A computer system is generally defined as an electronic machine that helps in
manipulating data by performing mathematical and logical operations to provide
meaningful information. The word 'computer' is derived from the Latin word 'computare', which means "to calculate", "to count", "to add up"
or "to compute". The early computers used to be mechanical and were
only used as calculators to do simple calculations like
addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
In the 21st century, computers are not just calculating devices/machines. They
have evolved in such a way that people in almost every field are dependent on
computers in one way or the other for specific tasks or operations. A modern
computer is a general-purpose integrated device with
hardware, instruction set, user interface, system software, and
application programs, which enable it to perform a wide variety of tasks.
This article discusses the most common or basic applications of computer
systems in real life based on various fields. However, apart from those listed
here, many more applications can be found in various fields for specific
purposes.
What are the applications of computers?
The applications of computer systems may vary from one field to another
depending upon the requirement. The best thing about it is that the same
computer system can be utilized in different areas by simply installing
relevant or customized software. In some cases, there may be a need to connect
additional components to the computer system. Simply put, in today's world,
their applications are seen in every field of life.
Some of the most common applications of computers can be found in the
following areas or fields:
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Applications of Computer in Communication
One of the primary applications of computers in today's era is communication.
Computers have proved to be beneficial tools in communicating an idea,
message, picture, or speech between people. Computers enable people to connect
and interact with each other across a wide range of distances, using multiple
means such as text messages, audio calls, or video conferencing. Furthermore,
the traditional
email
system is still widely used by businessmen and businesses.
In addition to direct communication methods, social media platforms such as
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are also widely used on computers with
internet connectivity. Such platforms allow users to connect with random
people from all over the world. So, users can share pictures, videos, or text
statuses to show interest or convey any other message. With efficient and easy
communication methods, many users do freelance work and use their skills to
earn money by doing specific tasks for desired people.
Applications of Computer in Education
A good education can serve as a strong foundation for the future of any child.
The computer has led a revolution in the field of education. Students can now
search for information on any desired topic with just a few clicks.
Furthermore, they can use computers to write notes, store notes, make projects
or presentations, and do other education-related tasks efficiently.
Computers have become easy sources for various educational materials, whether
images, videos, or documents. Computers have been useful not only for students
but also for teachers. With computers, teachers can now better manage
students' records, generate individual reports to track students' performance,
and solve their queries on the go. The best part is that teachers can also
provide online/recorded courses or live classes to students through video
conferencing from the comfort of their homes. In today's era, many
examinations are also conducted on computers using Internet connectivity.
Applications of Computer in Banking
In the banking sector, the applications of computers are innumerable, which
are beneficial to the bank employees as well as the customers. A notable
real-life example involves the use of
ATMs, which have eliminated the complicated process of depositing and withdrawing
money for everyone with bank accounts. After the widespread use of computers,
banks have reduced the staff cost to a great extent. Additionally, computers
have helped eliminate potential human errors.
In banks, computers are mainly used to store users' data, easily access
customer panel information whenever required, process or record transactions,
and issue/ terminate additional services like loans, debit/credit cards,
internet banking, etc. Most of the banking operations within branches are now
done online using computers.
On the contrary, customers take advantage of computers to access their bank
accounts on the go from any location using banks' official sites or
mobile
applications. With Internet Banking, customers can transact, process payments,
view statements, manage their limit on the card, apply for loans, cards,
chequebooks, and do many more without having to go to the banks or manually
contact the official person of the bank.
Applications of Computer in Industry
Most of the industries nowadays are benefiting from the effectiveness of
computers to perform their tasks. Computers are helping both small and large
industries to achieve higher productivity and accuracy. Some of the important
tasks employed for computers include inventory management, managing financial
accounts and customer data, creating samples or virtual designs, processing,
marketing, and selling products, designing interiors, communicating for
internal or external purposes, etc.
Moreover, different machines are developed and connected to computer systems
for their proper and easy functioning. The user is only required to input the
correct data and the rest of the operations will be performed automatically by
the computer based on the instructions given or stored. For example, a typical
paint-making machine can produce a desired color by mixing different primary
colors based on predefined metrics on a computer connected to it.
Applications of Computer in Business
Computers have now become essential for almost every business because of fast
calculations, accuracy, diligence, versatility, and reliability. With
appropriate software, a computer system can be equipped with the functionality
to perform specific tasks with ease. Some of such notable applications include
inventory management, maintaining stock and accounts, keeping data of
employees and customers, payroll calculations, generating financial reports
for certain analyses or decision-making, and many more.
In businesses, transaction processing such as making or receiving payments is
also much easier with the use of computers. Transactions can be completed
through the respective bank accounts at any time, allowing liquid traction
processing for businesses. Furthermore, computers help businesses reach
customers easily through online campaigns, promotions, or advertisements to
build their brand value and increase customer trust.
Applications of Computer in Medical/ Healthcare
The applications of computers are also widely seen in the medical field. In
hospitals or health centers, computers are mainly used to store and maintain
records of patients, make doctor's appointments, generate invoices, allot
rooms or beds, etc. In contrast, pharmacy departments often incorporate
computers to maintain drug records and create bills.
There are also many online platforms available in today's era, which allow
users (or patients) to order the desired medicines online and get the
medicines delivered to their doorstep. The user only needs to upload the
prescription medication or select the medicines manually to shortlist the
desired medicines.
Apart from general applications, computers have also revolutionized the way of
treatment these days. There are specialized medical devices that can be
connected to computer systems to monitor patients' vital data, such as oxygen
levels, sugar levels, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. The availability of
accurate data helps doctors to treat patients accordingly and give suitable
medicines and drugs. Surprisingly, some specialized surgeries are also
performed remotely with the help of robotic surgical instruments linked to
computer systems.
Applications of Computer in Government
Not only private industries and businesses, but the government is also taking
advantage of computers to perform various functions within its departments.
There are many departments that are managed by the government and nowadays
almost every department is dependent on computers in some way or the other.
In government sectors, computers are mainly employed to store, process and
maintain information about citizens on databases. As the government is
dedicated to supporting a paperless environment, most of the services and
operations are now done online through computers. The applications of
computers are widely seen in government sectors for budgeting, law
enforcement, infrastructure designing, traffic control, tax collection,
fundraising, etc. Nowadays, computers play many important roles in government
services.
Applications of Computer in Defense
Computers have become essential integral tools in defense, be it for air,
land, or sea. Generally, computers help in designing modern weapons,
equipment, and tools. They also help in tracking the movement of airplanes,
missiles, tanks, ships, etc., using radar systems. Additionally, they are
programmed to determine target locations and launch missiles accordingly.
In addition to designing and controlling weaponry systems, computers also help
keep soldiers' data as well as records of high-priority criminals in secure
databases. With connections to satellites, computers help establish links
between troops over a secure communication line for military planning and
quick action. With such applications of computers, the defense field now has
better accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness to conduct operations, while
involving less risk.
Applications of Computer in Science, Engineering, & Research
Computers have become the primary tool in the field of science, engineering,
research, and development (R&D). The main reason behind this is that the
computer helps in performing many tasks. The computer is an all-in-one device
for collecting, classifying, storing and maintaining, analyzing, and testing
data. The rapid speed and accuracy allow the results to be carried out in a
timely and accurate manner. Furthermore, scientists from different places
(even different nations) can interact and exchange their views on the same
project, which makes it easier to reach the conclusion of the project
concerned.
In addition, computers equipped with
CAD
and
CAM
software enable architects to design and produce sample products digitally,
making it easy to make changes as needed without wasting actual raw resources.
Almost all engineering industries, including aerospace, automobile,
mechanical, chemical, electronics, and biochemical, rely on computers in some
way or the other.
Applications of Computer in Arts
The field of art is also no longer untouched by the computer. Designers now
have the advantage of using computers to design their graphics or projects.
Unlike earlier, when drawing was possible only by moving the mouse, modern
computers are now equipped with touch screens which makes drawing much easier.
In addition, there are additional devices such as digitizers that allow
objects to be written or designed on computers directly using fingers and
special stylus pens. The surprising thing is that all such created drawings
and objects can be saved in the computer's storage as desired.
On the other hand, users can edit their pictures on the computer which were
clicked on the camera or mobiles. There are powerful photo editing software
available for computers these days. Creating animated graphics, or cartoons,
is also an easy task on a computer with the features of sketching and quick
coloring.
Applications of Computer in Training
Computers have proved beneficial for training purposes. In the past, training
was imparted to new employees using a writing board. However, nowadays
computers have been included to train employees. With computers, there is no
need to manually explain the same concepts over and over again. Instead,
businesses now record training sessions and use them to teach recruits for
operational and job purposes.
In addition, computers also provide online training sessions in long-distance
locations, thereby reducing travel costs and saving time. Instructors can also
share their screens with learners to explain a particular concept more clearly
and safely. Also, training on computers is very easy because of the various
media sources such as graphics, documents, presentations, audio, and videos.
Applications of Computer in Finance & Accounting
Creating and maintaining financial reports for accounting purposes has become
very easy on computers as there are many accounting software available these
days. Such software options allow businesses to store users' accounts and
other information on computer storage locally or on online servers, depending
on the size of the data and the need of the business organization. In
contrast, it is much easier to quickly navigate to a specific user's
information on a computer whenever needed.
Computers have also made it possible for everyone to access financial services
easily. As countries are focusing on online frameworks for most of the
services, computers help in working through various services online. With a
computer, one can easily invest in the stock market, mutual funds, crypto, and
other assets.
Applications of Computer in Advertising & Marketing
Advertising and marketing are considered essential ways to increase brand
value, gain user trust, and provide information about products and services to
more customers, thereby increasing sales. Businesses can now take the help of
online advertisements and marketing campaigns to reach a wider range of
audiences. Computers help in designing advertisements using various graphics,
visuals, sounds, and even video effects. There are various mediums on the
internet to display such curated ads to users across the globe.
Applications of Computer in Publishing
In the field of publishing, computers are now used as an essential tool.
Whether it is online publication or offline publication, computers are used in
both mediums. Today, typing texts and designing layouts are usually done using
computers. Images are also edited and attached using a computer in the desired
areas. Typical applications of computers in online publishing include managing
and posting blogs and writing and posting articles to sites.
For offline publications, once the layout, graphics, and text work is done,
the printing command is given through the computer to get the hard copy of the
related publications like books, novels, newspapers, posters, magazines,
cards, etc. Printing is often done through a printer or plotter, which is
connected to a computer.
Applications of Computer in Robotics & Automation
A wide range of applications for computer systems can be found in the fields
of robotics and automation. Computers can be used for a wide variety of tasks
in the field, from conducting research to designing mechanical components or
operating and controlling robotic equipment. Computational robots can help
automate many tasks, from small to heavy-duty tasks, when programmed for a
specific purpose, and that too with speed, consistency, and accuracy.
Physical robots are nothing but designed machines that are equipped with
computer technology. A typical example is the drone. An advanced example is
the physical computerized robot named Sophia, a robot with programmed
instructions and a humanoid body.
Applications of Computer in Sports
In sports, computers help in performing various applications, such as
maintaining scoreboards, storing and accessing player information and in-game
records, recording and replaying game moments, etc. Computers are primarily
important in in-game decision-making when it is difficult for on-field umpires
to make decisions based on what is observed with the naked eye. Computers, in
such cases, help in slowly rewinding the moments of the recorded game and take
the final decision accordingly without any bias. Additionally, computers also
help design sports tools or equipment such as hand gloves, leg guards,
helmets, mouth guards, and more.
Applications of Computer in Safety & Security
Computer applications are widely viewed for safety and security purposes.
There are additional hardware components as well as software systems that help
in increasing the productivity of the computer for security purposes. For
example, security cameras can now be linked to computers to track real-time
activity in certain areas. This application of computers can be widely seen
nowadays in private and government campuses and many public places.
In addition, computers can be linked to face recognition cameras and
fingerprint scanners to get the identity of any person from an attached
database. It usually helps security intelligence agencies to identify and
track criminals. Similarly, security cameras nowadays help in detecting
suspicious people and activities in many places, providing overall increased
security.
Applications of Computer in Transport and Navigation
The computer is becoming an essential tool in transportation and navigation.
Modern vehicles including trains, ships, and airplanes are now coming equipped
with computational technology for enhanced safety. Computational technology
usually helps in sending alerts and notifications for important functions like
low-level fuel, automatic security alarms, mechanical part errors, etc.
In addition, computers can aid in route finding for navigational purposes
through digital maps similar to physical maps. Surprisingly, computers can
also show us a precise location or live location on a map when connected with
GPS
technology. Setting up routes, destinations, location tracking in real-time,
and locating the nearest areas like ATMs, hotels, restaurants, etc., is
possible with just a few clicks on the computer.
Applications of Computer in Entertainment
Undoubtedly, the computer has become an important source of various types of
entertainment, such as listening to music, streaming live
TV, watching videos or movies, playing games, and many more. In addition, users
can now even use the computer to play guitar, tabla, piano, and many other
instruments as the relevant software programs are available to be installed on
the computer. Not just playing, one can also record the activity or even
broadcast it live on the
internet
for all to see.
On the contrary, the computer is also the platform for making all such
entertainment choices. Computers help in programming such entertaining
software and games as well as include amazing effects. Video editing and
management of sound and many other components are also done through a computer
while making a movie. Animated movies are an example of the amazing
application of computers in the field of entertainment, in which almost
everything is made possible mainly by the use of computers.
Applications of Computer in Home (Personal Use)
Computers have many applications when it comes to personal use of computers at
home. At home, computers can be seen employed for a variety of purposes,
including budgeting, planning, learning and research, communication,
entertainment, e-banking, and many more.
In particular, computers are widely used mainly for accessing social media
sites, listening to music, watching movies, taking online classes, attending
business meetings while working from home, making video calls with family
relatives, and navigating online sites to make purchases through e-stores. In
addition, people often use computers to pay their bills online, and book
tickets for movies, taxis, trains, or planes.
Summary
From size and performance to features and efficient costs, computer systems
have evolved in every aspect. All these factors have enabled people to take
advantage of computers in every field, be it education, business, medical,
banking, entertainment, etc. This is the reason why various applications of
computers are seen in today's era. Nowadays, we cannot even think of
increasing our knowledge, resources, or technology without computers.
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