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College of Education

School of Continuing and Distance Education 2014/2015 – 2016/2017

INFS 214:

Introduction to Computing

Session 2 – Advantages and Disadvantages

of Computer Systems

Lecturer: Dr. Ebenezer Ankrah, Dept. of Information Studies Contact Information: [email protected]

Session Overview

• There is an overwhelming awareness that there are great potential in the availability and use of computing technologies. In spite of this observation about the potential benefits of using computing technologies, there are also demerits for using these technologies.

• This session seeks to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computer systems.

DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 2

Session Overview

• At the end of the session, the student will

– Identify some advantages of computer systems

– Identify some disadvantages of computer systems

– Be able to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of computer systems

– Be able to use computer systems to accrue maximum benefit


Session Outline

The key topics to be covered in the session are as follows:

• Introduction to Computer Systems

• Advantages of Computer Systems

• Disadvantages of Computer Systems


Reading List

• Williams, B. K., & Sawyer, S. C. (2014). Using Information Technology: A practical introduction to computers and communications (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. (Chapters 9 and 10)

• Hutchinson, S. E., & Sawyer, S. C. (2013). Computers: The user perspective. Boston: Irwin McGraw-Hill. (Chapters 1)


INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Topic One


Introduction to Computer Systems

• Computer has made a very vital impact on society. It has changed the way of life. The use of computer technology has affected every field of life.

• People are using computers to perform different tasks quickly and easily. The use of computers makes different task easier. It also saves time and effort and reduces the overall cost to complete a particular task.



• It does not matter how small a business might be, a computer will be essential in that business. Computers are used to accomplish different tasks in a business. The use of computers in business has changed the way most businesses operate.

• Computers will continue to revolutionize the methods by which business operate and manage information.



• Many organizations are using computers for keeping the records of their customers. Banks are using computers for maintaining accounts and managing financial transactions.

• The banks are also providing the facility of online banking.



• If you are evaluating whether computerized decision making is right for your organization, there are advantages and disadvantages to implementing the technology into your corporate strategy.


Questions

• Individual Assignment:

– List some of the disadvantages of a computer system

• Forum Question:

– How can computers be used positively to promote public good?


ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Topic Two


Advantages of Computer Systems

• Advantages

– Storage

– Speed and Accuracy

– Time savings

– Enhance effectiveness

– Competitive advantage

– Transfer of information

– Communication

– Human Resources Management



• Disadvantages

– Unemployment

– Wastage of time and energy

– Data Security

– Privacy Violation

– Computer Crimes

– Health Risks

– Impact on Environment

– Requires Training

– Require Additional Infrastructure



• Storage

• While human brains can contain a high level of information to use in making a decision, a computer's "brain" can contain even more data and information, depending on the storage space it is connected to.

• With a higher capacity for more data, especially data that a human brain might not retain, such as complex equations, more information can be incorporated into the "brain" or algorithm of the computer in its decision making, leading to better results.



• Speed and Accuracy

• Computers can process information much faster than a human brain.

• One advantage to computers making decisions is that you will have decisions made faster and more accurately than a human brain, which may get hung up with different factors involving the decision, leading to slower overall results.



• Also, unlike people who can become tired or suffer from a lack of concentration and deliver inaccurate decisions, a well-tuned computer is always alert and can process reams of information without growing bored or tired, leading to more precise results.



• Time Savings

• For all categories of decision support systems, research has demonstrated and substantiated reduced decision cycle time, increased employee productivity and more timely information for decision making.

• The time savings that have been documented from using computerized decision support are often substantial.

• Researchers have always demonstrated that decision quality remained the same or actually improved.



• Enhance Effectiveness

• A another category of advantage that has been widely discussed and examined is improved decision making effectiveness and better decisions.

• Decision quality and decision making effectiveness are however hard to document and measure.



• Competitive Advantage

• Vendors frequently cite this advantage for business intelligence systems, performance management systems, and web-based decision support systems (DSSs). Although it is possible to gain a competitive advantage from computerized decision support, this is not a likely outcome.



• Transfer of Information

• Computers can be used to transfer information within an organization.

• Information can easily move from one level to another using an internal network or external network.

• An internal network ensures that information is only shared within the company.



• Communication

• One of the key factors which drive a business is communication.

• Computers can be used to accelerate the communication process within a business.

• It is very important to stay in touch with your customers and listen to their needs and demands, many small businesses are using electronic mail as a communication media to reach their customers and business partners.



• Also, computers can be used in virtual communication, in this process both parties need to install a virtual communication software like SKYPE on their computers and start communication through VIDEO, small businesses can create group chat rooms on SKYPE for free, this will help them stay in touch with each other from anywhere.



• Human Resources Management

• Computers can be used to manage, hire and interview new employees, today, many small businesses and human resource managers use the internet to find talented individuals.

• Human resource managers can use a computer to train new employees on how a business operates and also allocate tasks to each new employee.



• Business managers can use computers to monitor the performance of each individual at work, this process ensures that no employee misuses company facilities and time.

• Business owners can use online employee scheduling software to dedicate work to each employee.


DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Topic Three


Disadvantages of Computer Systems

• Unemployment

• Different tasks are performed automatically by using computers. It reduces the need of people and increases unemployment in society.



• Wastage of Time and Energy • Many people use computers without positive purpose.

• They play games and chat for a long period of time. It

causes wastage of time and energy.

• Young generation is now spending more time on the social media websites like Face book, Twitter etc. or texting their friends all night through smart phones which is bad for both studies and their health.

• And it also has adverse effects on the social life.



• Data Security

• The data stored on a computer can be accessed by unauthorized persons through networks. It has created serious problems for the data security.

• Privacy Violation

• The computers are used to store personal data of the people. The privacy of a person can be violated if the personal and confidential records are not protected properly.



• Computer Crimes

• People use the computer for negative activities. They hack the credit card numbers of the people and misuse them or they can steal important data from big organizations.



• Health Risks • The improper and prolonged use of computer can results

in injuries or disorders of hands, wrists, elbows, eyes, necks and back.

• The users can avoid health risks by using the computer in

proper position.

• They must also take regular breaks while using the computer for longer period of time. It is recommended to take a couple of minutes break after 30 minutes of computer usage.



• Impact on Environment

• The computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are polluting the environment. The wasted parts of computer can release dangerous toxic materials.

• Green computer is a method to reduce the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer. It includes recycling and regulating manufacturing processes. The used computers must be donated or disposed off properly.



• Requires Training

• In most cases, small business owners don’t know how to use a computer for business purposes, so they have to hire experts to teach them and their employees on how to use computers to accomplish specific business tasks. To some extent, this process is costly and it takes time.



• Require Additional Infrastructure

• Integrating computers in a business can be costly, you don’t stop at buying a computer, you need to invest money in different types of business software, this software is used to accomplish specific business tasks like accounting, tracking inventory, sales, data security and so much more.



• You also have to invest money in computer maintenance contracts with experts who will service your computers every month to ensure that they operate efficiently. This all process can be costly and some small businesses can’t afford them.


References

• Hutchinson, S. E., & Sawyer, S. C. (2013). Computers: The user perspective. Boston: Irwin McGraw-Hill.

• O’Leary, T. J., & O’Leary, L. I. (2014). Computer Today. Boston: McGraw Hill.

• Williams, B. K., & Sawyer, S. C. (2014). Using Information Technology: A practical introduction to computers and communications (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.


infs 214: introduction to computing · social media websites like face book, twitter etc. or...

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