Computers have their application or utility everywhere. We find their applications in almost every sphere of life–particularly in fields where computations are required to be done at a very fast speed and where data is so complicated that the human brain finds it difficult to cope up with.

As you must be aware, computer now-a-days are being used almost in every department to do the work at a greater speed and accuracy. Some of the prominent areas of computer applications are:

Office Automation:

Office automation is the process of automating office tasks using computers. Many types of tasks are performed in an office. These tasks include:

1. Decision-making

2. Data manipulation

3. Document handling

4. Communication and storage

Many computer technologies are used to perform these activities in an office easily. Some computerized systems used in an office are follows:

1. Document Management system (DMS)

DSM consists of different applications like word processing, desktop publishing reprographic, image processing and archival storage applications.

1 Word Processing: is used to create documents electronically. It is used to produce high-quality letters, proposals, reports and brochures etc.

2 Desktop Publishing: is used to make these documents attractive with photos and graphics etc. it is used to publish the documents.

3 Spreadsheet Application: is used to maintain records and calculate expenses, profits and losses. It is also used to perform mathematical, statistical and logical processing.

4 Reprographics: is a process of reproducing multiple copies of a document.

5 Image processing: is used to scan and store an image in computer. It can also modify and improve the quality of images.

2. Message Handling System

It is used to send messages or documents from one location to another. Many techniques are used for this purpose such as facsimile (fax), email and voice mail etc.

3. Office Support System

It is used to coordinate and manage the activities of a workgroup. The members of a workgroup can share their work and coordinate with one another. Groupware and desktop organizers are examples of this system.

Medical field :

1. Hospital Administration

Hospital is an important organization. We can use computer for the administration of a hospital. We can computerize the accounting, payroll and stock system of the hospital. We can keep the record of different medicines, their distribution and use in different wards etc.

2. Recording Medical History

Computer can be used to store medical history of patients. We can store important facts about patients in computer we can keep record if his past treatment, suggested medicines and their results. Such systems can be very effective and helpful for doctors.

3. Monitoring systems

Some serious patients must be monitored continuously. Monitoring is needed especially in operation theatres and intensive care units. Many computerized device are used to monitor the blood pressure, heartbeat and brain of the patients.

4. Life Support System life support systems are used to help the disabled persons. Many devices are used that help deaf person to hear, scientists are trying to create a device to help blind person to see.

5. Diagnosis of Diseases

Different software are available to store data about different diseases and their symptoms. Diagnosis of disease is possible by entering the symptoms of a patient. Different computerized devices are used in laboratories for different tests of blood.

Defense field:

There are many uses computers in defence such as:

1) Controlling UAV or unmanned air-crafts an example is Predator. If you have cable I would recommend watching the shows ” Future Weapons” and ” Modern Marvles”. The show future weapons gives an entire hour to the predator.

2) They are also used on Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) that uses GPS and Computers to help the missile get to the target.

3) Computers are used to track incoming missiles and help slew weapons systems onto the incoming target to destroy them.

4) Computers are used in helping the military find out where all their assets are (Situational Awareness) and in Communications/Battle Management Systems.

5) Computers are used in the logistic and ordering functions of getting equipments to and around the battlefield.

6) Computers are used to hold records of personnel and very useful in field hospitals.

7) Computers are used in tanks and planes and ships to target enemy forces, help run the platform and more recently to help diagnose any problems with the platforms.

8) Computers are used as gateways between different computer networks and to host security functions (crypto systems).

9) Computers help design and test new systems.

10) Computers are used to hold documents, maintenance records and records of events.