Functionalities of a computer
Any digital computer carries out the following
functions:
• Takes data as input.
• Stores the data/instructions in its memory and
use them when required.
• Processes the data and converts it into useful
information.
• Generates the output
Advantages of Computers
1. 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 picosecond.
• It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds
as compared to man who will spend many months for
doing the same task.
2. 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 correct input has been given.
3. 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 and many others.
4. Diligence
• Unlike human beings, a computer is free from tiredness and
lack of concentration.
• It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
• It can do repeated work with same speed and accuracy.
5. 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.
6. Reliability
• A computer is a reliable machine.
• Modern electronic components have long lives.
• Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
7. Automation
• Computer is an automatic machine.
• Automation means ability to perform the given task automatically.
• Once a program is given to computer i.e., stored in computer memory,
the program and instruction can control the program execution without
human interaction.
8. Reduction in Paper Work
• The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to
reduction in paper work and results in speeding up a 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.
9. Reduction in Cost
• Though the initial investment for installing a
computer is high but it substantially reduces
the cost of each of its transaction.
DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS
1. Unemployment
Different tasks are performed automatically by using computers.
It reduces the need of people and increases unemployment in
society.
2. Data Security
The data stored on a computer can be accessed by unauthorized
persons through networks. It has created serious problems for
the data security.
3. Health risks
• The improper and prolonged use of computer can results in
injuries or disorders of hands, wrists, elbows, eyes, necks and
back. The users can avoid health risks by using the computer in
proper position. They must also take regular breaks while using
the computer for longer period of time.
4. 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.
CONT. DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS
Following list demonstrates the disadvantages of computers.
1. No I.Q
• A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
• Each instruction has to be given to computer.
• A computer cannot make any decision on its own.
2. Dependency
• It functions as per a user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent on
human being
3. Environment
• The operating environment of computer should be dust free and
suitable.
4. No Feeling
• Computers have no feelings or emotions.
• It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and
knowledge unlike a human being.
Computer - Applications
Following list demonstrates various applications of computers.
1. Business
• A computer has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy,
reliability, or versatility which made it an integrated part in all
business organizations.
A Computer is used in business organizations for:
• Payroll calculations
• Budgeting
• Sales analysis
• Financial forecasting
• Managing employees database
• Maintenance of stocks etc.
2. Banking
• Today banking is almost totally dependent on computer.
• Banks provide following facilities:
• Banks provide online accounting facility, which includes current balances,
deposits, overdrafts, interest charges, shares, and trustee records.
• ATM machines are making it even easier for customers to deal with banks.
3. Marketing
• In marketing, uses of 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.
• At Home Shopping - Home shopping has been made possible
through use of computerised catalogues that provide access to
product information and permit direct entry of orders to be filled by
the customers.
4. Health Care
• Computers have become important part in hospitals, labs, and
dispensaries. The computers 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 computerised machines.
Some major fields of health care in which computers are used are:
• Diagnostic System - Computers are used to collect data and identify
cause of illness.
• Lab-diagnostic System - All tests can be done and reports are
prepared by computer.
• Patient Monitoring System - These are used to check patient's signs
for abnormality such as in Cardiac Arrest, ECG etc.
• Pharma Information System - Computer checks Drug-Labels, Expiry
dates, harmful drug’s side effects etc.
• Surgery : Nowadays, computers are also used in performing surgery.
5. Communication
• Communication means 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 for.
Some main areas in this category are:
• E-mail
• Chatting
• Usenet
• FTP
• Telnet
• Video-conferencing
7. Government
Computers play an important role in government. Some major
fields in this category are:
• Budgets
• Sales tax department
• Income tax department
• Male/Female ratio
• Computerization of voters lists
• Computerization of driving licensing system
• Computerization of PAN card
• Weather forecasting
7. Entertainment
