This document summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of computers. It discusses how computers can positively impact various fields such as education, home, medicine, business, entertainment, government, law, and industry. However, it also notes some disadvantages such as potential health issues from overuse, distraction, and privacy/security risks. The document provides an overview of how computers have revolutionized and will continue transforming the processing of data and information.

1. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
A Term Paper
Presented to
Prof. Babylyn G. Retanan
Rizal Technological University
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements
in English 2
Jester A. Paquera
March 2013

2. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
I Introduction
II Computer
III Computer change the world
IV Computer affects the world
V Advantages and disadvantages of computer
VI Conclusion

3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
Introduction
The advantages are plentiful. Buying merchandise on line can save you
boat loads of money. The internet has every subject known to man. The
advantages consist of access to the internet, which in end enables a user to
communicate with other friends and people around the world. The computer itself
can process information faster than even the smartest/fastest human, and can
answer some questions even we can't. Also, the computer enables us to do
much work while sitting in one chair and staring at a screen. People can find
work off their computers and even make money working with their computers.
The disadvantages are as follows, the obvious upkeep of a computer can be a
hassle. When one gets in to computers and buys an excellent computer, it
enables the user to do all the advantages listed above but never without a few
disadvantages. Besides the upkeep, computers can mean wasted time. The
computer is probably the biggest time waster available, since it has so many
features, and with a little money, you can gain even more features.(Michael,
2006)
A computer is an electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process
data, perform calculation; and present results based on a program given to it by a
programmer. (Tiamson, 2006)
New generation of computer technology will continue to affect the
processing of data and information. Data collection continues to become easier,
data processing is getting faster and faster, mathematical calculations continue
to be performed with increased precession, and information is being provided to
users in generally more useful forms. And one of the best improvements that new
technology brings us is that computers continue to become easier to use.

4. Many people have been afraid of computers, but great strides have been
made in transforming the computer into a friendlier, less mysterious tool. Input
devices have become easier to use, and software is easier to understand than
ever before. In addition to being fast and easy to use, the computer also brings
us a math facility that many of us thought was eternally beyond our reach. Have
you ever had difficulty balancing your checkbook or creating a budget? Or is your
life overshadow by math anxiety? Many of us find it difficult to consistently
perform mathematical calculations accurately by hand. Sooner or later we make
a mistake. One of the major advantages of a computer is that, with the proper
software, it will perform calculations quickly and accurately, with much greater
precision and speed than would be possible manually. Thus math anxiety will not
prevent you from providing your employer with, for example, complicated
statistical or financial reports. (Sawyer and Hutchinson, 1988)
According to Shane Fletcher, (2008) computers have changed everything
in the world. Here is a list why computers have changed the world: Making new
friendship - You can now go onto a website, talk to anyone around the world. If
you look back in the olden days, people had to approach other people. Playing
with friends and other people - You can now play with friends, family and other
people other the web. This can be on Xbox, PS3 and PC gaming. If there was no
computer, you would play games like cards, dices etc. with friends which are
around your area. Information - I know this very well, going to the library,
searching for information which I need to know etc. Now, you can just get a
computer and look on the internet, simple, quick and easy. Also, information
could be that if someone thinks they know it will, they can search on the web and
see what other people think. Now with computers all data can be stored on a
database (a server). Even the information can be shared all over the business. If
there was no computer, the paper work could get ruined by using it to any times.
OH, and also meetings. Some businesses allow business meetings online, with
webcam. This is easier for people around to world to be a part of a meeting
without flying. This is only a few of many things why computers have changed
the world.

5. For BigBatch, (2009) economically, our world is being polluted in
production and usage of electricity. But aside from that, Computers and new
technology is making life easier for everyone and is becoming easier each day.
But with so much freedom we need to become more responsible with our health.
With all these new computers and technology there are more people not keeping
fit because of such addictions in front of a computer?All in all, there are a lot of
things that we favor with computers. Such as; Online profiles (MySpace,
Facebook, Bebo. etc.), Online Shopping (EBay, online shops), Forums and
online communities, E-mail and instant messaging... and so much more. The
computers and internet has brought the world to talk to each other bring people
around the world closer no matter where they are. The internet brings knowledge
and you can learn many things from it with the information it can provide.
COMPUTER IN EDUCATION
In recent years, educators have been involved with computers in three
ways; (1) they teach students about computers; (2) they teach students about a
variety of subjects such as math, language skills, reading, and grammar using
computers (computer –assisted instruction); and (3) they use computer classes
have been offered at the college level since the mid- 1950. Today many schools
at all levels offer students some exposure to computers. Many colleges and
universities now have their own microcomputer training labs. In addition, their
libraries may use computers to aid in library searches and in management, and
their special education departments are probably instructing students in the use
of custom-developed programs and hardware to aid in the education of
handicapped children and adult’s. (Sawyer, et al 1988)
There are disadvantages to integrating these technological devices into a
classroom. Computers offer convenience and allow students to create polished
products, but with these advantages come potential problems that could lead to
decreased educational effectiveness within a classroom and allow for problems
down the line in the child's schooling. It destroys the study of children as they
play games instead of visiting informative sites to gain some informationCut and

6. paste. Rather than thinking about the answers, students often just cut and paste
from various websites. This now leads to students actually being caught out by
plagiarism (stealing other people’s ideas and words) because they don't say
where they got the information from. This can lead to students actually losing all
the marks for coursework if the examination board uses the anti-plagiarism
software that is out there now.
COMPUTER IN HOME
Computer also has disadvantages and in biological way. After long sitting
with computer and watching to the monitor eyes become very tired and it's can
be very dangerously for the sight. Using computer in wrong way can take from
you lot of free time. (Sawyer, et al 1988)
Computers are such versatile tools that people are bringing them into
their homes in increasing numbers. A wide variety of software is available for
home use, including (1) educational software for young children, (2) personal
financial management software, and (3) entertainment software. Many
professionals also use their homes computers to do some work-related tasks at
homes or even run businesses from the home, using typical business software
packages and modern communications technology.
COMPUTER IN MEDICINE
The use of computer in the health-care industry has grown tremendously
in the past years. The computer has become a valuable resource in the
management of records of physicians, nurses, pharmacist, nutritionist, hospital,
and medical insurance companies, as well as patient diagnosis and physiological
monitoring. Computers are used to process mountains of medical administrative
paperwork, including millions of patient insurance claims; patient billing forms;
inventory control accounts to track the availability and use of beds; and extensive
patient records and histories of test results, treatments, and medicines. (Sawyer,
et al 1988)

7. Recent computer-related developments in the medical profession involve
the use of computer system to assist in patient diagnosis. CAT and PET
scanners (not named after animals, but acronyms from long technical names –
computerized axial tomography and positive emission tomography) can take
computerized axial “pictures” of the interior of the brain and other parts of the
body. Many of devices found in the intensive care units are also computerized –
such as the electrocardiograph system used to record the pulses that cause a
patient’s heartbeat.
Computers often will distract from interaction with patients as the nurse,
aid, or doctor will spend more time charting than before, although the charting is
more detailed with the use of computers. Computers fail and when they do it puts
more strain on the staff to perform the same function when they do go
down.Computers are at risk from hackers and it is far easier for people to gain
access to patient information that they have no right to view, causing more
difficulty to ensure HIPPA laws are enforced.
COMPUTER IN BUSINESS
Computers are also being used in business to collect and analyze data, to
produce concise information for management in a clear format suitable for
making decisions, and to help managers avoid being overloaded with
unnecessary information. There are some disadvantages that should be
considered by businesses owners who have been slow in embracing computers.
COMPUTER IN ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS
Special effects expert are in demand, as are those who combine musical
talent with the ability to operate computer-based musical equipment. People who
are trained in video production and modern communications can find work in
broadcasting, journalism, advertising, and a number of the other fields. And, of
course, game companies and software companies are in need people to
developed computerized games.In sports, athletes’ performances are being
analyzed and improved by the use of computers. Sports medicine has also

8. become much more effective through the use of computer systems to analyze
and treat injuries.
COMPUTERS IN GOVERNMENT
Government is by far one of the biggest computer users in the world
today. It would almost be impossible to collect, tabulate, and categorize the
colossal amount of data colossal amount of data the U.S government must deal
with daily without the aid of computers. To a large extent, the U.S. defense
system, among others, is based on computer technology. Vast networks of
computers work together to coordinate and disseminate strategic information
relating to the management and deployment of armed forces. Satellites are used
to collect and communicate data and information, and the weapons systems
have computerized components. Many weapons are now considered “smart”
weapons because they can collect data, process it into information, and use it in
military strategies. Of course, whether or not people are smart enough to use
these weapons responsibly remain to be seen.(Sawyer, et al 1988)
Being jobless because of computerization. Or computers can take place
rather than humans because computers are fast and durable. Productivity loss,
power dependency, cybercrime, data loss that are disadvantages of computer in
government.
COMPUTERS IN LEGAL PROFESSION
Law enforcement agencies use computers to collect and analyze
evidence. Many agencies are now equipped with data processing facilities that
enable them to connect with large, countrywide law enforcement computer
system from which they can obtain and with which they can share information on
criminal activities, as well as missing persons. Many police cars are now
equipped with computer terminals so that an officer can access immediate
information about a suspect or vehicle. The criminal justice system uses
computers to help manage large amounts of information. The documentation
created when a suspect is arrested and tried can easily take up several hundred

9. pages. Without computerized information processing, it would be next to
impossible today to collect the data, process it, and keep track of the status of
cases. In addition, lawyers can save documents such as wills in computer
system for easy updating in the future.
COMPUTERS IN INDUSTRY
Many industries are being transformed by the use of computers. You
probably already know that automobile and other product manufactures use
computer based robots, bur designing them and the systems they are a part of.
Engineers and designers are using computers-aided design (discussed in more
detail later) to design items from airplanes to zippers. Publishing is good example
of one industry that has changed dramatically because of computerization.
Editing, typesetting, page makeup, photo treatments, creation of illustrations, and
color work can all be done electronically now – and much faster than ever before.
Those mean that new types of jobs are being created for people who can
combine publishing know-how and/or language expertise with computer
experience. Also, computerization has enabled more and more publishing people
to work as freelancers, because they can work with almost all the other people in
the publishing cycle electronically.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMPUTER PROFESSIONAL
The employment picture for computer professional looks good and is
getting better. Several million people are employed as computer programmers,
computer operators, information managers, system analysts, data clerks, and
other more technical workers. The growth of the microcomputer hardware and
software industries in recent years has created a large number of new jobs in the
retail sales and marketing of computer as well. Many jobs have also been
created by companies that manufacture the various computer components and
by companies that specialized in computer repair.

10. THE EFFECT OF COMPUTERS OR PROCESSING DATA AND INFORMATION
New generation of computer technology will continue to affect the
processing of data and information. Data collection continues to become easier,
data processing is getting faster and faster, mathematical calculations continue
to be performed with increased precession, and information is being provided to
users in generally more useful forms. And one of the best improvements that new
technology brings us is that computers continue to become easier to use.
(Sawyer, et al 1988)
For Andes Sr., (2003), some computers are used to measure the amount of
gasoline. We in our car while other assists us in balancing our checkbook.
Computers are used in many different ways to help us will all kind of task.
Computing technology allows us to write letters create pictures, make calculation,
play and send electronic mail (e-mail) via computers. Today, an average person
uses computer based assistance several times each day, sometimes without
even knowing it. Like people, computers range in size, type and ability, and they
are everywhere: in cash registers, gas pumps, cameras, cars, homes, stereos,
and even toys. Computers have become a useful part of our lives. As computers
become integral parts of our lives, it’s important to be aware of and understand
them.
Advantages:
They allow people across the globe to communicate with each other, no matter at
what time, via the use of email. They allow people to look up information directly,
instead of the use of searching through books. Back-up copies of work can be made
easily, without having to re-write everything. People can work from home, and spend
more time with their families because of this. People with disabilities, whom can't write,
can get software that allows them to speak and it types it on the screen. A computer can
hold a lot of data in memory, do calculations, print out your documents and much more.
The advantage of using a computer is also that you don't have to write out screeds of
information. If your computer is on internet you can look up information using the search
engine instead of having to go to a library and read lots of books and take notes. The

11. advantages of using computer(s) are that we can do research and find a lot of
information we may be looking for. Other advantages include typing out a document,
essay, letter, or a simple birthday card. We can communicate with our friends online and
send them e-mails. It helps you automate various tasks that you cannot do
manually. It helps you organize your data and information. It has much more
computing and calculating power then an ordinary human. It may help your work
to be a lot easier. It can help you communicate with friends, coworkers and other
contacts. It has many search engines to help you find information quickly.
Disadvantages:
People sometimes spend all their time secluded (separate) in theirs rooms
on the computer. It allows the old way of learning (ex: handwriting) to be
forgotten.Easier to copy peoples homework as you can sometimes find the
sources online. Illegal downloading can ruin businesses. Details such as bank
records can be hacked into, and thus your personal information is no longer as
safe as it used to be. But there are disadvantages too... some people use
computers in a bad way. Some people use computers to look at things that we
aren't supposed to see. People can actually get personal information about you
by tricking you to fill out applications that LOOK real but are NOT real at all. It
can have negative effects on your social life and interactions with other people if
you do not maintain the balance between time online and offline. It may have a
negative effect on your eyesight due to radiation. It may cause pimples and
wrinkles. It may distract you from your studies. Too much time in front of monitor
may adversely affect your eyesight. . Sitting in front of a computer for too long
without exercise can cause a weight gain. (Robgaskell,2009).
In conclusion, Computers have made it easier for us to communicate on a
global scale, though the internet has also had a helping hand with this. We are
able to produce documents with ease because of computers.Documents can
also be scanned into computers for editing in various programs.We can edit
photos, videos, and much more with a computer.Calculators, calendars, and
plenty of other software exist to make computers a necessary part of everyday

12. life. Youcan change fonts easily without having to re-write everything.Youcan
easily spell check and grammar check with the program that will automatically
give me options for the incorrect spelling.This cannot be done when it is in writing
as you will need to re-write everything. Youcan edit photographs and images e.g.
resizing, cropping and changing the color scheme which I could not do by
hand.You can get to know about the entire world (news). The spell checks faster
than you can look in the dictionary, you can get info so rapidly that trip to your
local library rarely happens.Accounting has become an easy task due to
computers. Online ticket reservation, online banking, paying online bills has
become easier with the use of computers.We can chat to our love ones from
abroad and can maintain a good relationship as well.Student can solve their
study problem with the help of internet and computer.In essence the main
advantage is how easy computers have made life.
Computer can make the mind lazy. It destroys the study of children as
they play games instead of visiting informative sites to gain some
information.Some minors will open pornographic in website.Some people would
use it to get some victims through offering something but at last it’s all a
lie.People can watch porn site and they will be addictive in the games. It will
cause an eye ball and headache and it destroy the concentration of the children
in education.Exposure to radiations also can cause cancer.There is one called
virus that erases all your files and damages your computer this is one of the main
problem in using computer and finally if we use it in correct way means it is a
useful one someone using the wrong way then it became disadvantage making it
useful or un useful is in our hand.Disadvantages, Loss of data due to disk crush,
viruses, illegal access to information by hackers, loss of jobs and limited job
opportunities since human resources are being replaced by computers.The major
impact of computer technology is on teenagers. Their life standards have
changed dramatically because of the computers.They spend more time on
internet and give less time to their families. The main disadvantage of computer
is made the people become lazy and have a harmful impact on people’s
development in real life.

13. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Andes Sr., Antonio, (2003).Introduction to computer. Valenzuela City: World
Class Printing & Packaging.
Bigbatch,(May 26, 2009).How do computers affect our world good or
bad(Online).bigbatch@ymail.com
Fletcher, Shane,(February 25, 2008). How computer change the
world(Online).shane_fletcher@yahoo.com
Hutchinson, Sarah and Stacey Sawyer, (1988).Computers the User Perspective.
United States of America: Times Mirror/Mosby Colledge Publishing.
Michael,(July 23, 2006).Introduction of Advantages and disadvantages of using
computer(Online).
Rob Gaskell, (August 10, 2009).What are the advantages and disadvantages of
computer.(Online). Gaskell_Rob@ymail.com
Tiamson, Juan Alvin, (2006).Computer Smart Series Programming in C++.
Quezon City: Trinitas Publishing.