Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computer

Disadvantages of using computer Some of the disadvantages of using computers is that it takes one away from socializing with others in person. Another disadvantage is that you do not see the other person you might be chatting with on IM. Spending too much time playing online games or chatting instead of reading books, taking walks, and doing homework.

Advantages of using computers For writing: • • • • •

Quick entry Easy to edit and restructure Many tools to produce various kinds of output (html, text, books, pdf documents, etc.) Storage is inexpensive and doesn't take up much space Easy to search/navigate through documents

For organization •

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Many different kinds of tools from Palm software to Franklin Covey, to GTD based on David Allen's system, to flat text files ala todo.txt (http://www.todotxt.com) by Gina Trapani. Once a document is in electronic form it is easy to store and many, many documents can be stored on one computer in much less space than in a file cabinet. Easy to search

For programming • •

Most programming requires the use of computers There are many, many tools available to programmers such as: o Editors: CodeWrite, SlickEdit, VIM, EMACS, Notepad, BBEdit... o Compilers: MSVC, Sun javac, GNU Compiler Collection (java, fortran, C, C++, and more), Intel C Compiler... o Assemblers: NASM, MASM, TASM... o Interpreters: Ruby, Python, Lisp, Perl, bash, and countless others o GUI Builders: Glade, QT Designer, MSVC, ... o Code browsers (many use output from etags or ctags, MS has their own) o Simulators, Emulators

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Using a computer makes it easy to search code and tools make it easier to understand it Easily gather programs from other creators Easily distribute your own works

For research • • • • • •

Access to the Internet has become invaluable as a research tool Easily gather huge amounts of information and store/catalog it Easily search for new information or search the information already acquired Interact with other researchers to create/gather more research Almost instant access to many remote or obscure locations of the globe and their researchers/experiences/knowledge Easily disseminate results of your own research

Computers are not a panacea. There are many things for which a computer does not add significant advantages. But, used in an appropriate and realistic way, computers can enhance and facilitate certain activities.