A computer is an electronic device. It performs computation on inputted data by processing it. It is a cutting-edge device that can store large amounts of data, process it, and give desired results. Its results are accurate if the inputted data is correct, which makes it more popular at this time. In today’s time, computers are almost used in every domain, like education, research, medicine, law, retail, companies, etc.

Due to the popularity and usage of computers, there is no shelter in saying that today everyone has become dependent on them. There are some advantages and disadvantages to computers.

Advantages of Computers

• Speed − Computers can execute programmes quickly. Thousands of instructions can execute in milliseconds or seconds.

• Accuracy − Computers can perform very complex computations accurately in a very short period of time. If a user inputs the correct input to the computer, it gives accurate results that can be used in decision-making.

• Storage − Computers can store large amounts of data permanently. The data is saved in files, which can be accessed at any time; these files are saved for a long time period until a user deletes them.

• Power of Remembering − A computer stores data permanently. It forgets or loses certain information only when asked to do so.

• Versatility − A computer is a versatile device. It can run different programmes simultaneously.

• Diligently − A computer can do the assigned task diligently. A computer can work for hours without getting tired. Hence, it can do thousands of complex computations with the same accuracy.

• Automation − A computer is an automated device. It works without human intervention.

• No I.Q. − A computer does not have its own I.Q.; it carries out the predetermined tasks and does not take its own decisions.

• No Feelings − A computer does not have emotions. It works as per the given instructions by users.

Disadvantages of Computers

• Health Issues − Working long hours on computers leads to health issues. Student”s playing games and accessing related applications for long periods of time cause serious health problems.

• Spread of Pornography − The growing trend of the internet has spread pornography. In today”s time, pornography is a big threat to society and the youth.

• Virus and hacking attacks − Viruses are unwanted programmes that enter computers through networks or the internet. These programmes may steal information or damage computers. Sometimes these lock the application programmes of the computer to affect its working.

• No IQ − Computers cannot make their own decisions. Its functioning depends on human interventions.

• Negative effect on the environment − The increasing use of computers and automated devices has posed a major threat to the environment.

• Crashed Networks − Hackers may destroy the network, which affects the overall working of the existing system. In today’s time, most of the data is on servers, so destroying the network may be a serious threat to communication.

• Online cybercrimes − the practise of using a computer to facilitate unlawful activities including fraud, the trafficking of child pornography and other items of intellectual property, identity theft, and privacy violations The relevance of cybercrime, particularly over the Internet, has increased as the computer is most widely used in business, entertainment, and government.

• Data and information violation − A breach of confidentiality occurs when information is given to a third party without the data owner”s authorization. The owner of the data has the right to file for legal action to recover the potential losses.