The Defination And Uses Of A Computer

What Is A Computer

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     A computer is not an acronym and sometimes abbreviated as comp or 'puter. The term "computer" was originally given to humans (human computers) who performed numerical calculations using mechanical calculators, such as the abacus and slide rule. The term was later given to a mechanical device as they began replacing the human computers. Today's computers are electronic devices that accept data (input), process that data, produce output, and then store (storage) the results.

     The first digital computer and what most people think of as a computer was called theENIAC, built during World War II (1943-1946). Early computers like the ENIAC used vacuum tubes and were large (sometimes room size) and only found in businesses, Universities, or governments. Later, computers began utilizing transistors as well as smaller and cheaper parts that allowed the common person to own a computer. 

     Today, computers help make jobs that used to be complicated much simpler. For example, you can write a letter in a word processor, edit it anytime, spell check, print copies, and send it to someone across the world in a matter of seconds. All of these activities would have taken someone days, if not months, to do before computers. Also, all of the above is just a small fraction of what computers can do.

     

     Uses of a  Computer

     
     

     1) Controlling UAV or unmanned air-crafts an example is Predator. If you have cable I would recommend watching the shows “Future Weapons" and “Modern Marvels". The show future weapon gives an entire hour to the predator.

     2) They are also used on Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) that uses GPS and Computers to help the missile get to the target.

     3) Computers are used to track incoming missiles and help slew weapons systems onto the incoming target to destroy them.

     4) Computers are used in helping the military find out where all their assets are (Situational Awareness) and in Communications/Battle Management Systems.

     5) Computers are used in the logistic and ordering functions of getting equipments to and around the battlefield.

     6) Computers are used in tanks and planes and ships to target enemy forces, help run the platform and more recently to help diagnose any problems with the platforms.

     7) Computers help design and test new systems.

     8) Computers have aided in the design of safety equipment in sports such as football helmets to shoes to mouth guards

     
     

     9) While some scoreboards are manually updated, most professional sports venues have very modern scoreboards that are programmed to update statistics and information immediately after the information is entered into the computer.

     10) Many sportswriters attend several sporting events a week, and they take their computers with them to write during the game or shortly after while their thoughts are fresh in their mind.

     11) The best athletes pay close attention to detail. Computers can slow recorded video and allow people to study their specific movements to try to improve their tendencies and repair poor habits.

     12) Official statistics keepers and some scouts use computers to record statistics, take notes and chat online while attending and working at a sports event.

     13) In today's technologically growing society, computers are being used in nearly every activity.

     14) Various departments of the Government use computer for their planning, control and law enforcement activities. To name a few – Traffic, Tourism, Information & Broadcasting, Education, Aviation and many others.

     15) Scientists have long been users of it. A new adventure among scientists is the idea of a “collaboratory”, an internet based collaborative laboratory, in which researchers all over the world can work easily together even at a distance. An example is space physics where space physicists are allowed to band together to measure the earth’s ionosphere from instruments on four parts of the world.

     The Avdantages Of A Computer

     1) 

     Speed Up Work Efficiency

     This is by far the biggest advantage of using computers. They have replaced the use of manpower in carrying out tedious and repetitive work. Work that can take days to complete manually can be done in a few minutes using a computer. This is made possible by the fact that data, instructions and information move very fast in the electric circuits of computers. They process trillions of instructions within a second.

     2) 

     Large and Reliable Storage Capacity

     Computers can store huge volumes of data. To put this into perspective, physical files that can fill a whole room can be stored in one computer once they are digitized. Better yet, access to the stored information is super-fast. It takes micro-seconds for data to be transferred from storage to memory in a computer. The same cannot be said for the retrieval of physical files. With a computer, you can store videos, games, applications, documents etc. that you can access whenever required. Better yet, storage can be backed up fast and efficiently.

     3) 

     Connection with Internet

     The Internet is probably the most outstanding invention in history. Computers allow you to connect to the Internet and access this global repository of knowledge. With the Internet, you can communicate faster with people across the globe. You can send email, hold voice and video calls or use IM services. The Internet also allows for instant sharing of files. You can also connect with friends and family on social networks and even learn a new language online. The Internet is a great educational resource where you can find information on virtually anything.

     One of the biggest breakthroughs on the Internet is probably ecommerce. You can actually shop in the convenience of your home and have the items delivered to your doorstep.

     4) 

     Consistency

     You always get the same result for the same process when using a computer. For example if you created a document on one computer, you can open it on another without making any special adjustments. This consistency makes it possible to save and edit a document from different computers in different parts of the world. Collaboration is therefore easier.

     Whatever job you need done, you can always rest assured that the computer will get it just right. There will be no variations in results achieved from the same process. This makes computers ideal for doing tedious and repetitive work.

     Disadvantages Of A Computer

     1) Health Risk

     Improper and prolonged use of a computer might lead to disorders or injuries of the elbows, wrist, neck, back, and eyes. As a computer user you can avoid these injuries by working in a workplace that is well designed, using a good sitting position and taking proper work breaks. Technology load and computer addiction are the major behavioral health risks. Addiction comes when you are obsessed with a computer. Technology overload comes when you are over loaded with computer and mobile phones. Both technology overload and computer addiction are avoidable if the habits are noted and a follow up is done. 

     2) Violation of Privacy

     When using the Internet on your computer, you run the risk of leaking your private information. This is especially so if you happen to download malicious software into your computer. Trojans and Malware can infiltrate your system and give identity thieves access to your personal information. Of particular interest to identity thieves are your bank and credit card details. Make sure to install reliable antivirus software to keep malware and Trojans at bay. You should also avoid clicking on suspicious looking links when using the Internet.

     3) Impact on Environment

     Manufacturing process of computers and computer waste are harmful to the environment. When computer junk is discarded in open grounds, they release harmful chemicals like lead and mercury to the environment. Mercury can result in cancer and lead can cause radiation diseases when exposed to the environment. Disposed computers could also cause fire.

     4) Data Security

     This is one of the most controversial aspects of computers today. The safety and integrity of data is key for any business. However, data stored in a computer can be lost or compromised in a number of ways. There are instances where the computer could crash wiping out all data that had been stored therein. Hackers could also gain access into your computer and compromise the integrity of your data. This is why you should always have a backup. Moreover, you should put measures in place to keep your data safe from hackers.