The limitations of computers primarily define some tasks that computers cannot
perform, or in which humans perform better than computers. The term
'limitations' here indicates the drawbacks of a computer system where a
computer fails to deliver.
Nowadays, computers can be seen performing various tasks with ease in almost
every field, from the easiest to the most difficult. People have become
familiar with working on computers over time due to the user-friendly
interface and making their lives easier using them. But most people do not
know what are the limitations of computers. However, it is important to know
how a human being can be better than a computer in terms of technology.
In this article, we have explained the most common limitations of computers
and how humans are better at performing certain tasks. Before going to the
limitations, let's take a quick overview of what a computer is:
Introduction to Computer
A computer refers to an advanced electronic device that accepts raw data
(input) from users, performs arithmetic and logical operations (processing) at
a fast speed, and gives the desired result (output) to users.
In particular, a computer system performs the functions listed below:
• It accepts raw data (inputs) from the user with the help of various
input devices.
• It performs the required arithmetic and logic operations on the given
data.
• It converts the processed data into a human-readable form and
provides the desired results (outputs) with the help of the output device.
Also Read:
What is the full form of a computer?
What are the Limitations of Computer?
There are some limitations of the computer systems depending on their ability,
dependency, actions, and more. However, the main limitations of the computer
include
Lack of Common Sense, No IQ, No Feelings, No Thinking Capability, No
Decision Making Ability, No Learning Power, User Dependent, No
Implementation Power, Cannot Express Ideas, and For Knowledgeable Audience:
Let us discuss each of the above-listed limitations of computers in detail:
Lack of Common-sense
There is no common sense in computers and this is one of the major limitations
of computers. They cannot make sound and prudent decisions based on a simple
perception of the situation or facts.
There is no doubt that computers are fast, reliable, and efficient. But they
lack any common sense because no full-proof algorithm is designed for
computers that could help them program general logic. Computers' functions are
entirely based on the stored programs or logics.
For example, read the following sentence:
Scroll ⇀
If we write this sentence in Word, the computer will not display any error.
However, any person would say that this sentence is wrong. It is based on
common sense only. The correct sentence should be as below:
Scroll ⇀
No IQ
This is another main limitation of computers. Computers lack Intelligence
Quotient (IQ); they typically have zero IQ. In simple words, computers cannot
see or think of any specific action as per the corresponding situation.
Everything, whatever a computer can do, is already programmed into a computer;
No matter how easy or complex the task is.
Computers have become smarter over time as they have given more instructions
programmatically. If we try to do a particular task that is not programmed in
the computer, then the computer will not do that task.
No Feelings
The computer is still a machine and therefore has no feelings. Unlike humans,
computers do not feel anything. They lack emotion. Even though there are many
great inventions in computers, the human heart is still not developed for
computers.
Any person would feel tired after working for few hours continuously. On the
other hand, computers do not get tired. They can work continuously for hours
with the same accuracy and speed.
No Thinking Capability
Computers cannot think of themselves, which restricts them to do any task on
their own. They are machines in which instructions are stored or programmed to
perform specific tasks. Computers do not work by thinking themselves, they are
given instructions. Otherwise, they are just boxes.
Humans have developed some algorithms to make computers work like humans, such
as voice input/output support in Siri or Google speech search. But this
concept still relies on stored instructions and is commonly called Artificial
Intelligence.
No Decision-Making Ability
Computers are incapable of making decisions because they do not contain the
necessary elements. Decision-making is a complex process that usually requires
elements such as information, intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, and judgment
capability. The computers lack these elements, so they are unable to make
decisions. They can only work according to the instructions given by the
users.
Computers can be programmed to make decisions about certain situations, which
are purely process-oriented. On the other hand, human has great power to make
decisions accordingly. Besides, computers are dead machines when there is no
power supply.
No Learning Power
Computers do not have the power to learn, and therefore, they cannot learn
things on their own. They have no ability to do any work based on the fact
that they have done similar work before. Users have to give data or input each
time to get the desired result. Likewise, they must be already programmed to
perform certain tasks.
User Dependent
Computers have become so smart, yet they are dependent on the user to take
input. If no data is given to the computer, it cannot process the task or
provide results. Some modern computers can handle certain automated and
repetitive tasks on their own; however, the user still needs to monitor the
working process and configure the automation process by giving the correct
data.
No Implementation Power
Although computers can store large amounts of data and perform complex
operations, they do not have implementation power. This means that computers
cannot implement anything on their own. Instead, only humans can set rules and
policies for computers and implement them accordingly.
Suppose we type an incorrect spelling while writing a sentence in MS Word.
This will underline the specific spelling in red (only if the spelling and
grammar check feature is turned on), which means that the spelling is
incorrect. Alternatively, it displays some similar suggestions of spelling
that can be used in place of the wrong one. However, only we can select the
right spelling from the given suggestions, and implement it in our sentence.
Computers cannot express Ideas
This is one of the biggest limitations of computers where humans can perform
far better than computers. For any research, new ideas can play an important
role in improvements and innovations.
Since computers work on programmed instructions and given data, they have no
ideas of their own. Therefore, computers cannot express ideas.
Made for Knowledgeable Audience
When it comes to operating a computer, a knowledgeable audience is required.
Although it is so easy to run a computer for basic tasks, some basic learning
is necessary. Despite this, an IT specialist or programmer may be required to
work on some complex tasks.
Conclusion
This article discusses the 10 essential limitations of computers in which
humans perform better than them. Although computers have some limitations or
drawbacks, we cannot ignore their importance. Nowadays computers have powerful
features and are used in almost every field, allowing us to ignore their
limitations. Computers are a necessity in this modern era.
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