Uses of Computers in Society
Computers are, perhaps, the best invention by man so far. To understand their impact on society, we will first have to understand the meaning of 'computer'. A computer does not necessarily mean a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a CPU. It is any machine or device that can compute and execute instructions given to it in the form of programs. So technically, even a cell phone is a computer. And so are desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and PDAs. Anything that can perform a series of operations on its own is a computer. This gives us an idea as to how wide and deep their roles are in our lives. We need a computer for virtually everything. In the subsequent paragraphs, we will enlist all the applications and uses that these super-devices have in our society.
Application Of Computers
It started with the calculators and punched cards, and moved to vacuum tubes and then the transistors and printed circuit boards. The evolution of computers is still on and at a crazy pace. Below, I have listed their many applications in different fields.
Science
One of the most important advantages of computers is in the field of science for research and development. The computers have played a major role in most of what we know about ourselves and the universe. The satellites, the telescopes and almost all the research tools make use of computers in some or the other way. The huge calculations required for space science, safe communication between scientists, storage of all the gathered information are some of the computer uses in science and technology.
Medical
Research and Development mark significant presence of computers in the daily life. The high-end machines used for diagnosis and cure of many diseases are nothing but computers. For example, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), CT scan, ultrasound devices, etc are amongst the most ubiquitous uses of computers in hospitals. Even many surgical procedures, known as laparoscopic surgeries, need the help of computers. Web conferencing helps doctors treat people remotely.
Education
Computer uses in the field of education are infinite. The Internet is a huge source of information. There are online universities that deliver online degrees and distance learning is spreading far and wide. Many schools and colleges have started making use of audio-visual ways of imparting knowledge. A horde of tools that need a computer, help students in many ways. For instance, a MS word, Excel, powerpoint etc.
Banking
The banking sector has improved on fronts such as security, ease of use, etc. with the help of computers. Most of the banking operations can be done online, known as Internet banking, and you don't have to walk up to the bank for virtually anything. You can withdraw money from ATMs and deposit money in any branch, thanks to the networking effected by the use of computers. The complete banking experience has also become more safe.
Crime Investigation
High-end computer devices have ensured that justice is more effective. CCTV cameras and other computer operated security systems have reduced the amount of crime. And if it still happens there are many ways to track down the criminal in no time. Forensic science employs computers for many of its operations related to investigations.
Entertainment
The field of entertainment has been revolutionized by computers. Animation, graphic image manipulation etc has made the entertainment experience hundred times better. Computer gaming is achieving new landmarks in terms of technology. Movie making, editing, music composition etc everything needs computers.
This is only the tip of the iceberg as you and me can't even imagine the ubiquity of computers in today's life. However, the development of computer technology has also given rise to many vices like identity theft. But the truth remains the same - the advantages of computers supersede their disadvantages with pride.
