What are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers?

The computer is an electronic device that is capable to perform Arithmetic, Logical and Relational operations within a fraction of a second. It is now a daily need and most used utility. A computer is a device that can receive, process, and store data. They are used as tools in every part of society together with the Internet.

This article will inform you about some advantages and disadvantages of Computers in detail.

Almost every computer offers the following five core functions :

1. Taking data as input.
2. Processing the data and converts it into useful information.
3. Storing the data/instructions in its memory and use them when required.
4. Generating the output.
5. Controlling all the above four steps

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

The following points demonstrate the characteristics/advantages of computers in today’s arena :

Speed: The computer is capable of performing calculations of a substantial amount of data. It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds, which may or may not possible for humans in many months.

Accuracy: The calculations performed by computers are 100% error-free. Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy, provided that correct input has been given.

Automation : Automation means a machine’s ability to perform the given task with minimum human intervention automatically. Once a program is given to a computer, i.e., stored in computer memory, the program and instruction can control the program execution without human interaction.

Storage : A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings. It can store a large amount of data. It can store any data such as images, videos, text, audio, and many others.

Cost Reduction: Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high, it substantially reduces the cost of each of its transactions by its use.

Adaptability: A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done. We can use this machine to solve problems related to various fields.

Paper Work Reduction: The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to a reduction in paperwork and speeding up a process. As the data in files can be retrieved or retracted as and when required, the problem of maintaining a large number of paper files gets reduced.

Diligence: Computer never exhausts, dull, and never has lack of concentration. It can work continuously and consistently without getting any errors.

Reliability: A computer is a reliable machine; they are consistently good in quality or performance. Modern electronic components have long lives. Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.

DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

The following points demonstrate the disadvantages of computers in today’s arena.

Dependency: It functions as per a user’s instruction, fully dependent on human beings.

Environment: The operating environment of the computer should be dust-free and suitable.

No IQ: A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task. Each instruction has to be given to the computer. A computer cannot take any decision on its own.

No Feeling: Computers have no feelings or emotions. It cannot make judgments based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge, unlike a human being.