The computer and its uses

Few industries have changed so much in such a short time as the computer industry, and the pace of change shows no sign of slowing. The computer now has a role in almost every aspect of modern life, and it has radically affected the way people work, play, study and organize their lives.

As we enter the 21st century, computers are influencing ways of teaching and learning, as access to computers in schools is becoming more widespread and varied. (O)–H

In a teaching mode, computers provide a wide variety of information and practice material. They can also play a testing role in a range of subjects including Maths, English and Modern Languages. The one-to-one interaction students have with the computer, along with the immediate response to their answers, help to promote independent learning. (I)

In the fast-changing world of business, employees are being physically removed from the workplace and the proximity of their colleagues, while remaining virtually connected via telephone, and the Internet. Laptop computers enable business-people who travel to have access to important information at the touch of a key. (2)

Computers are used to solve time-consuming data-management problems, such as payroll calculations, keeping stock records, bank account transactions, airline reservations, and scientific and engineering computations. Computers are also important in the collection, organisation, storage, retrieval and interpretation of information. (3)

In the film industry, computers are used to create graphics for scenes which would have been inconceivable in the past. This technique was used for films like “Jurassic Park” where the incredibly realistic scenes of dinosaurs were all computer-generated.

(4) Additionally, computer technology enables the training of pilots in flight simulators. Not only do these create the illusion of flying but they are safer and cheaper than training staff in airplanes. In the home, the computer has become a great source of entertainment with the introduction of interactive Virtual Reality programs which are available on CD-ROM or through the Internet. They enable people located in different places to come together and interact with one another in real time using speech, sound and 3-D animated graphics. (5)

Nowadays, computers come equipped not only with a mouse, but also a host of different devices. Such components are essential if you are to spend any time on­line, whether it is playing games or researching any number of topics on the Internet.(6) It is possible to explore sites on anything you are interested in, or even chat with celebrities, experts and others who share your interest. Keep up with the latest news, fashions and reports. Look up facts on everything from who invented the plane to where to go on holiday.

In the future, today’s technology will probably become obsolete as machines become more powerful.(7) The development of smaller machines will mean that it will be possible to condense all the written knowledge in the world into devices the size of a child’s notebook. All human knowledge will literally be at your fingertips.

A Another area where computers are used is in the military, especially in the development of weapons and surveillance equipment to use in satellites for spying.

B Here you can access all kinds of valuable information and the beauty of it is that you do not need to leave your house to find it.

C Then, there may well be a microchip in each telephone receiver with more computing power than the huge machines of today.

D In fact, they are essential tools in almost every field of work from constructing models of the universe to predicting tomorrow’s weather reports.

E Outside the classroom, computers provide people with greater flexibility and freedom, and also allow them to organize their time in a more productive way.

F Programs like these can often be downloaded free from different sites.

G Connections through a modem allow them to transfer data anywhere in the world.

H Their use enables the learner to develop at his or her own pace and makes the whole learning process more flexible.

I Computers are machines which take over more mechanical aspects of our brain.

Look at new computers on the Internet or in magazines. Find one you like. Make a note of its specifications. Bring your notes to class and say why you like it. Build a class file of computers with information about them.