors, computers are used in data processing, maintaining a
database of citizens and supporting a paperless environment. The country’s
defense organizations have greatly benefitted from computers in their use for
missile development, satellites, rocket launches, etc.

Banking

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In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of customers and
conduct transactions, such as withdrawal and deposit of money through ATMs.
Banks have reduced manual errors and expenses to a great extent through
extensive use of computers.

Business
Nowadays, computers are totally integrated into business. The main objective of
business is transaction processing, which involves transactions with suppliers,
employees or customers. Computers can make these transactions easy and
accurate. People can analyze investments, sales, expenses, markets and other
aspects of business using computers.

Training
Many organizations use computer-based training to train their employees, to
save money and improve performance. Video conferencing through computers
allows saving of time and travelling costs by being able to connect people in
various locations.

Arts
Computers are extensively used in dance, photography, arts and culture. The
fluid movement of dance can be shown live via animation. Photos can be
digitized using computers.

Science and Engineering

Computers with high performance are used to stimulate dynamic process in
Science and Engineering. Supercomputers have numerous applications in area
of Research and Development (R&D). Topographic images can be created
through computers. Scientists use computers to plot and analyze data to have a
better understanding of earthquakes.

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 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF
COMPUTER TO THE SOCIETY

Advantages
• Multitasking Multitasking is one among the main advantage of computer.
Person can do multiple task, multiple operation at a same time, calculate
numerical problems within few seconds. Computer can perform millions or
trillions of work in one second.
• Speed – Now computer isn’t just a calculating device. Now a day’s computer
has vital role in human life. One of the most advantages of computer is its
incredible speed, which helps human to finish their task in few seconds.
• Cost/ Stores huge – Amount of knowledge it’s a coffee cost solution. Person
can save huge data within a coffee budget. Centralized database of storing
information is that the major advantage which will reduce cost.
• Accuracy – One among the basis advantage of computer is which will
perform not only calculations but also with accuracy.
• Data Security – Protecting digital data is understood as data security.
• Task completer – Completes tasks that might be impossible for humans to
complete.
• Communication – Computer helps the user in better understanding and
communication with the other devices.
• Productivity – The level of productivity gets automatically doubled as the
computer can done the work at very fast.
• Reduces work load – Information are often accessed by more than one
person with the necessity for work to be duplicated.
• Reliability – Computers can perform same sort of work repeatedly without
throwing up errors thanks to tiredness or boredom, which are quite common
among humans.

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• Storage – The pc has an in-built memory where it can store an outsized
amount of knowledge . You can also store data in auxiliary storage devices.

Disadvantages
• Virus and hacking attacks – Virus may be a worm and hacking is just an
unauthorized access over computer for a few illicit purpose. Virus can go to
other system from email attachment, viewing an infected website
advertisement, through removable device like USB etc.
• Online Cyber Crimes – Online cyber-crime means computer and network
may have utilized in order to commit crime. Cyberstalking and fraud are the
points which comes under online cyber-crimes.
• Reduction employed opportunity – Mainly past generation wasn’t used of
the pc or they need the knowledge of computer they faced an enormous
problem when computer came in field.
• High cost – Computers are expensive. Even the foremost affordable
computers are still very expensive for the typical person in South Africa.
Since computers empower people.
• Distractions/disruptions – If you’ve got ever spent hours browsing the web
or watching videos on YouTube, then you recognize how distracting
computers can be! Because of their high entertainment value.
• Increases waste and impacts the environment – With the speed that
computers and other electronics get replaced, all of the old devices that get
thrown away have a big impact on the environment.
• Health Problems: – Prolonged use of computers can lead to various health
Hazards. Too much sitting near the screen results in eye strain and drying up
of the eyes. Also, prolonged sitting leads to neck and back problems.

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