Dr.
Supriyo Mandal,
Ph.D. (IIT Patna)
Postdoc (ZBW, University of
Kiel, Germany)
Day 1
Ø What is a computer
Ø Why computers
Ø Disadvantages
Ø Use of computers
An electronic device which is capable of receiving information (data) in a particular
form and of performing a sequence of operations in accordance with a
predetermined but variable set of procedural instructions (program) to produce a
result in the form of information or signals.
ØPlease note above
•Electronic apparatus (although the first
computers were mechanical and electro-
mechanical)
•Data processing
•Computer assisted controls or operations
•Can perform only those operations or
calculations that can be expressed in
logical and numerical terms.
A computer is an electronic data processing device, which accepts and stores data
input, processes the data input, and generates the output in a required format .
Input Output
Process
Data/Instructions
ü High Speed
§ Computer is a very fast device.
§ It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
§ It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will
spend many months to perform the same task.
Accuracy
§ In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
§ Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is correct.
Storage Capability
§ Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
§ A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
§ It can store large amount of data.
§ It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.
ü Diligence
§ Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of
concentration.
§ It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
§ It can perform repeated tasks with the same speed and accuracy.
ü Versatility
§ A computer is a very versatile machine.
§ A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
§ This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
§ At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment
it may be playing a card game.
ü Reliability
§ A computer is a reliable machine.
§ Modern electronic components have long lives.
§ Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
ü Automation
§ Computer is an automatic machine.
§ Automation is the ability to perform a given task automatically. Once the computer receives
a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer memory, then the program and
instruction can control the program execution without human interaction.
ü Reduction in Paper Work and Cost
§ The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper
work and results in speeding up the process.
§ As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of
maintenance of large number of paper files gets reduced.
§ Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high, it substantially reduces the
cost of each of its transaction.
ü No I.Q.
§ 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.
ü Dependency
§ It functions as per the user’s instruction, thus it is fully dependent on humans.
ü Environment
§ The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.
ü No Feelings
§ Computers have no feelings or emotions.
§ It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike
humans.
Ø Business
§ Payroll calculations
§ Budgeting
§ Sales analysis
§ Financial forecasting
§ Managing employee database
§ Maintenance of stocks, etc
Ø Banking
§ Payroll calculations
§ Budgeting
§ Sales analysis
§ Financial forecasting
§ Managing employee database
§ Maintenance of stocks, etc
Ø Insurance
§ Payroll Procedure to continue with policies
§ Starting date of the policies
§ Next due installment of a policy
§ Maturity date
§ Interests due
§ Survival benefits
§ Bonus
Ø Education
§ Keep students’ records
§ Computer based learning
§ Admission process
§ Placement centre
Ø Health care
§ Diagnostic system
§ Patient monitoring system
§ Hospital administration
§ Pharma information system
Ø Engineering design
§ Structural engineering
§ Architectural engineering
§ Industrial engineering
Ø Military
§ Missile Control
§ Military Communication
§ Military Operation and Planning
§ Smart Weapons
Ø Communication and social media
§ Email
§ Facebook
§ Twitter
§ Video conferencing
§ whatsapp
Ø Government services
§ Budgets
§ Sales tax department
§ Income tax department
§ Computation of male/female ratio
§ Computerization of voters lists
§ Computerization of PAN card
§ Weather forecasting
