Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer

Today world is changing at a very rapid phase, and in this changing world, technology plays a very important role. Technology makes everything very easier, and with the help of technology, anyone can invent anything for the benefit of humanity. And out of the developing technologies, the most notable which shaken the world is the invention, or we can say the development of the Computer.

The use of technology is increasing daily; now, machines perform various functions earlier performed by people. Technology helps humanity by providing various services easily, which were not available in the past. The most notable development in human history is the invention of the computer.

The computer is in itself the biggest achievement in the technological field. Now at present, everything is directly or indirectly related to the computer. At present, almost all fields require a computer. Everything needs a computer and its related technology, from performing an arithmetic operation to developing a rocket. When the computer was invented, its primary aim was to perform arithmetic operations quickly and efficiently. With time, it is required by almost every field.

What is Computer?

Charles Babbage is regarded as the father of the computer. He is credited with developing the first automatic computer, which is used to perform large arithmetic operations easily and efficiently. The computer is a digital electronic machine that performs various arithmetic and logical operations automatically and efficiently.

Programs form the backbone of computers. These are the generic sets of operations used to do certain tasks or operations. When we say a computer system, it includes not only a computer but also hardware devices like the Central Processing Unit, Mouse, etc., and software to perform a wide range of tasks. There are numerous devices required together for the full operation of the computer.

Today the necessity of computers is seen in almost every field. Industrial and consumer products use computers for their efficient operation. The computer as a control system is used by simple purpose devices like microwave ovens, remote control, etc. Various factory devices like industrial robots and computer-aided design also use computers for their operations. Mobile phones and personal computers also work with the use of computer systems. The computer provides power to the internet, which connects or links billions of other users and their computers.

The primary aim of the computer is to perform calculations, and early computers build for that purpose. Various simple manual instruments, like the most famous abacus, have helped people do calculations since ancient times. In the initial phase of the industrial revolution, inventors developed various mechanical devices to automate several long, tedious tasks, for instance, guiding patterns for looms. Later in the 20th century, more electrical machines did specialized analog calculations.

For the first time, digital electronic calculating machines were developed during World War II. In the 1940s, the first semiconductor transistors were developed, followed by MOSFET, which is silicon-based. The development of integrated circuit (IC) chip technologies in the late 1950s paved the way for the microprocessor and the microcomputer revolution in the 1970s. With time and advancement in speed and power, the versatility of computers has been increasing.

Several other inventions are related to the computer, which paved the way for the digital revolution in the 20th century. The invention of the computer contributed to the industrial revolution of the world.

Today, modern computers consist of processing elements: Central processing units in the form of microprocessors, along with the same type of memory RAM&ROM which is a type of semiconductor memory chip. The processing element of the computer carries out various arithmetic and logical operations. Also, sequencing and control units are used to change the order of operations in response to stored information in the computer. It also has numerous peripheral devices, such as input devices like keyboards, mice, joystick, etc., and some output devices like monitor screens, printers, etc.

The function of peripheral devices allows the information to be retrieved from an external source and enables the result of operations to be saved and retrieved.

Characteristics of Computer:

1. Speed of Computer:

The most important characteristic of a computer is its speed. Speed is a major characteristic of a computer; because of speed, the computer performs any work or function in a fraction of a second. A powerful computer can accept and perform trillions of institutions per second. Because of speed, computers reduce the time to perform any digital function, and its speed is measured in microseconds and nanoseconds.

2. Accuracy of Computer:

The second most important function of a computer is its accuracy. Accuracy is the most notable feature of a computer system. The Computer gives output with full accuracy irrespective of how many operations it performs simultaneously. The degree of accuracy is very high, and it has the potential to perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Sometimes error too takes place in the computer system, but these are due to wrong human input and inaccurate data.

3. The Diligence of Computer:

The Computer is not human, so it is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, and several other human errors. And due to this feature, it overpowered human beings on several occasions and performed continuous operations for a long time without any physical or mental error.

The Computer can work for hours without any error or fault, which means that if a computer has to perform millions of calculations, and a computer will perform every calculation and provide all the results with the same accuracy.

4. The Versatility of Computers:

In today's world, versatility is very important, as human beings have to perform different functions at the same time, and computers have to perform different types of tasks and operations at the same time with full accuracy and efficiency. And today Computer is not just a calculating machine anymore. For instance, at one moment, we can use it to create bills, and the next moment we can use it for inventory management, and more.

5. Reliability of Computer:

The results produced by the computer system are very reliable, but this can only be true when the input data given by the user is correct and authentic.

6. Consistency of Computer:

Today as the world moves, consistency is required in almost every field. And the Computer is so consistent that it can perform trillions of processes without errors. It means that a computer can work for 24 hours a day or 365 days continuously. Also, it provides consistent results for the same set of data. It means that if the same set of data is provided multiple times, it will give the same result each time.

7. The Memory of Computer:

The Computer's memory is one of the most useful features of the computer system. Computer memory stores a tremendous amount of data and makes it available when the need arises. Computer memory is built-in memory, and it has two types Random Access Memory and primary memory, which hold that as long as the computer is connected to a power source and data is erased after the shutting down of the computer. In addition, the computer includes Read-only memory, which is secondary memory it stores data for a long time and also speeds up the performance of the computer.

8. Storage Capacity of Computer:

Computers are used to store vast amounts of data. As the advancement in technology is increasing, computers increased their storage capacity compared to earlier times because now computers have to store more data. Apart from internal memory, we can also store data in the secondary memory, which is ROM. Some of the secondary devices are external drives, pen drives, etc.

And these secondary devices can be kept separate from the computer or sometimes attached to other computers. Computers have an incredible functioning speed, so they quickly retrieve data from storage devices.

The storage capacity of the Computer is generally measured- Mega-Byte (MB), Giga-Bytes (GB), Tera-Bytes (TB), and Peta-bytes (PB).

9. Automation in Computer:

Another important function of a computer is the automation of tasks or routine with the help of the computer's features, such as launching a specific application or software, sending an email, scanning for viruses, and many other maintenance tasks.

So these are some important characteristics of the computer which contributed to making the computer the most notable invention. Today almost every field required computers, and from small shops to big multinational companies, all rely on computers for their work.

Due to their Characteristics, computers have several advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Computer

1. Multitasking

Today as the world is witnessing technological advancement, there is a need that computers must perform several functions at the same time. So here comes the advantage of a computer that is multitasking. Multitasking is the major advantage of a computer because it allows a person to do multiple tasks, perform multiple operations at the same time, and calculate numerical problems within a few seconds.

2. Speed

As the workload increases, the computer has to perform several operations simultaneously, so it is necessary to perform functions quickly. Speed is the second major advantage of the computer, which helps humans to finish their tasks in a few seconds using a computer.

3. Huge Storage

The amount of data stored in a computer is huge. For storing huge data, one needs several other options for storage, but with a computer, at a very minimal cost, one can store data in huge quantities.

4. Data Security

Today data is wealth, and computers play a very important role in restoring this wealth. Protecting digital data is the most vital role played by the computer. The computer protects the data from breaches and helps the user restore data whenever needed.

5. Task Completer

The Computer performs those task or operation which is almost impossible for humans to complete. The computer is a task completer as it produces an output of any task which is impossible for a human.

6. Communication

Computer helps the user in better understanding of other devices too. Also, a computer helps the user to communicate with other devices.

7. Productivity

The level of productivity of computers is another advantage. Productivity is good because computers can complete work at a very fast speed.

8. Reduces Workload

As any technological invention is made, it helps humans reduce their workload, as does the computer. At the same time, the computer's information is accessed by more than one person without any duplication of work.

9. Reliability of Computer

The results produced by the computer system are very reliable, but this can only be true when the input data given by the user is correct and authentic.

Some Disadvantages of Computer:

1. Virus and Hacking Attacks

As the technologies are developing, some other technologies try to find loopholes in their working through various means. A virus may be a worm that inhibits the computer and create a hindrance in the working of the computer. A virus can go to the computer systems through email attachments, and also through a removable device like a USB, etc. Further, hacking is also unauthorized access over a computer for a few illicit purposes.

2. Online Cyber Crimes

Cybercrime is the use of a computer and network to commit a crime. Today, the rate of cybercrime is increasing; numerous complaints are registered about cybercrime daily. Some of the most occurred cybercrimes are cyberstalking and online transaction fraud.

3. Reduced Employment Opportunities

As the invention of any technology takes place, it benefits humanity but also, at the same time, it takes away several peoples' jobs. Just like Machines, computers replaced humans which lead to reduced employment opportunities.

4. High Cost

Computers are very expensive, it requires lots of money for the computer setup. The price of a computer and its peripheral devices is much higher than the per capita income of people in African regions.

5. Distractions/Disruptions

The computer also creates distractions. For example, if the user spends many hours browsing the web or watching videos on YouTube, you recognize how distracting computers can be. If the user spends lots of time on the computer, then the user may be addicted to the computer.

6. Increases Waste and Impacts the Environment

As technology advancements are made, there is also updation made in particular devices. For example, mobile phones are replaced with their updated latest versions. And with the speed at which computers and other electronic devices replace older devices, electronic waste increases which are adversely affecting the environment.

6. Health Problems

Prolonged use of computers to work leads to various health problems. Working for long hours with a computer may affect the sitting posture of the user and sometimes irritates the eyes.