What is Computer? – Uses of Computers in Different Fields

A computer is an electronic machine that can be programmed to accept data, process data into information, and store it for later use. It is used for later use.

Faster computer speeds allowed for real-time computing, leading to significant developments in business and science. Aircraft simulators, the SAGE defense systems, the SABRE airline reservation systems, and UPC automation were among the notable systems developed. ^[1]

A computer consists of hardware and software. Hardware is the physical component of a computer that we can touch and see.

Physical Parts Of Computer

• Mouse: A pointing device used to interact with a computer by moving a cursor on the screen.
• keyboard: An input device used for typing and entering data into a computer.
• Monitor A display device used to show images and videos generated by a computer’s graphics card.
• Scanner: A device used to capture images or text and convert them into digital data that can be processed by a computer.
• Printer: An output device used to produce hard copies of digital documents or images.
• CPU: The central processing unit is the main component of a computer that carries out instructions and processes data.
• Hard disk: A device used to store and retrieve digital data, including the operating system, programs, and user files, on a computer.

Software is the set of instructions that computers follow to do work. Different types of software are application software (spreadsheet, word processing, presentation software, etc.), system software (operating system, drivers, etc.), and programming software (C/C++, HTML, Python, etc.).

Generations of Computer

The computer has five different generations. The generation of computers is categorized according to the time duration, size, and processing speed.

Generation	Timeline	Technology used
First	1940-1956	Vacuum tube
Second	1956-1963	Transistors
Third	1964-1971	Integrated Circuit
Fourth	1971-Present	Microprocessor
Fifth	Present and Beyond	Artificial Intelligence

What computer can do?       

A computer is an electronic machine that solves our problems, Performs calculations and it gives an output of every input (data) whether it is in the form of audio, video, image, or graph.

The computer has changed the way of our daily life. Before computers, it was tough to calculate large amounts of data but the computer has made it easy that perform calculations within no time.

Computers play a role in every field of life. We use the computer for watching movies, drawing, painting, listening to songs, making documents, and many other purposes.

Types of Computer

There are different types of computers available today, which vary in size and performance. The first computer was developed by Charles Babbage, who is considered the father of computers. He invented the analytical engine, which all modern computers are based on.

Supercomputers

they are very big. They need an entire room to place. Supercomputers need air-conditioned rooms for proper working because they produce a lot of heat.

They are used for weather forecasting, climate research, space research, etc.

Mainframe Computer

Mainframe computers are designed to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

They have large memories and are very powerful, making them perfect for businesses or organizations that need to store and access large amounts of information. They are used in business organizations, universities, banks, scientific laboratories, etc.

Mini Computers

They are small in size. They are more expensive than their predecessor and have high processing speeds. They are used in big organizations and universities.

 Micro Computers

Microcomputers are small in size. They are usually used in schools, offices, homes, etc.

There are different types of microcomputers like desktop computers, laptops, tablets, etc.

Benefits of Computer

There are a lot of advantages of computers which are given below:

Speed

The computer performs calculations very quickly. Billions of calculations are performed by computer within seconds. The latest versions are even faster than they perform calculations in less than one second. The speed of the computer is measured in Gigahertz GHs.

Accuracy

The computer performs its calculations very accurately. The computer will never show any error if it’s shown then there must be a mistake in our input or data otherwise a computer is an error-free machine. Its results are 100% accurate.

Reliability

The computer is a very reliable machine. We can trust computers easily because computers perform their tasks honestly. Today business is also done by computers.

Memory

A computer has good memory that it never forgets the thing once stored in it. Humans can forget things easily but computers can never.

Such as if someone asks us about an incident that happened five days ago we can easily forget this and be unable to explain but the computer can give us data from 100 years ago.

Storage

A computer stores a large amount of data in its Hard Disk or RAM or any other storage device. The storage of the computer varies according to its version, some computers have a memory of 250 Gb or 512 Gb.

Communication

A computer is also useful for communication. Such as in banks that are connected to other branches of the banks with the help of the computer network

The connection may be wireless or wired. In an earlier era, people could not talk to each other for a long time, but in this era, they can talk with each other many times a day just because of the computer. They can communicate with each other through e-mail, WhatsApp, Instagram, and many more social media apps.

Cost Reduction

A computer is a machine that performs a task in less time and at less cost. If the work is assigned to human beings they require more time and we also pay more money to them.

The same work is done by the computer in less time and money. Here only one person is required to give input to the computer.

Versatility

The computer performs a lot of tasks at the same time. Computers are used in every field such as colleges, markets, and pharmacies.

Ease of access

A computer provides us with everything easily such as if we want to read a book that is not provided on the market. We can easily find this book on our computers. That also saves us time and money.

Disadvantages of Computers

Computers have become an essential part of our lives, but they also come with several drawbacks. Here are some of the significant disadvantages of computers:

Negative Impact on Physical Health

Continuous use of computers can lead to various physical health issues such as eye strain, headaches, neck pain, and back pain. The blue light emitted by computer screens can also disrupt our sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and other sleep-related problems. Sitting in front of a computer for extended periods can also lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Potential for Addiction

Computers can be addictive, and many people find themselves spending excessive amounts of time on them. This addiction can lead to social isolation, a lack of physical activity, and negative effects on mental health such as anxiety and depression.

Distractions

Computers can be a source of distraction, leading to decreased productivity and focus. The constant notifications, pop-ups, and alerts can interrupt tasks and lead to a loss of concentration. It can be challenging to stay focused and complete tasks when there are so many distractions on our computers.

Security Risks

As we store more and more sensitive information on our computers, we become more vulnerable to security risks. Hackers and cybercriminals can gain access to our personal information, such as credit card details, social security numbers, and other sensitive data. This can lead to identity theft and financial loss.

Environmental Impact

The production and disposal of computers have a significant impact on the environment. The production process requires the use of non-renewable resources and creates carbon emissions. The disposal of computers can also be harmful to the environment, as they contain hazardous materials that can contaminate soil and water.

Applications of Computer

In our lives, the computer is present everywhere. It is used in our daily life from the kitchen to our offices. Here are some places where the computer is used:

In markets

Computers are used in the market for different purposes like making receipts, printing receipts, keeping records of products, etc.

At Home

Computers are used at home for different purposes. E.g. listening to songs, watching movies, making a home budget, etc.

Offices

In the office, we use a computer to make CVs, and documents, keep a record of employees, keep records of customers, etc.

In Chemistry

In chemistry, computers are used for research work, online publication, testing, etc.

Education

Computers are widely used in the educational field. They are used for online education, visual AID education, preparation of lessons, delivering lectures, and a computer lab for practices, etc.

Medical

Computers also play an important role in the field of medicine. It is used for better care of patients. It is also used during surgery for different purposes, for keeping the record of employees and doctors, keeping a record of the medicine, for CT scans, x-Rays, and many more purposes.

Banks

Computers are used in banks for online banking, we can do all transactions from home. We can pay the electricity bill without going to the bank. It is used for keeping a record of employees, bank accounts, etc.

Laboratories

The computer is also used in laboratories for different testing.

Agriculture

The computer plays an important role in the field of agriculture.

Communication

Computers are being used for communication worldwide. It has made communication easy across the world. We can communicate all over the world through email, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and many other social media apps. The computer has converted the whole world into a global village.

Defense

Computers are used in the defense department to make new weapons and keep a record of weapons and soldiers. Computers play an important role in organizing and preparing different aspects of a soldier’s life, such as tracking salaries and wages, meal plans, and schedules for training and other events.

Business

The computer is also playing role in business for making documents, printing documents, and keeping records of projects.

School Library

In the library, computers provide e-books. Computers are used for research and preparing a presentation.

Frequently Asked Question