Computer - Advantage & Disadvantage

Advantage of Computer

The premier invention of this century is the Computer, most people are aware that a computer is an electronic device that can perform Arithmetic and Logical operation. Computer can perform certain tasks faster than human being. Actually, Computer is a technical device designed to find instantaneous solution of huge and complex calculations based on the information already fed.

As you can see, Computers are being used almost everywhere. The areas where computers used are Banking, Railways, Airways, Electricity Departments, School & Colleges etc. Some of the advantages that made these people to computers are:

1. Speed

Computers are much faster as compared to human beings. A modern computer can execute millions of instructions in one second. The operations of personal computers are measured thousandths of a second or a millisecond. Computer makes it possible to receive, supply and process large volumes of data at very high speed. 

2. Memory Capacity

Computers can store a large amount of information in a very small space. Computers can store billions of characters and perhaps thousands of images on disks that can be available for future use.

3. Accuracy

Computers can perform all calculations and comparisons accurately provided the hardware does not malfunction. All your arithmetical problems can be easily sorted out through computer.

4. Reliability

Computers are immune to tiredness and boredom or fatigue. Thus they are more reliable than human beings.

5. Versatility

Computers can perform repetitive jobs efficiently. They can solve labour problems or do hazardous jobs in a hostile environment. They even can work in the areas where the human brain can err, for instance, observing the motion of very fast-moving articles. Also, they can work with different types of data and information like graphics, audio-visual characters etc.

6. Computer reduces the cost of all data related operations including, input, output, storage, processing and transmission.

7. Computer greatly improves the speed of data input, output, processing and transmission.

8. The data input, output and processing speed of computers has enabled development of many applications requiring speedy continuous monitoring of a process or situation and responding to it very quickly in real time. For example, a small microcomputer in a car may continuously monitor the speed. Load and other condition of the car and accordingly control the fuel and air mixture to maximize the fuel-efficiency. In an entirely different kind of application, a computer may control the movement of a missile launched to interrupt a another missile fired by the enemy.

9. It is the fastest medium of communication rendering postal and telegraphic communication almost worthless.

10. Through computer your message or anything writer or photograph can reach any part of the world using internet facilities.

11. You can download any amount of material through computer.

12. Through video conferencing you can not only see each other but also talk with anybody living in any part of the world.

13. Through computer in interact we can easy access to hundreds upon thousands of websites that provide information for anything and everything.

Disadvantage of Computer

The use of Computer has also created some problems in society which are as follows:

1. Unemployment

Different tasks are performed automatically by using computers. It reduces the need of people and increases unemployment in society.

2. Wastage of time & energy

Many people use computers without positive purpose. They play games and chat for a long period of time. It causes wastage of time and energy. Young generation is now spending more time on the social media websites like Facebook, Twitter etc. or texting their friends all night through smartphones which is bad for both studies and their health. And it also has adverse effects on the social life.

3. Data Security

The data stored on a computer can be accessed by unauthorized persons through networks. It has created serious problems for the data security.

4. Computer crimes

People use the computer for negative activities. They hack the credit card numbers of the people and misuse them or they can steal important data from big organizations.

5. Privacy Violation

The Computers are used to store personal data of the people. The privacy of a person can be violated if the personal and confidential records are not protected property.

6. Health risks

The improper and prolonged use of computer can results in injuries or disorders of hands, wrists, elbows, eyes, necks and back. The users can avoid health risks by using the computer in proper position. They must also take regular breaks while using the computer for longer period of time. It is recommended to take a couple of minutes break after 30 minutes of computer usage.

7. Impact on Environment

The computer manufacturing process and computer waste are polluting the environment. The wasted parts of computer can release dangerous toxic materials. Green computer is a method to reduce the electrically consumed and environmental waste generated when using computer. It includes recycling and regulating manufacturing process. The used computers must be donated or disposed off property.

8. Lack of Physical activity

As computers are becoming more and more easy to access we are becoming unbelievable lazy and physically inactive. Simple outdoor activities like walking in a park or playing sports have been replaced by long gaming sessions and hours of internet browsing which is creating a generation who is extremely tech savvy but physically inactive.

9. Causes Poor blood circulation  

Using Computer for long hours means sitting in the same position which leads to poor blood circulation. This causes fatigue in the limbs, painful cramps and blood clots. Prolonged sitting is never healthy for the body and it is always advised to move around and do little excercises to stretch your body.

10. Creates tendency to skip meals

While working on a computer we often tend to forget to eat and end up skipping meals. Our mind loses the track of time and the consciousness to do other important activities like eating. And this is obviously unhealthy as our body needs food on time to get energy and do keep functioning properly.

11. Can result in overheating and obesity

As much as skipping meals is a disadvantage of using computers for long hours, over heating is also another problem we need to tackle. Just like while watching television or movies we need something to munch on, while on the computer too people tend to keep eating snacks or any other food. Moreover prolonged sitting and no movement causes fat to accumulate inside our bodies and risk obesity.

12. Poor posture causes body-ache

While using the computer for long hours little we care about our posture and end up having body-ache. The poor alignment of head, neck and shoulders causes pain and also has harmful everlasting effects on our body.

13. Causes headache

Using computers for long hours can cause severe headache which a lot of people complain about when they have to spend long hours working on the computer in Office or at home. Our body and mind obviously needs rest but when you are constantly using computer for abnormally long hours, the body is unable to get the rest.

14. Strain the eyes and causes poor eye sight.

15. Has an ill effect on education.

All things that we used has both advantage & disadvantage like Computer. Now it depends on us that how we used it.