What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device, which executes software programs. It consists of 2 parts-hardware

and software . The computer processes input through input devices like mouse and keyboard. The
computer displays output through output devices like color monitor and printer. The size of a computer
varies considerably from very small to very big. The speed of computers also has a very large range.
Computers have become indispensable in today’s world. Millions of people use computers all over the
world.
There are several uses of computers: -
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 printout 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 seconds. There is chat software that enables one to chat with another person 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 three-dimensional 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.
 Computers in 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.
 Computers in 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.
 Washing Machines - They operate using software.
 Microwave Oven - They are operated by software.
 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 are simulation software using
which a sportsperson can practice his skills. Computers are also to identify flaws in
techhnique.
 Aeroplanes – 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. May computers continue to
shower their blessings to us.
 The Many Uses of Computers
Computers are helpful because they offer a wide range of functions and services that are not
available anywhere else. There are four main uses: word processing,
internet/communications, digital video/audio composition, and desktop publishing. Although
one can create a typed paper with a typewriter, the computer has more features
to do it with. Internet and communications, digital video and audio composition, and desktop
publishing are all features that are only offered on computers. With these tools human
society has progressed exponentially.

The word processing capabilities of computers are amazing. They can automatically correct
your spelling and grammar mistakes. The cutting and pasting features are incredibly simple
and very useful for revision. Plus it is easier to read a word-processed document than one
written by hand. Having a digital backup is an added benefit. All of these things help writers
get the job done. If you want to add pictures to your writing, numerous software titles are
available for desktop publishing. With desktop publishing, you can create page layouts for
entire books on your home computer. For example, high school yearbook classes now use
desktop publishing software for the creation and design
of their yearbooks. Most of this cannot be done by hand, and if so, then it is painstakingly
laborious.

The Internet is one of the greatest inventions of humanity. It is a massive network of

computers, each with the ability to access any of the others. Ungodly amounts of
information can be found on the Internet. It is the ultimate form of media, a combination of
newspaper, radio, and as the average bandwidth is increasing, television. Using
the Internet, any two people anywhere can communicate for free, whether it is with text or
voice. Video conferencing tools are becoming readily available to the public. New uses are
being found for the Internet every day.
Audio/video editing and composition have been made much easier by computers. Cutting
and pasting is no longer comprised of using scissors and tape on large reels of film. It no
longer costs thousands of dollars of equipment to make a film or to compose music. Now
emerging musicians have the ability to compose their own songs and publish them without
having to obtain a record contract. Amateur filmmakers can produce work from their own
homes. Graphics engineers can use computers to create three-dimensional models, or even
to generate short or full-length films. Anybody who owns a computer can now enter the field
of media production.
Computers have so many uses that cannot be found anywhere else. Word processors are the
perfect writing device because you can compose quickly and make changes easily. The
Internet provides a fast, free, and unique way to get information or to communicate with
others. Computers supply an affordable solution to nonprofessional audio and video
composition. These reasons are why computers are so helpful in modern society. With the
aid of computers, humankind is entering a new era of enlightenment.