Computer derives its name from the word Compute that means calculation. It can be said that Computer is a device used for calculation. Nowadays Computer is not only limited to computation, but also used for making phone calls, maintaining databases, listening songs, viewing movies etc, so a more formal definition of Computer is required. Computer is an electronic device that processes or transforms data into useful information by executing a series of predefined instructions.
Basic application of Computer
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Desktop publishing
With desktop publishing, you can create page layouts for entire books on your personal computer.
5. 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.
6. Mathematical Calculations
Thanks to computers, which have computing speeds of over a million calculations per second we can perform the biggest of mathematical calculations.
7. Banks
All financial transactions are done by computer software. They provide security, speed and convenience.
8. Travel
One can book air tickets or railway tickets and make hotel reservations online. It reduced the time wastage and travel time for everyone.
9. Telecommunications
Software is widely used here. Also all mobile phones have software embedded in them for maintaining customer details and also sending message, audio and video through the mobile software. Now a day’s internet is available in the mobile phone itself.
10. Defence
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.
11. E–Learning
Instead of a book it is easier to learn from E–learning software. It not only contains text also contain image and animation so it is very easy to understand everything.
12. Gambling
We can gamble online instead of going to a casino.
13. Examinations
We can give online exams and get instant results. You can check your examination results online.
14. 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.
15. Certificates
Different types of certificates can be generated. It is very easy to create and change layouts.
16. ATM machines
The computer software authenticates the user and dispenses cash.
17. Marriage
There are matrimonial sites through which one can search for a suitable groom or bride.
18. News
There are many websites through which you can read the latest or old news.
19. Classmates
There are many alumni websites through which you can regain contact with your classmates.
20. Robotics
Robots are controlled by software.
21. Washing Machines
They operate using software.
22. Microwave Oven
They are operated by software.
23. Planning and Scheduling
Software can be used to store contact information, generating plans, scheduling appointments and deadlines.
24. Plagiarism
Software can examine content for plagiarism.
25. Greeting Cards
You can send and receive greetings pertaining to different occasions.
26. 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 technique.
27. Aeroplanes
Pilots train on software, which simulates flying.
28. Weather analysis
Supercomputers are used to analyze and predict weather.