Computer basics: other factors - 2

 Uses of Computers

During the last five decades, computers have revolutionized almost all disciplines of our life. Computers have made possible many scientific, industrial and commercial advances that would have been impossible otherwise. Computers are being used in many areas of application viz. business, industry, scientific research, defence, space, communications, medicine, education and so on. The utilisation of computers in different fields is summarised in below.

Application Area

Scientific Research Used to resolve complex scientific problems accurately in a short time

Business Used in banks, airports, share markets, hotels, export houses, Government offices and others for rising business applications like MIS, Payroll, Inventory, Financial Accounting etc.

Defense Used to computerize warplanes, ships, radars and many advanced weapons

Space Used to design computerized space satellites, rockets and related technology

Data Communication Used to computerize geo-graphically separated offices through networking

Telecommunication Used in ISDN, E-mail, Internet, Intranet, VSAT, Videoconferencing, Paging, Cellular phones etc.

Medicine Used in hospitals and nursing homes/clinics for maintaining medical records, prescription writing, diagnostic applications and computerized scanning(CAT Scanning)

Education Used in development of CBT (Computer Based Teaching)/CAT (Computer Aided Teaching) programs for education

Law & Order Used to records data of vehicles

Libraries Used to develop Library Management Systems

Publishers Used for Desk Top Publishing (DTP) for designing & printing of books

Engineering Used CAD (Computer Aided Designing)/CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) by engineering companies

Emerging Technologies Used in Artificial Intelligence (Expert Systems, Robotics etc.) and Virtual Reality

 

Case Study: Computers in Business

Computers have completely altered the structure of business. They are reshaping the basics of business. Customer service, operations, product and marketing strategies, and distribution are heavily, or sometimes even entirely, dependent on computer-enabled applications. The computers that support these functions can be found on the desk, on the shop floor, in the store, even in briefcases. Computers have become an everyday part of business life.

Figure 1-2 illustrates the fundamental roles of computers in business.

Computer systems perform three vital roles in any type of organization:

􀂾 Support of Business Operations

􀂾 Support of Managerial Decision-Making

􀂾 Support of Strategic Competitive Advantage

Figure 1-2 Three Major Roles of Computer-based Information Systems

Let's take a retail store as an example to illustrate these important roles. As a consumer, we have to deal regularly with the computer-based information systems that support business operations at many retail stores where we shop. For example, most retail stores now use computer-based information systems to help them record customer purchases, keep track of inventory, pay employees, buy new merchandise, and evaluate sales trends.

Store operations would grind to a halt without the support of such information systems.

See Figure 1-3.

Computer-based information systems also help store managers make better decisions and attempt to gain a strategic competitive advantage. For example, decisions on what lines of merchandise need to be added or discontinued, or on what kind of investment they require, are typically made after an analysis provided by computer-based information systems. This not only supports the decision making of store managers but also helps them look for ways to gain an advantage over other retailers in the competition for customers.

Figure 1-3 A Computer-based Sales Processing System that supports Sales Transaction Processing, Employee Inquiries and Responses, and the Access and Updating of Business Databases Gaining a strategic advantage over competitors requires innovative use of computers and information technology. For example, store managers might make a decision to install computerized touch-screen catalog ordering systems in all of their stores, tied in with computer-based telephone ordering systems and an Internet-based computer shopping network. This might attract new customers and lure customers away from competing stores because of the ease of ordering provided by such innovative information systems.

Thus, computer-based strategic information systems can help provide strategic products and services that give a business organization competitive advantage over its competitors.

Limitations of computers

There is no doubt that computers surpasses human being in many aspects and can perform certain tasks better, faster and cheaper. But it cannot substitute man. The words of John F Kennedy are also 100% true "Man is still the most extraordinary Computers of all". The Computer, being an electronic device, has certain limitations, which can be summarized as follow:

1. No IQ: A computer is not a magical device. It can only perform tasks that a human being can. The difference is that it performs these tasks with unthinkable speed and accuracy. It possesses no intelligence of its own. Its IQ is zero, at least till today. Hence, only the user can determine what tasks a computer will perform.

A computer cannot take its own decision in this regard. Unlike the human brain, a computer cannot think on its own, but has to be given very explicit, step-by-step instructions to make it perform a task.

2. No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. They have no feelings and no instincts because they are machine. Although men have succeeded in building a memory for the computer, but no computer possesses the equivalent of human heart and soul. Based on our feelings, taste, knowledge, and experience, we often make certain judgments in our day-to-day life. But computers cannot make such judgments on their own. Their judgments are based on the instructions given to them in the form of programs that are written by us. They are only as good as man makes and uses them. They do not learn from experiences.

It is said for computers, "Garbage-In, Garbage-Out (GIGO)". Many of the problems with computers occur because the computer can't tell the difference between doing something sensible versus something ridiculous. Erasing all its stored data is no different to a computer from adding two numbers. Computers operate logically, but they are incapable of acting prudently and rationally.

Thus a computer is not intelligent: it is a fast, rule-following idiot. Fast because it works at electronic speeds; rule-following because it needs to be given very detailed and complete instructions before it can do even the simplest task; and an idiot because it will unhesitatingly follow instructions even when to us it would be obvious that they were nonsense.

 

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Computer basics: other factors - 1

Similarities and Difference between Human and Computer

Computer is a very effective and efficient machine which performs several activities in few minutes, which otherwise would have taken several days if performed naturally. Besides there would have been a doubt about the accuracy, finish etc. The computer may be faster; more accurate but it cannot compete with human brain. However there are some similarities between the human and the computer which would make the computer more understandable.

Human and Computer

# Like human beings has ears, nose, eyes etc.

Computers have input devices such as keyboard, scanner, touch screen, mouse etc. to get information.

# Like we remember things

Computer also stores information.

#We recollect certain information as required.

The computer also retrieves information when times,

#We express ourselves by speech, writing etc.

Computer expresses through screen, Printouts etc. which We call as output.

#When we watch, hear, learn certain things and analyze.

With the help of software, computer also can analyze Information and draw conclusions.

#The place where we store, analyze,

The computer brain is known as CPU conclude information is known as the brain (Central Processing Unit) where it analyses information

The computer has storage devices like floppies, hard disks, compact disks to store and retrieve information.

However computer does not understand emotions, it does not understand meaning beyond words, it cannot read between the lines like the human. We learn many things unknowingly, certain things knowingly; we call it as upbringing. But computers can learn everything only knowingly. We learn many things on our own, but computer has to be taught to do everything.

 

Characteristics of Computer System

There are various features or characteristics of the computer system depending on their size, capacity, and specifications. But, the major characteristics of the computer can be classified into Speed, Accuracy, Diligence, Versatility, Reliability, Consistency, Memory, Storage Capacity, Remembrance Power, and Automation.

Computers are not just adding machines; they are capable of doing complex activities and operations. They can be programmed to do complex, tedious and monotonous tasks. All computers have certain common characteristics irrespective of their type and size. The following are the important characteristics which took together, enable a computer to surpass its performance in some tasks in which the human beings cannot perform efficiently:

1. Speed: A computer is a very fast device capable of data processing at unbelievable speed. It can perform in a few seconds the amount of work that a human being may not be able to do in an entire year even if he works day and night and does nothing else. Computers can process millions of instructions per second thus carrying out even the complex tasks in fractions of seconds without any mistake.

While talking about the speed of a computer, we do not talk in terms of seconds or even milliseconds (10-3). Our units of speed are the microseconds (10-6), the nanoseconds (10-9), and even the picoseconds (10-12). A powerful computer is capable of performing about 3 to 4 million simple arithmetic operations per second.

2. Accuracy: In addition to speed, the computer has high accuracy in computing. The accuracy of a computer is consistently high and the degree of accuracy of a particular computer depends upon its design. But for a particular computer, each and every calculation is performed with the same accuracy. Errors can occur in a computer, but these are mainly due to human rather than technological weakness.

The errors in computer are due to errors in programming and operation by human and due to inaccurate data.

3. Versatility: A computer is a very versatile machine. Versatility is one of the most wonderful features of the computer in the sense that they are not only capable of handling complex arithmetical problems, but can do equally well other number of jobs. They can perform activities ranging from simple calculations to performing complex CAD modeling and simulations to navigating missiles and satellites. In other words, computers can be programmed to perform any task that can be reduced to a series of logical steps. Computers can communicate with other computers and can receive and send data in various forms like text, sound, video, graphics, etc. We, now, live in a connected world and all this is because of computers and other related technologies.

4. Diligency: Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, lack of concentration etc. and hence can work for hours together without creating any error and without grumbling. Due to this property computers obviously score over human beings in doing routine type of jobs, which require greater accuracy.

They will perform the tasks that are given to them - irrespective of whether it is interesting, creative, monotonous or boring; irrespective of whether it is the first time or the millionth time - with exactly the same accuracy and speed.

5. Storage Capability: Computers have their main memory and auxiliary memory systems. A computer can store a large amount of data. With more and more auxiliary storage devices, which are capable of storing huge amounts of data, the storage capacity of a computer is virtually unlimited. The factor that makes computer storage unique is not that it can store vast amount of data, but the fact that it can retrieve the information that the user wants in a few seconds. Every piece of information can be retained as long as desired by the user and can be recalled as and when required. Even after several years, the information recalled is as accurate as on the day when it was fed to computer. A computer forgets or looses certain information only when it is asked to do so. So it is entirely up to the user to make a computer retain or forget particular information.

6. Reliability: Reliability of the computers is indeed very high. Modern electronic components have long failure free lives. A microprocessor chip is said to have a life of 40 years even under adverse conditions and much before it fails, it will become obsolete. Computers are also designed in modular form so as to make maintenance easy; when a component fails, it can be replaced or repaired at a minimal cost.

7. Automation: The level of automation achieved in a computer is phenomenal. It is not a simple calculator where you have to punch in the numbers and press the equal to sign to get the result. Once a task is initiated, computers can proceed on its own till its completion. Computers can be programmed to perform a series of complex tasks involving multiple programs. Computers will perform these things flawlessly. They will execute the programs in the correct sequence, they will switch on/off the machines at the appropriate time, they will monitor the operational parameters, and they will send warning signals or take corrective actions if the parameters exceed the control level, and so on. Computers are capable of these levels of automation, provided they are programmed correctly.

Application of computers

Computers have proliferated into various areas of our lives. For a user, computer is a tool that provides the desired information, whenever needed. You may use computer to get information about the reservation of tickets (railways, airplanes and cinema halls), books in a library, medical history of a person, a place in a map, or the dictionary meaning of a word. The information may be presented to you in the form of text, images, video clips, etc.

Figure 1.15 shows some of the applications of computer.

Some of the application areas of the computer are listed below—

 Education Computers are extensively used, as a tool and as an aid, for imparting education. Educators use computers to prepare notes and presentations of their lectures.

Computers are used to develop computer-based training packages, to provide distance education using the e-learning software, and to conduct online examinations. Researchers use computers to get easy access to conference and journal details and to get global access to the research material.

 Entertainment Computers have had a major impact on the entertainment industry. The user can download and view movies, play games, chat, book tickets for cinema halls, use multimedia for making movies, incorporate visual and sound effects using computers, etc. The users can also listen to music, download and share music, create music using computers, etc.

 Sports A computer can be used to watch a game, view the scores, improve the game, play games (like chess, etc.) and create games. They are also used for the purposes of training players.

 Advertising Computer is a powerful advertising media. Advertisement can be displayed on different websites, electronic-mails can be sent and reviews of a product by different customers can be posted. Computers are also used to create an advertisement using the visual and the sound effects. For the advertisers, computer is a medium via which the advertisements can be viewed globally. Web advertising has become a significant factor in the marketing plans of almost all companies. In fact, the business model of Google is mainly dependent on web advertising for generating revenues.

 

Figure 1.15 Applications of computer

 Medicine Medical researchers and practitioners use computers to access information about the advances in medical research or to take opinion of doctors globally. The medical history of patients is stored in the computers. Computers are also an integral part of various kinds of sophisticated medical equipments like ultrasound machine, CAT scan machine, MRI scan machine, etc. Computers also provide assistance to the medical surgeons during critical surgery operations like laparoscopic operations, etc.

 Science and Engineering Scientists and engineers use computers for performing complex scientific calculations, for designing and making drawings (CAD/CAM applications) and also for simulating and testing the designs. Computers are used for storing the complex data, performing complex calculations and for visualizing 3¡V dimensional objects. Complex scientific applications like the launch of the rockets, space exploration, etc., are not possible without the computers.

 Government The government uses computers to manage its own operations and also for e-governance. The websites of the different government departments provide information to the users. Computers are used for the filing of income tax return, paying taxes, online submission of water and electricity bills, for the access of land record details, etc. The police department uses computers to search for criminals using fingerprint matching, etc.

 Home Computers have now become an integral part of home equipment. At home, people use computers to play games, to maintain the home accounts, for communicating with friends and relatives via Internet, for paying bills, for education and learning, etc.

Microprocessors are embedded in house hold utilities like, washing machines, TVs, food processors, home theatres, security devices, etc.

The list of applications of computers is so long that it is not possible to discuss all of them here.

In addition to the applications of the computers discussed above, computers have also proliferated into areas like banks, investments, stock trading, accounting, ticket reservation, military operations, meteorological predictions, social networking, business organizations, police department, video conferencing, tele-presence, book publishing, web newspapers, and information sharing.

 

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Types or classification of computers - 4

The computer has passed through many stages of evolution from the days of the mainframe computers to the era of microcomputers. Computers have been classified based on different criteria. In this post, we shall classify computers based on four popular methods.

Profiles of computers

Mainframe

Figure: Mainframe_profile

A mainframe is a big, powerful, expensive computer that can support many users at the same time. Large businesses and organizations use mainframes.

Capacity: Enormous - the capacity of several hundred or even thousands of PCs

Speed: Very fast - much, much faster than a PC

Cost: Very, very expensive - can usually only be afforded by large organizations

Users: Only used by large businesses and organizations

PC

Figure: PC_profile

A PC is a personal computer, originally designed by IBM way back in 1981. Many different companies make PCs, but all of them are IBM-compatible. What this means, according to Bill Gates, is that they will all run Microsoft Windows.

Capacity: Average hard disk size is 20 GB to 80 GB

Speed: Fast. Average speed is from 1 GHz to 3 GHz

Cost: Fairly inexpensive - under $1,000 - and getting cheaper every day!

Users: Just about everyone uses a PC! Homes, offices, schools…

Mac

Figure: Mac_profile

Developed by Apple, a Macintosh is a computer, but it is NOT a PC. Macs have a different operating system and use their own software and hardware.

Capacity: Average hard disk size is 20 GB to 80 GB

Speed: Fast. Average speed is from 500 MHz to 2 GHz

Cost: Fairly inexpensive, but usually more than an equivalent PC

Users: Just about everyone, especially in the education and design fields

Networked Computer

Figure: Networked_profile

A network is a group of computers that are connected so that they can share equipment and information. Most people on a network use workstations, which are simply PCs that are connected to the network. A server is a central computer where users on the network can save their files and information.

Capacity: (Workstation) Same as a PC, only needs an inexpensive network card (Server) Greater than a PC, often more than 100 GE

Speed: (Workstation) Same as a PC (Server) Generally faster than a PC, may use multiple CPUs

Cost:(Workstation) Same as a PC (Server) More expensive than a PC but not as costly as a mainframe

Users: (Workstation) People in a networked office or organization (Server) Generally a network administrator or engineer

Laptop

Figure: Laptop_profile

A laptop, or notebook, is a lighter and more portable version of a PC or Mac that can run on batteries.

Capacity: Average hard disk size is 10 GB to 40 GB

Speed: Fast, but slightly less than a PC. Average speed is from 700 MHz to 2 GHz

Cost: Fairly inexpensive, but more than an equivalent PC

Users: People on the move, especially business people and students

Palmtop/PDA

Figure: Palmtop_profile

A PDA (Personal Data Assistant) is a handheld computer that is generally used to keep track of appointments and addresses.

Capacity: Much smaller than a PC - 8 MB to 64 MB of storage space

Speed: Much slower than a PC - 8 MHz to 266 MHz

Cost: Expensive when compared to the capacities of a PC

Users: Business people and others who need to be organized

 

Table: Top 5 super computer in the world in year 2021

 

Finally the classification of computers means

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