COMPUTER
OR, THE USES AND ABUSES OF COMPUTER
The age we live in is an age of science. Science has given man so many wonderful gifts. Computer is one of them. It has now become an essential part of modern life. It has greatly benefited us and brought about revolutionary changes in our life.
Charles Babez at first thought about a formula which could help human brain. It is true that he could not invent the computer but he took the initiative to research leading to the invention of mnoderm computer. The credit for the invention of modern computer goes to Mr Howard Akin, an American scientist of Harvard University. In 1937 he invented such a machine that could do difficult sums. After seven years electric computer was used in Harvard.
Essentially a computer performs three functions. It receives data, processes data by various computations and emits data. It consists of five major components-the input unit, the output unit, the memory unit, the control unit and arithmetic unit. The input and output units consist of devices that permit a computer to receive or exhibit information.
Computer is of great use to us. It is used in our daily life for various purposes. In a few minutes a computer can perform calculations that trained mathematicians would need years to complete. The, fastest computers can 'handle millionS of problems in a few seconds.
It cannot only solve complex mathematical problems quickly and accurately, but also perform many operations at one and the same time without any confusion. It is used in printing books, preparing results of various examinations.
Computer is used by doctors to diagnose diseases and in emergency operations. Trains, planes and cars are run by computer. Nowadays, computers are used in data processing, handling the fast paper work of industry, commerce and government. Modern banking would be impossible without computers. Computer has brought new speed and accuracy to weather forecasting. It is hoped that computer will be able to think and act independently in near future.
It can run a business, play chess, or even compose music. This is why, many people call the computer "an electronic brain."
Many government and non-government offices, educational institutions and banks in Bangladesh are using computer. A course on computer has been introduced by the boards of education at secondary and the higher secondary levels.
Computer is the greatest contribution of modern science. It has curtailed human labours and given more facilities for us. We are greatly indebted to computer for our present comfort and convenience.