What is a computer simple definition?

In simple terms, computer is a machine which can be instructed to accept,

process, store and output data. ... “Computer, machine that performs tasks,
such as calculations or electronic communication, under the control of a set
of instructions called a program.”

What do you mean by information technology?

Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to store, retrieve,

transmit, and manipulate data, or information, often in the context of a
business or other enterprise. IT is considered to be a subset
of information and communications technology (ICT).

What is the definition of ICT in education?

Information and Communication Technology In Education. ... "ICT stand for

information and communication technologies and is defined, as a "diverse
set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, and to
create, disseminate, store, and manage information."

what are the applications of computer?

Computer is a device through which you can perform a variety of jobs. You
can use your computer system for different applications by changing the
software packages. Here are the list of uses or applications of computer:

 Scientific research
 Business application
 Education
 Entertainment
 Banks
 Communication
 Engineering
  Medicine
 Book Publishing
 Games
 Personal
 Accounting

Let's briefly describe about all the above 12 basic Applications of Computer
one by one.

For Scientific Research

Scientific research was the first application of computer as computer was

first used to perform this job that is scientific research. At that time to now,
the speed and accuracy of computer enabled scientific analysis carried out
too fast.

Computer controlled robots must be used in all those areas where there is
danger to human being such as in nuclear research and deep sea
investigation etc.

For Business Application

Computer can also be used for the purpose of business.

Through computer, companies can grow their business as fast as possible

through quick analysis of their previous project on the computer screen
(according to the data feeded inside) and deciding what to do next without
any delay.

As from individual to multinational companies, all are using computer for

business purpose like keeping account information, stocks, prices, items
etc.

For Education
You can also use your computer system to educate yourself through audio,
videos or images etc.

Now-a-days, there are thousands of websites available over Internet that

are ready to deliver education for free in almost every subjects.

You can choose whether you want to learn online or offline. In online
learning, you can open any website to read your desired topic while in
offline learning you can learn through videos, PDFs photos etc., all these
documents can be downloaded through internet.

For Entertainment

Most of the persons are using computer for entertainment purposes such
as:

 watching movies
 watching videos
 listening songs
 photos
 animations etc.

Computer can be used to create these things in an attractive manner so

that user loves to enjoy the things.

In Banks

Banks are the place where there is continuous uses of computer or we can
says that banks are the major users of computers. For example, ATM
(Automated teller machine) is used where we are free to either deposit or
withdraw our cash in/from our Bank.

In banks, all information such as account holders detail, deposits,

withdrawal, interest, etc. are managed by computers.
Banks are also using computer network to interconnect all of its branches
so that their users feel always free to deposit his or her money in any
branch of the same bank.

For Communication

Using your computer system for the purpose of communication gives you a
lot of benefits. For example, if you will use email to send message or
anything to your friends or any of your contacts, then you don't have to use
pen and paper to write and take that paper to post office and then postman
will deliver that later after some or few days that will not good if you want to
send any urgent information to the same person.

Therefore, using email, you can also saves your time and cost to deliver
any information very fast. You only need a computer and internet
connectivity.

Now-a-days, peoples are using chat message, email, voice-mail etc. for
communication purpose.

You can also use computer to communicate through direct video

conference with your contacts/friends present at any place without any cost
except internet connectivity.

Now you have got enough idea about communication through computer.
It's time to move on another application of computer which is engineering.

For Engineering Purposes

Computer are also using for the purpose of Engineering, that is, to design
any machine without actually making it through CAD (Computer aided
design) softwares and once the design is accepted, and then using CAM
(Computer aided manufacturing) process company can produce a large
number of such products at very fast speed.
Architects are also using computers to draw and design individual houses
to big buildings like Apartments. There are a lot more uses of computer for
engineering purposes.

For Medicines Related

Computer plays an important role in medical field also. For example in ICU
(Intensive Care Unit) chamber in hospital, computer keeps track of each
and everything going inside the patient's body such as blood pressure and
Heartbeat etc.

Keeping record of patients and medicines are also becomes easy through
the use of Computer. Computer also plays an important role to perform CT
(Computed tomography) scan and X-Ray of patients to give the scanned
object of specified area of patient's body in the form of graphics like
images.

For Book Publishing

Book publishing becomes an easy task with the use of computer.

Book publishers are now using DTP (Desktop publishing) software like MS-
Word to publish their books.

For Games

Now-a-days, peoples are using computers most of the time to play games.

For online games to play, you must have the internet connectivity whereas
for offline games, you can start without any internet connectivity.

There are a variety of games available in computer world. Here are some
of the category available in the game field:

 action
  racing
 adventurous
 puzzle
 simulations
 combat etc.

Peoples are playing (mostly today's or new generation childs) games on

computer for few to many hours.

Some popular games are listed here:

 Minecraft
 Counter Strike
 PubG
 WoW
 Grand Theft Auto
 Skyrim
 Angry Bird
 Call of Duty
 Halo
 Pokemon
 Super Mario Bros etc.

For Personal Use

Computer can also be used for personal purposes.

One can use computer system to keep all the day-to-day details that are
essential to keep anywhere.

You can use it for personal things such as investments, incomes,

expenditures, savings etc.
For Accounting Purposes

Computers are highly used for accounting purposes to handle company

financial accounts and inventory management using some accounting
software like Tally.

With the use of computer the task of maintaining accounts become very
easy. Later you can also retrieve the data on the basis of various pattern or
requirement very easily.

Who are the users of Computers?

1) STANDARD USER
The regular Joe user who is able to install and delete applications, update
the system, but is otherwise unable to mess with the critical system files.

2) ADMINISTRATOR
The “god level” unrestricted user who has the power to install and delete
applications, copy and delete files, even cause a massive system crash by
messing with the critical system files.

3) GUEST
A restricted user that you can create for allowing a friend to access your
computer. Able to run the applications and maybe touch some files, but is
otherwise unable to install or delete anything.
4) POWER USER
The guys who have “used too much” computer and have some tech tricks
up the sleeve.

5) APPLICATION-ORIENTED USERS
These are the type of users who have been trained to use particular
software applications. Their purpose for using a computer, be it for school,
work, or play, is to exactly use those applications to complete a task.

6) HOME USERS
Examples – Gamers, streamers, artists.
The gaming and entertainment industry is huge… It is so common these
days to see people glued to the smartphone for gaming or watching videos.

7) ACADEMIC
Examples – Teachers and students.
Gone are the good old days where teachers write on chalkboards.
Computers simply offer a better way to teach with slides, images, and
videos; Also a better way to learn with illustrations and not a whole bunch
of text.

8) SCIENCE
Examples – Researchers and scientists.
To do all kinds of mad scientists calculations and simulations.

9) COMMERCE
Examples – Cashiers, managers, analysts, office workers.
 Computer users for the commerce section are so wide these days. To do
office work, manage customer orders, generate reports, monthly sales,
warehouse management, etc…

10) MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION

Examples – Publishers, operators, managers.
Hand made with love these days are rare. Factories adopt computers and
machines for mass production these days, people use computers to control
and manage the production line.

Types of Computer

Supercomputer
The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing are the
Supercomputers. These are specialized and task specific computers used by large
organizations. These computers are used for research and exploration purposes, like NASA
uses supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling them and for space
exploration purpose.
The supercomputers are very expensive and very large in size. It can be accommodated in
large air-conditioned rooms; some super computers can span an entire building.
Popular Supercomputers
 IBM’s Sequoia, in United States
 Fujitsu’s K Computer in Japan
 IBM’s Mira in United States
 IBM’s SuperMUC in Germany
 NUDT Tianhe-1A in China

Mainframe Computer
Although Mainframes are not as powerful as supercomputers, but certainly they are quite
expensive nonetheless, and many large firms & government organizations uses Mainframes
to run their business operations. The Mainframe computers can be accommodated in large
air-conditioned rooms because of its size. Super-computers are the fastest computers with
large data storage capacity, Mainframes can also process & store large amount of data.
Banks educational institutions & insurance companies use mainframe computers to store
data about their customers, students & insurance policy holders.
Popular Mainframe Computers
Fujitsu’s ICL VME Hitachi’s Z800
 Minicomputer
Minicomputers are used by small businesses & firms. Minicomputers are also called as
“Midrange Computers”. These are small machines and can be accommodated on a disk
with not as processing and data storage capabilities as super-computers &
Mainframes. These computers are not designed for a single user. Individual departments of
a large company or organizations use Mini-computers for specific purposes. For example, a
production department can use Mini-computers for monitoring certain production process.

Popular Minicomputers
 K-202
 Texas Instrument TI-990
 SDS-92
 IBM Midrange computers

Microcomputer
Desktop computers, laptops, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets & smartphones are all
types of microcomputers. The micro-computers are widely used & the fastest growing
computers. These computers are the cheapest among the other three types of computers.
The Micro-computers are specially designed for general usage like entertainment,
education and work purposes. Well known manufacturers of Micro-computer are Dell,
Apple, Samsung, Sony & Toshiba.
Desktop computers, Gaming consoles, Sound & Navigation system of a car, Netbooks,
Notebooks, PDA’s, Tablet PC’s, Smartphones, Calculators are all type of Microcomputers.
These computers include:

 Desktop computers – A case put under or on a desk. The display may be optional,
depending on use. The case size may vary, depending on the required expansion slots.
Very small computers of this kind may be integrated into the monitor.
 Rackmount computers – The cases of these computers fit into 19-inch racks, and may
be space-optimized and very flat. A dedicated display, keyboard, and mouse may not
exist, but a KVM switch or built-in remote control (via LAN or other means) can be used
to gain console access.
 In-car computers (carputers) – Built into automobiles, for entertainment, navigation,
etc.
 Game consoles – Fixed computers built specifically for entertainment purposes.
 Laptops and notebook computers – Portable and all in one case.
 Tablet computer – Like laptops, but with a touch-screen, entirely replacing the physical
keyboard.
 Smartphones, smartbooks, PDAs and palmtop computers – Small handheld
computers with limited hardware.(Internal storage
 Programmable calculator– Like small handhelds, but specialized on mathematical
work.
 Handheld game consoles – The same as game consoles, but small and portable.