While all of us living in the developed world may find the title of this article "naive" after decades of computer use, we should spare a thought for the millions out there who have never heard of a computer, let alone use it. This article aims to help in developing a basic understanding amongst first-time users and people who aspire to know more about these wonderful machines.
A computer is an electronic device, which executes software programs. It is made up of two parts - hardware and software . The computer processes input through input devices like mouse and keyboard. The computer displays output through output devices like a monitor and printer. The size of a computer varies considerably from small personal computers to gigantic supercomputers which require an entire building to host them. The speed also has a very large range. Computers have become indispensable in today's world. Let us take a look at some of their uses.
Word Processing - Word Processing software automatically corrects spelling and grammar mistakes. If the content of a document repeats, you don't have to type it each time. You can use the copy and paste features. You can print documents and make several copies. It is easier to read a word-processed document than a handwritten one. You can add images to your document.
Internet - It is a network of almost all the computers in the world. You can browse through much more information than you could do in a library. That is because computers can store enormous amounts of information. You also have very fast and convenient access to information. Through E-Mail, you can communicate with a person sitting thousands of miles away in a few seconds. Chat software enables one to chat with another on a real-time basis. Video conferencing tools are becoming readily available to the common man.
Digital video or audio composition - Audio or video composition and editing have been made much easier by computers. It no longer costs thousands of dollars of equipment to compose music or make a film. Graphics engineers can use computers to generate short or full-length films or even to create 3D models. Anybody owning a computer can now enter the field of media production. Special effects in science-fiction and action movies are created using computers.
Desktop publishing - With desktop publishing, you can create page layouts for entire books on your personal computer.
Medicine - You can diagnose diseases. You can learn the cures. Software is used in magnetic resonance imaging to examine the internal organs of the human body. Software is used for performing surgery. Computers are used to store patient data.
Mathematical Calculations - Thanks to computers, which have computing speeds of over a million calculations per second we can perform the biggest of mathematical calculations.
Banks - All financial transactions are done by computer software. They provide security, speed and convenience.
Travel - One can book air tickets or railway tickets and make hotel reservations online.
Telecommunications - Software is widely used here. Also all mobile phones have software embedded in them.
Defense - There is software embedded in almost every weapon. Software is used for controlling the flight and targeting in ballistic missiles. Software is used to control access to atomic bombs.
E-Learning - Instead of a book it is easier to learn from an E-learning software.
Gambling - You can gamble online instead of going to a casino.
Examinations - You can give online exams and get instant results. You can check your examination results online.
Business - Shops and supermarkets use software, which calculate the bills. Taxes can be calculated and paid online. Accounting is done using computers. One can predict future trends of business using artificial intelligence software. Software is used in major stock markets. One can do trading online. There are fully automated factories running on software.
Certificates - Different types of certificates can be generated. It is very easy to create and change layouts.
ATM machines - The computer software authenticates the user and dispenses cash.
Marriage - There are matrimonial sites through which one can search for a suitable groom or bride.
News - There are many websites through which you can read the latest or old news.
Classmates - There are many alumni websites through which you can regain contact with your classmates.
Robotics - Robots are controlled by software.
Electronic gadgets run with the help of computers. There are various software which are used to increase the efficiency of these devices. Timers, self-controlled switches - these ensure that the machines ask for minimum human effort.
Planning and Scheduling - Software can be used to store contact information, generating plans, scheduling appointments and deadlines.
Plagiarism - Software can examine content for plagiarism.
Greeting Cards - You can send and receive greetings pertaining to different occasions.
Sports - Software is used for making umpiring decisions. There is simulation software using which a sportsperson can practice his skills. Computers are also to identify flaws in technique.
Airplanes - Pilots train on software, which simulates flying.
Weather analysis - Supercomputers are used to analyze and predict weather.
Computers have leapfrogged the human society into another league. It is used in each and every aspect of human life. They will spearhead the human quest of eradicating social problems like illiteracy and poverty. It is difficult to imagine a world bereft of computers. This revolutionary technology is indeed a boon to the human race.
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