Student: Novela, Manuel João De Matos

Theme: Advantages and Disadvantages of using Computers, Companies or Institutions.

The computers can enhance the speed and efficiency in the business, companies or institutions.
They save the time , They make the accurate data available to the business owners & related
parties , They help in the flow of the information by supporting group team decision making
within a business or organization .

Advantages of Computers
Improved work efficiency:
Compared to human beings, computers do not suffer from mental and physical fatigue.
Computers are able to produce consistent output regardless of other external factors. This level
of precision and consistency is very useful in fields like accounting and manufacturing.
Reliable record keeping:
Computers can store larger volumes of business data for a longer period of time. In
comparison to physical files, data stored in computer disk drives occupy less space hence are
cheaper to store. In addition, files stored in computers are easily accessible.
Business research:
In order to succeed, a business must be able to gain a competitive advantage in the
market. This can be achieved through extensive research. Through the Internet, computers
facilitate business research by providing access to vital information from different parts of the
world. This enables the business stakeholders to make informed decisions to the advantage of the
business.
Marketing:
Through the Internet, computers can be used a business marketing tool. The Internet
provides an avenue for the business to reach out to new customers. In addition, internet
marketing can be targeted toward a specific niche hence improving the business performance.
Communication:
 Communication is a key factor for the success of any business. With computers, business
stakeholders can communicate via emails, bulk short message service and video conferencing. In
addition, communication via emails can be retrieved and referenced in the future.
Creating and editing business documents:
Computers are used for creating and editing documents, such as books, brochures,
catalogs, letters and posters. The use of computers makes such documents have visual appeal and
minimize typing and grammatical errors.

Disadvantages of Computers
Loss of employment:
Computers have the ability to carry out several tasks effectively at a cheaper cost. In this
regard, businesses may choose to replace human labor with computers. Such reduction of labor
affects the economy in a negative way.
Health issues:
Staring at computers for long hours may result in eye-related problems. In addition,
computers reduce the mobility of employees in the workplace. This reduction in physical
exercise may contribute to instances of weight gain and other related diseases.
Additional infrastructure needs:
For computers to serve the business effectively, they need additional infrastructure, such
as specific software. This software is used to accomplish specific tasks, such as accounting,
keeping inventory, data management, opening files and prevention of computer viruses.
Computers need constant maintenance for effective performance. In this regard, larger
businesses are obliged to enter into maintenance contracts with computer specialists. This results
in additional costs for businesses.
Computer crimes:
Through the use of malicious software, hackers may gain access to private business
information. Loss of such information may negatively affect the reputation of the business and
hence may lead to loss of customers. In addition, such private information may be sold to other
business competitors thus resulting in unfair competition in the market.