Computer are versatile machines and thus influences our daily lives in so many ways(both positively and negatively) including our professions; medicine, education,engineering,law,architecture,estate management,science,business,banking and finance etc.The list is almost endless. In this chapter,,our discussion shall focus on applications of computer and how they affect the society in general.However,it is note worthy that our discussion may not be exhaustive but seeks to acquaint the reader with a fwe of the ways computer is contributing to the society.
Discussion on computer applications cannot be exhausted. This topic could consume several volumes of texts without completion.But will attempt to cover extensively,the various applications of computer. The objectives of this chapter include:
(a). to provide insight into the applications of computer in the various field of human endavour
(b). to highlight as much as possible,the various software and hardware used in these fields
(c). to extract yhe social benefits of computers and their implications in the society
Criteria for the application of computers
The following are the criteria by which to judge task' possible suitability to the computers.
i. volume: computer is particularly suitable for handling large amounts of data.Computer are suitable for application requiring efficient storage of large amount of data.
ii. Accuracy: Computer satisfies the need for a high degree of accuracy and its consistency can be relied upon.
iii. Repetitiveness: Processing cycles that repeat themselves over again are ideally suitable to computers.Once programmed, the computergoes on efficiently and automatically performing as many cycles as required.
iv. Complexity: Computer can perform the most complex calculations as long as the application can be programmed, and can provide the answers required.
v. Speed: Computers work at phenomenal speeds. This, combined with the ability to access records directly and from remote areas, enables them to respond very quickly to any given command.
vi.Common Data: One set of data can affect several different procedures.Thus once stored in the computer can be accessed as many times as possible.This contrast a manual system where an input data will go through many separate independent procedures.
Computer in medicine
Many of the modern-day medical equipment have small , programmed computers,i.e, they work on pre-programmed instructions.The circuity and logic in most of the medical equipment is basically a computer.The functioning of hospital-bed beeping systems,emergency alarm systems, X-ray machines and several such medical appliances is based on computer logic.Many system have already evolved for the development of medical monitoring which could help humans to properly monitor their own health.In many case, doctors and surgeons also use use sophisticated computers aided equipment to treat their patients.
Computer in Education
The use of computers in education can be viewed from two perspectives: as s focus of learning and as an aid to learning process. The first view is embedded in the concept of computer literacy. That is, the creation of computer awareness and the advances in the field of computer.
Computer awareness involves the knowledge of basic computers concept.This includes meaning of computer,computer terminologies, how the computer works and how it can be used to solve problems.Most Universities in the country have engaged the teaching of computer studies to non- computer science students and staff for the sake of creating this awareness.
Computer in Government
Government finds the computer as a very useful machine generally in the area of planning administration and management.Government can use computer in planning for development,population census and the provision of facilities to her citizenry.There are specific areas where government can use computer to enhance her functionality and performance.These areas include: Military,Education, Health,Agriculture,Transportation,Police and crime prevention ,Industrial and commercial Development ,Law Enforcement Provision ,Sport,Finance, and Tax Administration.There are however a lot of other area the government makes use of computer.
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