The computer has change the society today as much as industrial revolution changed society in 18th and 19th century. People interacts directly with computer in education, finance, government, health care, science, publishing, tourism, and industry.
Computers help them to do their work faster and more efficient by using the software application that consist of special program for specific task.
SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS
Software applications are used for many reasons. Such as to enhance the learning process, to help in business activities, to assist the graphics and multimedia project and to fasilitate communication.
These software application comes in packages.
SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS PACKAGES
HOME AND EDUCATION
Today, computers are used in schools, colleges and universities in order to promote better education by using computers. In the labs, students use software packages to complete their assignments. At the same time, some educators use the computer-based training and web-based training as replacements for lecture presentation.
Some of the software applications that are usually used in schools and universities include Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Flash, AutoCAD, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Macromedia Director.
COMPUTERS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
Open Distance Learning (ODL) or online learning can be implemented as computers are the main medium in
delivering the knowledge from one location to the other locations.
This type of learning consists of online forum, discussion, quizzes, test questions and many more. The example of the Open Distance Learning institution is the Open
BUSINESS
People use finance or accounting software to balance check books, pay bills, track personal income and expenses, manage investments and evaluate their financial plans.
Accounting software helps companies to record and report their financial transactions. Examples of these software applications include MYOB, Intuit Quick Books and Peachtree Complete Accounting.
COMPUTERS IN BANKING
In the banking sector, many financial institutions offer online banking. People can access their financial records from anywhere in the world. One example of online banking is Maybank2u. (www.maybank2u.com)
Most of the packages on banking offer a variety of online services. Which requires access to the web.
For example we can track our investment online, compare insurance rates and do online banking.
INDUSTRY
By using the
Computers process this data and automatically update inventory, production, payroll and accounting records on the company’s network.
Examples of companies using this system are Proton(www.proton.com.my) and Perodua (www.perodua.com.my).
GRAPHICS
Computers are crucial in publishing especially in the process of making works available to the public. These works include magazines, books, newspapers, music and film production.
Special software applications are used to assist graphic designers to develop graphics, texts, photographs and composing songs.
Computer-Aided Design, Desktop Publishing, Paint/Image Editing, Video and Audio Editing and Multimedia Authoring are among the popular applications software.
COMMUNICATION
A government provides society with direction by
making and administering policies. Most government
offices or agencies have websites in order to provide
citizens with up-to-date or latest information.
Examples of software applications used for communication include e-mail, web browsers, newsgroups, instant messaging and video conferencing.
People can access government websites to:
- check information on taxes (www.hasil.org.my)
- apply for permits and licenses (www.jpj.gov.my)
- check for MyKad (www.jpn.gov.my)
- pay parking tickets and check summons (www.jpj.gov.my)
- renew vehicle registration (www.jpj.gov.my)
- register online for IPTA/IPTS application (www.moe.gov.my)
COMPUTERS IN TOURISM
Today, people will go online to get all related information about traveling. They can visit websites to get information on destinations, prices, hotels, flights and car rentals.
They can also purchase ticket online, all payments can be made by using credit card.
COMPUTERS IN THE HEALTHCARE
In the medical field, computers are very important in running the operations. Medical staffs use computers for various purposes, namely:
- maintaining patient records
- monitoring patients’ vital sign
- assisting doctors, nurses and technicians with medical tests by using computer and computerised devices .
- using medical software to help with researching and diagnosing health conditions.
Furthermore, computers and the internet are important sources for people to get all information on medical, nutrition, fitness and other tips from several available websites. The latest development in the medical field is telemedicine. This technology is meant to help professional to conduct live conference in separate locations around the globe.
SCIENCE
In the scientific world, computers are used in all fields of science from biology to astronomy to meteorology and others. These are things that
can be done by computers, namely:
- collecting, analyzing and modelling data
- serving as medium of communication with colleagues around the world
- contributing to new inventions or breakthrough in surgery, medicine and treatment
- imitating functions of the central nervous system, retina of the eye and others by tiny computers
- allowing a deaf person to listen through cochlear implant
LESSON 22
COMPUTER USERS
People around the world rely on computers to do so many things. They are from different backgrounds and are divided in 5 categories.
The computer is a basic necessity. Each home user spends time on the computer for different reasons:
- business
- communication
- entertainment
- education
SMALL OFFICE/HOME OFFICE (
To save cost,
Small Office or Home Office users include:
- accounting firms, travel agencies, florists and many more
These
- use desktop or notebook computers as well as telephone, handphones and PDAs in completing their tasks and communicating
- work in a small company or work as an individual at home
MOBILE USER
Network services are expanding to serve people across the country and the world. More users are becoming mobile users, who work on computer while they are away from their home or main offices.
Mobile users:
- include real estate agents, insurance agents, meter readers and journalists
- use notebook computers, Internet-enabled PDAs or smart phones
- work with basic business software such as word processing and spreadsheet business software
- use presentation graphics software to create and deliver presentations to a large
- audience by connecting a mobile computer or device to a video projector
POWER USER
Power users require the capabilities of workstation computers or other types powerful computers. The software that is used by power users is normally expensive because of their specialize design. Their computer have network access connections and internet connections.
Power users:
- include engineers, scientists, architects and virtual reality animators
- use computers with extremely fast processor, bigger storage and customised software
- work with mini computers that uses design to meet the organisational needs
- use software such as CAD,
LARGE BUSINESS USER
Each employee or customer who uses computer in large offices of company is a large business user. Large business users use a large network of computers. Use computers for basic business activities such as preparing bills for millions of customers, preparing payroll and managing thousands of items in the inventory.
Large business users:
- bank, insurance company, hypermarket
- use computers for basic business activities
- have e-commerce that allow customers and vendors to interact and do business transactions online therefore customers, vendors and other interested parties can access information on the web
- have e-mail and web browsers to enable communications among employees, vendors and customers
- provide kiosks in public locations
Many employees of large business telecommute, which means they work away from their offices workstation. They also have flexible schedule.
