Advantages Or Characteristics Of Computer

Keep remember – Advantages and Characteristics Of Computer are same. First of all, we will make
discussion about advantages of computer, which is given below.

1. High Speed – A computer is a high speed device capable of performing arithmetic at unbelievable
speed. The units of speed in computer are microsecond (millionths), the nanosecond (thousand
millionths) and even the picosecond (million-mllionths.) A powerful computer is capable of adding
together two 18-digit numbers in 300 to 400 nanoseconds (i.e. about 3 million calculations per second).
Consider an example from non numerical environment. The manual indexing of the complete work of
Thomas Aquinas (approximately 13 million words) would have taken 50 scholars about 40 years to
accomplish. With the aid of computers a few scholars did it in less than a year.

2. Accuracy – Computers never commits errors in processing. Computerized systems sometimes do

produce wrong results but in almost all such cases the error is because of wrong input of data and
instructions. Computers today are capable of calculating upto eight or more significant digits with
remarkable precision.

3. Storage – The internal memory of the computer is not sufficient enough to hold the data and
information for subsequent usage. To overcome this limitation auxiliary storage devices such as floppy
disks, hard disks, CD-ROM etc. are used. By storing data and information in these devices we can display
the information again and again whenever desired.

4. Reliability – The reliability of the computers is indeed very high. Modern electronic components have
long failure free lives. A microprocessor chip is said to have a life of 40 years even under adverse
conditions and much before it falls, it will become obsolete. Computers are also designed so as to make
maintenance easy. Most of the hardware is in module form. When a component fails, the component
can be replaced or repaired at a minimal cost.

5. Versatility – This is the fifth characteristics of Computer, computer is a very versatile machine. This
machine can be used to solve the problems relating to various different fields. At one instant, it may Je
solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment it may be playing a chess game and then
be busy in taking up a payroll problem.

6. Automation – Once a program and instructions are input in the computers memory, the individual
instructions can control the program execution. The operator need not make intervention when
program is being executed because the instructions automatically take care of the steps to be processed
to solve the problem.

7. Diligence

A computer can operate twenty four hours continously without taking any rest. It works with same
concentration even if 100 million instructions are to be performed, it will perform the 100th million
instruction with the same accuracy as the first instruction.

8. Data Base – The use of computer facility in business organisation facilitates establishment of
database. Data base integrates data records and reduces data redundancy.

9. Reduction in Paper Work – The use of computers for data processing has helped the management of
business organisation to cope with the increasing problem of paper handling not only by speeding up
the process, but also by eliminating some of the paper needs through the storage of data in elaborately
constructed data bases and files where they can be retrieved when needed.

10. Reduces Cost – Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high but it substantially
reduces the cost of each of its transaction.
11. Facilitates Report Preparation – Data maintained with the help of a computer facilitates the
preparation of various type of reports required by organisational executives for the purpose of decision
making and control.

12. Reduce the space requirements – The use of computer for office activities reduces the requirements
of office space which otherwise is required.

13. Reduce the manpower requirement – The number of persons required for performing various
organisational activities will be reduced by using a computer system.

14. Increased ability to perform computations – The use of computer has helped in performing
computations with speed.

15. Intangible Benefits of computer – It includes, customer image, leadership in the industry and
community, increased customer morale and management confidence.

Disadvantages of a Computer:

01: Cyber Crime: Since the computer is now used all over the world by millions of people to save data,
hence there are some people who try to get the data by hacking an account. The illegal way of deriving
information by sneaking through other’s account is known as cybercrime. People also hack other
people’s social media account and do unwanted things to get them into trouble. There are some
agencies which try to arrest these kinds of people.

02: Increases Unemployment: Computers have taken the place of man as computers are very fast and
accurate and also save money and time. Due to this, unemployment has increased.

03: Uses Electricity: Some people are so dependent on a computer that they sit in front of a computer
screen for the whole day. This uses a lot of electricity. Since electricity is an exhaustible resource, we
must use it wisely.
04: Dependence: Some people are so addicted and dependent on a computer that they cannot 05: live
without it. It creates problems among loved ones and family members.

06: Makes People Lazy: Due to the convenience of the computer, people deny doing physical activity.
This has made people lazy and unhealthy.