Advantages in Using Computers
Table of Contents
The advantages (references 1, 2, 3) in using
computers to do certain tasks are discussed with emphasis on speed, efficiency, productivity and data storage
Introduction
A computer is an electronic device that stores, processes and displays information and data in a form that is easily understood and has practical use. The main characteristics of a computer are the very high speed with which calculations and processes are carried out and also the very large amount of information and data that may be stored in a relatively small spaces called memory.
Here are some of the advantages of using computers:
- Increased efficiency: Computers can perform complex calculations and repetitive tasks quickly and accurately, reducing the time and effort required for many tasks. They can also store and retrieve vast amounts of data much faster than manual methods, improving productivity and reducing errors.
- Improved communication: Computers enable people to communicate with one another from anywhere in the world, using email, messaging, video conferencing, and other digital communication tools. This has revolutionized the way people work, collaborate, and share information, making it easier to connect with colleagues, clients, friends, and family.
- Enhanced creativity: Computers offer a wide range of software tools for creative tasks such as graphic design, music composition, video editing, and more. These tools enable people to create and share artistic works in ways that were previously impossible, allowing them to express themselves and reach a broader audience.
- Better education: Computers have transformed education by making it possible to access vast amounts of information and educational resources from anywhere. They provide interactive learning experiences and simulations, making it easier for students to understand complex concepts and learn at their own pace.
- Increased accuracy and precision: Computers can perform calculations and measurements with a high degree of accuracy and precision, making them ideal for scientific research, engineering, and other fields that require precise measurements and calculations.
- Better decision-making: Computers can analyze large amounts of data and provide insights that can aid in decision-making. This is especially useful in business, finance, and other fields where decisions are based on complex data sets.
Overall, computers have revolutionized many aspects of our lives, providing us with greater efficiency, communication, creativity, education, accuracy, precision, and decision-making.
Speed of Computers
The speed of computing is another significant advantage of computers. Computers can perform calculations and process information at incredible speeds, enabling us to
complete complex tasks in a fraction of the time it would take to do manually. Numerical computations, creation and editing of documents, data organization and presentation,
graphics are examples of tasks that are done efficiently when computers are used.
With major advances in computer hardware and software, computing speeds have increased significantly over the last few decades. This has enabled the development of new
technologies and applications that were previously impossible or impractical. For example, the development of high-speed networks and cloud computing has enabled us to
access and share information and services from anywhere in the world with minimal delay.
The speed of computing is also important in many fields such as scientific research, engineering, and finance, where complex calculations and simulations are required.
High-performance computing systems, such as supercomputers and clusters, are used to solve problems that would take years or even decades to solve using traditional methods.
This has revolutionized many fields and enabled breakthroughs in areas such as weather forecasting, drug discovery, and astrophysics.
In addition to the speed of processing, the ability of computers to perform multiple tasks simultaneously (known as multitasking) has further increased their efficiency and
productivity. This allows users to perform multiple tasks at once, switching between them seamlessly, and reducing the time required to complete complex projects.
Overall, the speed of computing is a critical advantage of computers that has enabled us to tackle complex problems and process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately.
Efficiency
Computers enable users to perform tasks quickly and accurately. By automating routine and repetitive tasks, computers save time and reduce the chances of errors.
For example, a computer program can sort, organize, and analyze data in a matter of seconds, a task that would take a person hours or even days to complete manually.
This increases efficiency and allows users to focus on more complex tasks that require human decision-making.
It is perhaps easy to explain the efficiency of computers in comparing documents produced using a typewriter and a word processor (on a computer).
Using a word processing makes it easy to make changes to letters, words, chapters or entire documents. There are possibilities to spell check words
and therefore make changes. Deleting and inserting letters, words and paragraphs is done without leaving a trace. When all necessary changes are made,
files may be saved, printed, edited as many times as is necessary, sent by e-mail to someone else in another continent within minutes. When using a typewriter,
a simple typing error would be time consuming to fix.
Productivity
Computers can also increase productivity by providing users with tools and resources to perform tasks more effectively. For example,
word processing software allows users to create, edit, and format documents with ease, while project management software enables teams to
collaborate and track progress in real-time. Additionally, computers can be used to access vast amounts of information and resources, enabling users
to find solutions and make decisions faster. This can lead to increased productivity and better outcomes in various fields, including business, education, and research.
Moreover, computers can also facilitate remote work and collaboration, allowing people to work together from different locations. This can save time and
travel costs and make it easier to connect with colleagues, clients, and partners around the world.
Data Storage
Computer storage or memory is measured in bytes. A byte is the smallest unit of measurement for digital information corresponds to 8 bits (binary digit).
Storage capacity is often measured in larger units such as kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), terabytes (TB), and petabytes (PB) defined below:
- Kilobytes (KB): A kilobyte is 1,000 bytes, or 10^3 bytes.
- Megabytes (MB): A megabyte is 1,000 kilobytes, or 10^6 bytes.
- Gigabytes (GB): A gigabyte is 1,000 megabytes, or 10^9 bytes.
- Terabytes (TB): A terabyte is 1,000 gigabytes, or 10^12 bytes.
- Petabytes (PB): A petabyte is 1,000 terabytes, or 10^15 bytes.
For example it takes 1 byte (or 8 bits) to represent (store) a character of the alphabet. A page of a book with 80 characters per line and 40 lines per page would need 80 * 40 = 3200 bytes of storage or 3 Kilobytes (1 Kilobyte = 1024 bytes).
A book of 400 pages would need on average 400 * 3 Kilobytes = 1.2 Megabytes (1 megabyte = 1000 Kilobytes)
What does all this mean in practical terms?
Example 1
A CD has a storage capacity of 600 Megabytes and therefore can hold the contents of 600 / 1.2 = 500. Yes 500 books in one CD!.
Example 2
A DVD has a storage capacity of 4.7 Gigabytes (1 Gigabyte = 1000 Megabytes) and can therefore hold 4,700 / 1.2 = 4,000 (approximately) books.
Example 3 (year 2917)
A flash drive can now go up to 1 Terabytes (1 Terabyte = 1000 Gigabytes = 1000,000 Megabytes) and can therefore hold 1000,000 / 1.2 = 800,000 (approximately) books.
Now think about how much space and how much does it cost to store 100,000 books!
To determine the storage capacity of a specific storage device, you can check the device specifications or view the properties of the device in your computer's operating system. The amount of storage available will depend on the type and capacity of the device. For example, a typical hard disk drive may have a capacity of several terabytes, while a USB flash drive may have a capacity of several gigabytes.
More References and Links
- The Computer Book: From the Abacus to Artificial Intelligence, 250 Milestones in the History of Computer Science – November 2018 - by Simson L Garfinkel, Rachel H. Grunspan.
- The Big Switch: Rewiring The World From Edison To Google – June 2013 - by Nicholas Carr.
- The Digital Transformation Playbook: Rethink Your Business for the Digital Age Hardcover – April 2016 - by David Rogers (Author)