HISTORY OF COMPUTER: BASIC COMPUTING PERIODS

Definition of Computer
• Computer is a programmable machine.
• Computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the
ability to store, retrieve, and process data.
• Computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a list of instructions
(program).
• Computer is any device which aids humans in performing various kinds of
computations or calculations.

Three principal characteristics of computer:

• It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.
• It can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions.
• It can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.

Applications of ICT (Computers) in Our Daily Lives

1. Business
Almost every business uses computers nowadays. They can be employed to store and
maintain accounts, personnel records, manage projects, track inventory, create
presentations and reports. They enable communication with people both within and
outside the business, using various technologies, including e-mail. They can be used
to promote the business and enable direct interaction with customers.

2. Education
Computers can be used to give learners audio-visual packages, interactive exercises,
and remote learning, including tutoring over the internet. They can be used to access
educational information from intranet and internet sources, or via e-books. They can
be used to maintain and monitor student performance, including through the use of
online examinations, as well as to create projects and assignments.

3. Healthcare
Healthcare continues to be revolutionized by computers. As well as digitized medical
information making it easier to store and access patient data, complex information can
also NCES GEED 20133 – Living in the IT Era PAGE | 6 6 be analyzed by software to
aid discovery of diagnoses, as well as search for risks of diseases. Computers control
lab equipment, heart rate monitors, and blood pressure monitors. They enable doctors
to have greater access to information on the latest drugs, as well as the ability to share
information on diseases with other medical specialists.

4. Retail and Trade

Computers can be used to buy and sell products online - this enables sellers to reach
a wider market with low overheads, and buyers to compare prices, read reviews, and
choose delivery preferences. They can be used for direct trading and advertising too,
using sites such as eBay, Craigslist, or local listings on social media or independent
websites.

5. Government
Various government departments use computers to improve the quality and efficiency
of their services. Examples include city planning, law enforcement, traffic, and
tourism. Computers can be used to store information, promote services, communicate
internally and externally, as well as for routine administrative purposes.

6. Marketing
Computers enable marketing campaigns to be more precise through the analysis and
manipulation of data. They facilitate the creation of websites and promotional
materials. They can be used to generate social media campaigns. They enable direct
communication with customers through email and online chat.

7. Science
Scientists were one of the first groups to adopt computers as a work tool. In science,
computers can be used for research, sharing information with other specialists both
locally and internationally, as well as collecting, categorizing, analyzing, and storing
data. Computers also play a vital role in launching, controlling, and maintaining space
craft, as well as operating other advanced technology.

8. Publishing
Computers can be used to design pretty much any type of publication. These might
include newsletters, marketing materials, fashion magazines, novels, or newspapers.
Computers are used in the publishing of both hard-copy and e-books. They are also
used to market publications and track sales.

9. Arts and Entertainment

Computers are now used in virtually every branch of the arts, as well as in the wider
entertainment industry. Computers can be used to create drawings, graphic designs,
and paintings. They can be used to edit, copy, send, and print photographs. They can
be used by writers to create and edit. They can be used to make, record, edit, play,
and listen to music. They can be used to capture, edit and watch videos. They can be
used for playing games.

10. Communication
Computers have made real-time communication over the internet easy, thanks to
software and videoconferencing services such as Skype. Families can connect with
audio and video, businesses can hold meetings between remote participants, and news
organizations can interview people without the need for a film crew. Modern
computers usually have microphones and webcams built-in nowadays to facilitate
software like Skype. Older communications technologies such as email are also still
used widely.

11. Banking and Finance

Most banking in advanced countries now takes place online. You can use computers
to check your account balance, transfer money, or pay off credit cards. You can also
use computer technology to access information on stock markets, trade stocks, and
manage investments. Banks store customer account data, as well as detailed
information on customer behavior which is used to streamline marketing.

12. Transport
Road vehicles, trains, planes, and boats are increasingly automated with computers
being used to maintain safety and navigation systems, and increasingly to drive, fly, or
steer. They can also highlight problems that require attention, such as low fuel levels,
oil changes, or a failing mechanical part. Computers can be used to customize settings
for individuals, for example, seat setup, air-conditioning temperatures.

13. Navigation
Navigation has become increasingly computerized, especially since computer
technology has been combined with GPS technology. Computers combined with
satellites mean that it's now easy to pinpoint your exact location, know which way that
you are moving on a map, and have a good idea of amenities and places of interest
around you.

14. Working From Home

Computers have made working from home and other forms of remote working
increasingly common. Workers can access necessary data, communicate, and share
information without commuting to a traditional office. Managers are able to monitor
workers' productivity remotely.

15. Military
Computers are used extensively by the military. They are use for training purposes.
They are used for analyzing intelligence data. They are used to control smart
technology, such as guided missiles and drones, as well as for tracking incoming
missiles and destroying them. They work with other technologies such as satellites to
provide geospatial information and analysis. They aid communications. They help
tanks and planes to target enemy forces.

16. Social and Romance

Computers have opened up many ways of socializing that didn't previously exist.
Social media enables people to chat in text or audio in real time across large
distances, as well as exchange photographs, videos, and memes. Dating sites and
apps help people to find romance. Online groups help people to connect with others
who have similar interests. Blogs enable people to post a variety of views, updates, and
experiences. Online forums enable discussions between people on specialist or general
topics.

17. Booking Vacations

Computers can be used by travelers to study timetables, examine route options, and
buy plane, train, or bus tickets. They can be used to explore and book
accommodation, whether traditional hotels, or through newer services, such as Air
BnB. Guided tours, excursions, events, and trips can also be explored and booked
online using computers.

18. Security and Surveillance

Computers are increasingly being combined with other technologies to monitor people
and goods. Computers combined with biometric passports make it harder for people to
fraudulently enter a country or gain access to a passenger airplane. Face-recognition
technology makes it easier to identify terrorists or criminals in public places. Driver
plates can be auto scanned by speed cameras or police cars. Private security systems
have also become much more sophisticated with the introduction of computer
technology and internet technology.

19. Weather Forecasting

The world's weather is complex and depends upon a multitude of factors that are
constantly changing. It's impossible for human beings to monitor and process all the
information coming in from satellite and other technologies, never mind perform the
complex calculations that are needed to predict what is likely to happen in the future.
Computers can process the large amounts of meteorological information.

20. Robotics
Robotics is an expanding area of technology which combines computers with science
and engineering to produce machines that can either replace humans, or do specific
jobs that humans are unable to do. One of the first use of robotics was in
manufacturing to build cars. Since then, robots have been developed to explore areas
where conditions are too harsh for humans, to help law enforcement, to help the
military, and to assist healthcare professionals.