LECTURE NOTE ON COMPUTER AND SOCIETY

THE PURPOSE OF COMPUTER IN THE SOCIETY

1. To extend our thinking.

2. To earn revenue for their vendors.
3. To solve problems caused by computers.
4. To have fun!
5. To crystallize conceptual understanding
6. To execute man-made programs and produce hopefully useful output

To a large extent, the purpose for which mankind uses computers depends upon their capabilities at any given
time. Computers excel at:

 computation
 sorting
 information search and retrieval

They are fairly good at:

 graphic display
 sound recording and playback

They could be used for:

 human creativity enhancement

 artificial creativity

Computers are wonderful machines. They are everywhere and society depends on them to manage our world. It
is no wonder that computers have almost unlimited applications, and that they are multiplying at a steady rate.
Many of these applications are benefiting society directly or indirectly. The three most important ways
computers are benefiting society, is by, creating more information technology professions, creating new
automobile safety features, and opening ground-breaking communication methods. There currently exist many
other beneficial functions of these machines, such as their use for diagnosing patients, running weather
simulations to predict future weather patterns, and calculating large, complex data sets. As new applications
emerge for computer systems, so will the benefits society will derive from them.

Creating more information technology (IT) professions is proportionally related to how many new computer
systems are put into use. As new computers are sold to consumers, the demand for more IT professions will rise
because consumers will need these professionals to maintain, upgrade and repair their new computer systems.
More employment is also made available when new computer applications are discovered. This makes sense
because new applications require new professionals that are trained to deal with that specific application. For
example, when the World Wide Web was introduced, many new professions arose. Some of these professions
range from website designers and server administrators to online marketers. These factors show that computers
are benefiting society directly by creating new information technology professions, which is vitally important to
the development of any countries labor force.
Computers were introduced into cars in the late nineteenth century, for such effects as controlling engine
functions, fuel injection, and signal light timing. It is not until recently, that computers have started to play a
role in helping to save peoples’ lives by enabling car manufacturers to create new automobile safety features.
Air bags are an extremely important safety feature in an automobile. A computer is located in the steering wheel
of an automobile, which is equipped with airbags and is the only device capable of signaling the airbags to
deploy in the case of an accident. According to McCormick (1999), it is estimation that "between 1990 and
1997, air bags saved about 150 lives in Canada. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) estimates that airbags, as of September 1, 1999, have saved the lives of over 4,600
Americans involved in car crashes." This would not be possible without computer systems. Another popular
safety feature is the anti-lock braking system, or ABS. The purpose of the anti-lock braking system is to stop a
vehicle from locking its tires, which has been shown to dramatically increase a drivers control in a potential
crash. These safety features have proven to be beneficial to society thanks to computers, by decreasing the
number of automobile accidents, and the number of fatalities involved in such accidents.

Society is dependent on rapid and reliable communications. Computers have allowed us to open ground-
breaking communication methods that satisfy those dependencies. One communication method is known as
electronic mail (e-mail). E-mail has become a common form of communication because it is free, reliable, and
most importantly, incredibly fast. Due to the nature of e-mail, being electronic data, it relies on computers to
deliver and receive messages. Another popular method of communication making rapid headway is instant
messaging, or IM. According to a survey (Shiu & Lenhart, 2004) "53 million American adults use instant
messaging and its appeal is especially apparent among young adults and technology enthusiasts." Similar to e-
mail, instant messaging allows many people to send textual information to each other simultaneously. This form
of communication is similar to a telephone conversation, but using electronic text as a medium instead of a
person's voice. As instant messaging is based on electronic text, it is dependent on computer systems to operate
because they are the only devices capable of transmitting and manipulating electronic data. Both of these new
communication methods are bringing people closer together, in a global sense, and this is benefiting society.

New problems for society will continually emerge, and as a result, computers will be applied to such problems.
These machines are the work horses of the future and as such, society will greatly depend on them. As stated,
the three most important ways computers are benefiting society now is by creating more information technology
professions, developing new automobile safety features, and opening ground-breaking communication methods.
Therefore, computer systems have been shown to be a great benefit to society through these three examples and
society will continue to depend on the benefits these systems provide in the future.

IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTERS IN BAKING AND FINANCE

Banking would be a dangerous field to work in without Computers, people would go to the bank carrying large
sums of money early in the morning and leave the Bank the following morning just to finish counting the
money manually usually getting blisters after that, but computers have made it all easier, on the operation
research side, it has proved so effective that one can simply walk to the ATM and withdraw the money, without
necessarily waiting in a long cue to get served by the teller, getting around clients details is far much more
improved than ever before so is the generating of clients statement.
Computers in banking is a term used for the process by which banking transactions by bank employees and
customers are performed electronically eliminating the need for paper files and physically entering the bank
itself.
 Each bank’s websites differ slightly from bank to bank, but managing your finances online is as simple as
logging on to the banks website and entering you user ID and password. The site will then guide you through
the transactions you want to carry out. Banks communicate with customers by email, they will, for example,
send you an email when your statements are ready. And if you have an enquiry or want to order a statement,
Bank employees also use computers to store customers email

Customer Information: Banks use computers to track customer information such as name, address, phone
number, date of birth, Social Security number and place of employment. Transactions and Goals: Computers
help tellers keep a record of all transactions for the day.

Cheque processing (MICR) On-line banking, ATM technology

Home banking, ATM machine, Bank teller using computer

Computer Applications In Banking:

Computer Applications In Banking

IT in Banking:-:

IT in Banking:- Computers in the banking sector have enhanced customer service and productivity regarding
account management, while streamlining back-office activities.

Major Applications Of IT in Banking:-:

Major Applications Of IT in Banking:- The advantages accruing from computerization are three-directional - to
the customer, to the bank and to the employee.

For the customer:-:

For the customer:- Self-inquiry facility: Facility for logging into specified self-inquiry terminals at the branch to
inquire and view the transactions in the account. Remote banking: Remote terminals at the customer site
connected to the respective branch through a modem, enabling the customer to make inquiries regarding his
accounts, on-line, without having to move from his office. Anytime banking- Anywhere banking: Networking
of computerized branches inter-city and intra-city, will permit customers of these branches, when
interconnected, to transact from any of these branches Telebanking: A 24-hour service through which inquiries
regarding balances and transactions in the account can be made over the phone.

For the bank:-:

For the bank:- Availability of a wide range of inquiry facilities, assisting the bank in business development and
follow-up. Immediate replies to customer queries without reference to ledger-keeper as terminals are provided
to Managers and Chief Managers. Automatic and prompt carrying out of standing instructions on due date and
generation of reports. Generation of various MIS reports and periodical returns on due dates. Fast and up-to-
date information transfer enabling speedier decisions, by interconnecting computerized branches and controlling
offices.
For the employees:-:

For the employees:- Accurate computing of cumbersome and time-consuming jobs such as balancing and
interest calculations on due dates. Automatic printing of covering schedules, deposit receipts, pass book / pass
sheet, freeing the staff from performing these time-consuming jobs, and enabling them to give more attention to
the needs of the customer. Signature retrieval facility, assisting in verification of transactions, sitting at their
own terminal. Avoidance of duplication of entries due to existence of single-point data entry.

IT in Different Type Of Banking:

IT in Different Type Of Banking Personal Banking Online Banking Mobile Banking

Personal Banking:

Personal Banking “ PC banking refers to a person being able to access their banking information from a
"personal computer." It has become a popular method for people to manage money and pay bills using online
servers to log in to their account and pay bills, transfer money between accounts and reconcile check ledgers. ”

Example of Personal Banking Is-:

Example of Personal Banking Is- ATM :- “ Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are computerized machines that
allow customers to conduct basic banking transactions without an attendant or bank teller. ”

How Does It Works:-:

How Does It Works:- ATM Processing is similar to credit card processing, except with ATM Machines the
processing center uses ATM networks instead of credit networks. To begin with, we will have to program or re-
programmed your ATM machine with a TID (terminal ID number) assigned to your ATM at location . This is
the number that identifies your ATM machine on our ATM processing system Before a transaction can be
processed, the ATM machines must receive authorization from the customer's native bank, such as confirmation
that the customer has sufficient funds in his account to permit cash withdrawal. Interbank networks allow this
authorization process to take place in seconds.

Personal Banking Used For:

Personal Banking Used For:- Transactional:- Bill payments and wire transfers to third parties, Fund transfer
between customer's transactional and savings account, Sale and purchase of investments, Applications and
transactions for loans and enrollment repayments. Non-Transactional:- Analyzing recent transactions,
Downloading bank statements, Viewing paid cheques. Financial Institution Administration Transaction
approval process
Online Banking:

Online Banking Online banking enables bank customers to handle account management and perform account
transactions directly with the bank through the internet.  This is also known as internet banking.

How Does It Work:-:

How Does It Work: - Customers are able to access to all of their accounts through an internet connection using
the banks own website or a commercial software package such as Quicken or Money. Clients can transfer funds
to their bank accounts, and pay bills either electronically (with an account transfer) or by having the bank issue
paper checks directly to the payee.

Online Banking Used For:-

Online Banking Used For:- Personal financial management support - Importing data to personal accounts
software. Supporting account aggregation which allows the customers to manage all of their accounts in one
place irrespective of their location.

Mobile Banking:

Mobile Banking “Mobile Banking refers to provision and availment of banking- and financial services with the
help of mobile telecommunication devices. The scope of offered services may include facilities to conduct bank
and stock market transactions, to administer accounts and to access customised information.“ OR “Mobile
banking through cell phone is really catching up. Now you can access your account, transfer funds or make
payments with your mobile. Mobile connectivity is vast and this makes mobile banking very successful.”

Benefits Of Mobile Banking:-:

Benefits Of Mobile Banking:- In case of online banking, you must have an internet connection and a computer.
However, with mobile banking, connectivity is not a problem. You can find mobile connectivity in the remotest
of places also where having an internet connection is a problem. Mobile banking thorough cell phone is user
friendly. The interface is also very simple. You just need to follow the instructions to make the transaction. It
also saves the record of any transactions made. Cell phone banking is cost effective. Various banks provide this
facility at a lower cost as compared to banking by self. Banking through mobile reduces the risk of fraud. You
will get an SMS whenever there is an activity in your account. This includes deposits, cash withdrawals, funds
transfer etc. You will get a notice as soon as any amount is deducted or deposited in your account.

Banking through cell phone benefits the banks too. It cuts down on the cost of tele- banking and is more
economical. Mobile banking through cell phone is very advantageous to the banks as it serves as a guide in
order to help the banks improve their customer care services. Banks can be in touch with their clients with
mobile banking. Banks can also promote and sell their products and services like credit cards, loans etc. to a
specific group of customers. Various banking services like Account Balance Enquiry , Credit/Debit Alerts, Bill
Payment Alerts, Transaction History, Fund Transfer Facilities, Minimum Balance Alerts etc. can be accessed
from your mobile. You can transfer money instantly to another account in the same bank using mobile banking.
You can make transactions or pay bills anytime. It saves a lot of time.
In present time IT play vital role in banking. Without computers, it would be very hard for a bank to offer good
customer service day in and day out. Computers help a bank save time and money, and can be used as an aid to
generate profits.

IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTERS IN BUSINESS

Computers are used for all aspects of running a business. Computer use in a business enhances productivity and
provides results that might not otherwise be possible. Businesses use computers to keep records, develop
budgets and forecasts, prepare marketing documents, research and stay in contact with other employees and
customers. Businesses should look at their operation and ensure that they are using their computers to the fullest
extent.
The first computers used by businesses were room-filling behemoths that were so expensive; they could only
be afforded by the largest and richest companies. Today, even the smallest company has a computer perched on
almost every desk, and each one of those computers has many times the processing power of those old, early
dinosaurs. Computers today have become vitally important to every segment of business operations.
Keep records Computer programs such as QuickBooks and other accounting programs allow businesses to
keep detailed records. These programs track accounts payable, accounts receivable and sales. They also provide
an easy and quick way for a business to send out invoices to customers and handle payroll functions. Back
office productivity and accuracy can increase greatly when using an accounting program.
Budgeting and Forecasting Computers can be used to prepare detailed budgets and corporate forecasts.
Inexpensive accounting programs allow even people with limited computer knowledge to develop detailed
budgets that will help keep the company on track. They can also be used to forecast future sales and business
expansions. Spreadsheet programs such as Excel can also be used for budgeting and forecasting.

Prepare Marketing Documents there are wide variety of programs that allow businesses to easily prepare
dynamic marketing documents. Adobe Photoshop provides many templates that users can manipulate to
produce eye-catching custom marketing materials. These programs make it easy for people who do not have a
creative background to prepare professional-looking documents quickly and painlessly.
Research The Internet offers a tremendous amount of information that a business can use to maintain an edge.
Businesses can use the Internet to research its competitor’s products and prices by studying their websites. They
can also get a glimpse into how customers view their own products by reading customer reviews on sites such
as Amazon. When launching a new product a company can perform market research using online questionnaires
and surveys.
Communication One of the biggest benefits of the computer in the workplace is the enhanced communication
they provide. Coworkers can easily communicate with each other through email. Customer service departments
can use email and instant messaging services to communicate effectively with customers. Web conferencing
provides a cheap alternative to meetings for companies. Instead of travelling to a meeting attendees can join a
meeting from their office. Businesses can also use email and websites to advertise their products and services.
Tip Updating computer regularly is vital to a business. Outdated computers can cause serious problems,
crash often and reduce worker productivity. As technology evolves, the computing power needed to run-cutting
edge computer programs increases. These new programs will often run poorly on out-of-date computers. As a
result, in the long run the most cost-effective strategy is to keep your business computers current.
Order Tracking Far from simply sticking a copy of the order form into a file drawer, computerized order
tracking today involves following the order through every step from receiving it from the customer to delivering
the goods or services to the customers’ door. This allows not only for unprecedented monitoring and control of
the entire process, but also the gathering of useful analytical data at every step.
 Shop Floor Whether a company is engaged in manufacturing or just distribution, many of the activities of a
typical shop floor have been enhanced--and in some cases, totally automated--by computers. Manufacturing
assembly is often done by computerized robotic machinery. Packing, weighing and labeling of goods for
shipping is often an automated affair, as is the creation of all necessary shipping documents. Computers can
even indicate how each individual truck trailer should be loaded to allow the most efficient unloading at the
various stops on the delivery route.

IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTERS IN LAW FIRM

The legal profession was one of the first groups to recognize the value of technology and office systems. Recent
growth in personal computers in our society will have an even more dramatic effect on the legal profession.
Many lawyers have acquired personal computers for uses other than their professional activities, the overall
impact of which has been to create a series of unanticipated questions relating to their introduction and use in
the law office..

Many firms today have developed their office systems over time, without the benefit of planning, but the
continued introduction of personal computers will require that law firms implement some degree of planning.
The role of planning, especially where the investment in technology will be significant, is to reduce the need for
experimentation. Many large corporations and governmental institutions have the resources and the time to
develop extensive plans, pilot technology programs and application development, while most law firms cannot
afford the luxury of pilot programs and extensive development. The time and effort invested in planning office
systems greatly reduces the problems frequently associated with the introduction and implementation of
technology in the law office. There are several excellent sources for understanding, developing and writing
technology plans for law firms.

Once a written plan has been agreed upon, the next step is the identification of personal computer vendors that
can best meet the firm's objectives. Recently, financial stability in the personal hardware business has made the
hardware selection difficult. Should the software be chosen that best suits the firm's needs or should the
hardware be chosen and the software selected later. As a result the process should be to select first a hardware
vendor whose financial stability will offer some guarantee for the future. It will be far easier to find software for
stable hardware vendors than to have to shop for hardware that is compatible with the firm finally selects. The
personal computer hardware consists of a display, a processor, storage device, printer and keyboard.

One of the main concerns law firms should have regarding software is vendor support. Does the vendor update,
modify, and rewrite its software?

Many firms find their particular firm's approach to management issues require a tailored software package
rather than "off the shelf" offerings. This is a two edged sword. Although custom software can be very
productive, the development can be expensive, time consuming and may not always yield the desired results.
Many of the newer software programs have flexible report capabilities that will often serve the custom
programming requirements without modifying the original software program.

Generally in the past, development of legal software has been a limited economic opportunity for software
vendors. Recently, however, with the introduction of personal computers, a number of software packages for
law firms have been introduced. Many of these offerings are developed by lawyers and legal professional
associations for the benefit of their membership. The financial and time billing packages have seen the most
significant growth as the applications that can be used by all lawyers regardless of geographic location. Even
though many of the current word processing packages are not designed for law firms, they can be used very
effectively by the solo practitioner and smaller firms (one to three lawyers). Lawyers can expect to see
significant vendor efforts for the medium and larger law firms that want to use the personal computer as a
secretarial word processing workstation. Substantive systems for personal computers have not been widely
introduced, but this application appears to have the most promise for the practice by reducing document
preparation time and effort. The following is a list of suggested software needs for law firms:

ATTORNEY SOFTWARE

 Litigation support
 Docket control
 Financial analysis
 Internal document retrieval
 Research
 Administrative records management
 Substantive systems
 Conflict of interest

SECRETARIAL SOFTWARE

 Word processing
 Calendaring
 Administrative records management

PARALEGAL SOFTWARE

 Litigation support
 Internal document retrieval
 Research
 Financial analysis

ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING SOFTWARE

 Time billing
 Financial analysis
 General ledger
 Payroll
 Accounts Payable/Receivable

A significant area of evaluation should be the communication capability of hardware. Communications with
clients, courts, other law firms and electronic libraries may be an evaluation point in selecting the vendor. The
growth of electronic libraries, called data bases, will have a significant impact to the practice. Some examples of
data bases are: LEXIS, WEST LAW, AUTO CITE and AMBER. A recent consultant's report indicated there
are 1,320 data bases available in the U.S. The growth rate for new data bases is approximately 50 percent
annually. Data communication will grow dramatically in the next several years, especially with electronic
libraries. Anticipated law firm expansion to additional geographic locations might call for interoffice
communications of accounting information and documents. Personal computers can be used as a
communications terminal for a larger computer where large volumes of documents, depositions and related
facts might be stored. This application can be used on a time-sharing basis which will limit cost, but not
capacity or function.

It is this last area, communications that will provide the lawyer with an integrated system. Dr. Gary R. Garrett, a
member of the Association of Legal Administrators and frequent lecturer on law and technology, says there are
five layers of automation:

1. The collection, processing and storage of numerical data [e.g., data processing (D.P.);
2. The collection, processing, storage and printing of textual information [e.g., word processing (W.P.),
typesetting information, retrieval];
3. The integration of discrete processing functions to allow existing office functions to be performed more
efficiently (e.g., D.P. and W.P. for report writing; W.P. and communications for electronic mail;
electronic mail and calendars for scheduling; voice, data, text and graphics for information
management);
4. The tailoring of office communication and control systems to support a wide range of activities (e.g.,
multi-function work stations, personal computers, traveling and home work stations total information
control); and
5. The integration of computer and communications technologies into management policy. This layer of
automation allows for the expansion of human potential through automation. It is truly a management
function.

Garrett's model provides the practice with a road map for future direction. Specifically applied to the personal
computer hardware and software direction, it is this concept of systems integration that will help lawyers better
utilize these tools. For example, integration of legal software would allow lawyers to select from a variety of
legal forms stored in external databases and apply them t their client's particular matter. Merging this legal form
with the client information collected during the interview process and keyed by the support staff a final
document would be created. Then, by communicating the client data and lawyer time to the accounting
department or computer, a bill would be produced.

Further steps in system integration, as Garrett points out, will not be limited to this scenario. Voice, image and
graphics are just a few of the office functions that will be forthcoming in the near future. One application on the
personal computer that graphically demonstrates systems integration is called "windows". This allows the
lawyers to see many databases at the same time on the display by using program keys on the personal computer
keyboard. The "windows" are actually reduced versions of each database screen. For example, it may be
possible to view up to six or seven databases simultaneously on the same personal computer screen for the
purposes of comparing the information or solution. An understanding of the concept of system integration is
useful in determining how much can be accomplished by the firm initially and what can be done firm-wide
when the entire firm's hardware and software have been integrated. Another application in the formative stage is
personal computer "networking". It consists of: newsletters, correspondence, publications and sending/receiving
messages by using the personal computer communication functions. The required hardware consists of a
personal computer with the appropriate communication adapters to include using ordinary telephone lines as the
method of sending and receiving information. The American Bar Association has announced a network called
ABA/NET. ABA/NET will provide facilities for communicating information to other ABA members, other
lawyers and the public. Other capabilities will include electronic mail, on-line conferencing, and electronic
bulletin boards. The ABA also has announced one of these networks for the personal computer. It is a user-
group oriented newsletter titled ABA-PC. By using this networking approach the members of the group can
"meet" electronically via the CONFER II electronic conferencing system. Its purpose is to improve the quality
and efficiency of legal practice. The legal practice will benefit most directly from the use of personal computer
automation. Dr. Garrett, in an address to the 12th Annual Institute on Law Firm Management in Toronto in
1983, defined four classical sphere of legal automation:

1. LOMS (Law Office Management Systems): Traditional backup functions, focusing on the classic
business functions: accounts payable, accounts receivable, personnel and billing, plus other management
elements that a law firm happens to share in common with other businesses.
2. CALR (Computer-Assisted Legal Research): WEST-LAW, LEXIS and 30 other databases which are
used by attorneys, legal assistants, etc., in a retrieval mode. Almost all are time-sharing systems to make
available information which somebody has spent money to accumulate and to which access is sold.
3. LMS (Litigation Management Systems): Internal or external management of client data bases. What five
years ago would have been called Space Age Techniques, including the automated capture of full text
and scanning for meaningful words and routing to various locations within and without the office.
4. APL (Automated Practice of Law): The actual use of computer technology in automating the
dissemination of legal services.
o Matthew Bender's automated will drafting.
o Use of databases to crosscheck so that inconsistent statements are not made in response to
interrogatories.
o Computer modeling of court decisions, etc.

Because sphere 1 has been the target of most law firm efforts let us focus on spheres 2, 3 and 4, where lawyers,
as end users of personal computers, will see the largest impact - financially and professionally. As previously
mentioned, for computer assisted legal research there are numerous databases that lawyers can access now and
find useful. Though currently only about 15 percent are using on-line database services. This number will
increase as the proliferation of personal computers increases. Many of the legal database suppliers, to include
New York Times Information Services, Lockheed's Dialog and selected bibliographies. Some law book
publishers have made their forms available through these database services. One challenge to practice is how to
best use and bill the clients for automated research. A more difficult problem to overcome is the fear of using
computers and computer terminals. This has been a significant barrier to the wide use of these devices by the
profession.

Litigation management systems (LMS) currently account for an estimated $100 million a year and are
increasing. Current estimates are that two out of 10 cases are currently using some form of LMS. By 1990 the
number will be eight out of 10 cases. John S. Jordan, noted litigation support consultant, said in a speech at the
Legal Info Conference held in San Francisco in June 1982, "What the computer adds is three things and three
only: greater depth in indexing, very fast and simultaneous manipulation of indexes and formatting of indexes
in input. By using software programs called database managers, a lawyer can enter information from documents
in the client matter in any order. Then, by instructing the personal computer to search this collection of
information (date of letter, author, addressee, subject, etc.), the lawyer can develop a better mental picture of the
particular issue under consideration.
As mentioned by Jordan, the advantage of this approach is that, as the issues change, the lawyer can re-index
the information by instructing the personal computer to search the database without having to re-key the
information. As a practical matter, the use of automated litigation systems has traditionally been applied to very
large cases involving a substantial number of documents (50,000 documents and more). But because of the
availability of software to handle smaller databases the use of this application has increased. Many consultants
are recommending using personal computers for matters that involve 50 documents. The threshold is not as
important as the experience and results that come from using automated litigation support systems.

One of the most important uses of computers in the legal profession is conducting legal research. Many legal
projects require extensive legal research, including references to previously decided cases. Traditionally,
companies such as West printed volumes of case law, requiring attorneys to read through keyword indexes to
find relevant cases. Now, online legal databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw make the process of searching
for case law, legal forms and treatises much easier.

MANAGEMENT

The increased use of computers in the legal workplace has changed the way firms are managed. For example,
client case tracking traditionally was done using a large calendar; cases now are tracked electronically, which
makes the danger of a missed court date or filing deadline less likely. Meanwhile, software such as Abacus Law
frequently is used to track billable hours, resulting in more precise time accounting by attorneys and savings to
clients, who are able to track the attorney's work to the minute

ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY

Computers have changed the handling of legal discovery projects. Discovery is the process by which opposing
parties to lawsuit exchange relevant information such as police reports, financial documents and witness
testimony. Traditionally, discovered items were provided as photocopied documents. In many cases, attorneys
and support staff had to manually organize and sift through thousands of paper documents looking for relevant
information. In electronic discovery, important legal documents are scanned and stored in computer systems. In
addition to making document exchanges easier, electronic discovery lets attorneys organize and examine the
documents much faster and more effectively.

SOLICITATION

Increasingly, attorneys use computers and the Internet to obtain new clients. Many attorney websites provide
valuable general information such as explanations of legal rights and the legal process. Some websites allow a
potential client to directly email or chat with an attorney before scheduling a consultation. Lawyers also use
social networking platforms to communicate with current and prospective clients.

In conclusion, it is difficult to make general recommendations about personal computer hardware and software
for law firm without specific information about the particular firm. Additionally, the rapid changes in
technology make virtually any article obsolete the day it is written. Personal computers should be considered
lawyer/legal tools and, like any investment, carefully planned. A great deal can be learned regarding how to use
these tools by attending personal computer seminars, developing dialogues with the hardware and software
vendors and, finally, by networking you and your firm into the leading edge users.
Computer technology has had a deep impact on the education sector. Thanks to computers, imparting education
has become easier and much more interesting than before. Computers have changed the way we work, be it any
profession. Therefore, it is only natural that the role of computers in education has been given a lot of
importance in recent years. This is also because the education system has made computer education a part of
school curriculum. Considering the use of computer technology is almost every sphere of life, it is important for
everyone to have at least the basic knowledge of using computers. It enable quick processing of data with very
less or no chances of errors in processing. Networked computers aid quick communication and enable web
access. Storing documents on computers in the form of soft copies instead of hard ones helps save paper. The
advantages of computers in education primarily include:

ACCESS TO THE INTERNET: Internet can play an important role in education. As it is an enormous
information base, it can be harnessed for retrieval of information on a variety of subjects. The Internet can be
used to refer to information on different subjects. Both teachers and students benefit from the Internet. Teachers
can refer to it for additional information and references on the topics to be taught. Students can refer to web
sources for additional information on subjects of their interest. The Internet helps teachers set test papers, frame
questions for home assignments and decide project topics. And not just academics, teachers can use web
sources for ideas on sports competitions, extracurricular activities, picnics, parties and more. Students can
search for the concepts or things which they wish to know, by referring to relevant websites. The Internet is an
ocean of information and surfing daily will increase the knowledge of these students greatly. Another advantage
of computers is that the students will be able to gain knowledge of various subjects and things which are other
than their school

AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS IN TEACHING Computers facilitate audio-visual representation of information, thus

making the process of learning interactive and interesting. Computer-aided teaching adds a fun element to
education. Teachers hardly use chalk and board today. They bring presentations on a flash drive, plug it in to a
computer in the classroom, and the teaching begins. There's color, there's sound, there's movement - the same
old information comes forth in a different way and learning becomes fun. The otherwise not-so- interesting
lessons become interesting due to audio-visual effects. Due to the visual aid, difficult subjects can be explained
in better ways. Things become easier to follow, thanks to the use of computers in education.

BETTER PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION Computers facilitate effective presentation of information.

Presentation software like PowerPoint and animation software like Flash among others can be of great help to
teachers while delivering lectures. Teachers hardly use chalk and board today. They bring presentations on a
flash drive, plug it in to a computer in the classroom, and the teaching begins. Such form of receiving education
is considered to be more effective than only learning from textbooks prescribed by the authorities

Many times, it happens that students are not able to enroll for degree courses which they are interested in due to
lack of money or because the institute is far away from their residence. The introduction of distance learning
has solved all these problems. The distance learning programs or online degree programs provides education at
much affordable costs than the costs incurred on full- time training. Also, students living far off, in remote
areas, need not travel several kilometers and come to the city as they can now learn from the comforts of their
home provided they own a computer with an Internet connection.

STORAGE OF INFORMATION Computers enables storage of data in the electronic format, thereby saving
paper. Memory capacities of computer storage devices are in gigabytes. This enables them to store huge chunks
of data. Moreover, these devices are compact. They occupy very less space, yet store large amounts of data.
Both teachers and students benefit from the use of computer technology. Presentations, notes and test papers
can be stored and transferred easily over computer storage devices. Similarly, students can submit homework
and assignments as soft copies. The process becomes paperless, thus saving paper. Plus, the electronic format
makes data storage more durable. Electronically erasable memory devices can be used repeatedly. They offer
robust storage of data and reliable data retrieval. This was about the role of computers in education. But we
know, it's not just the education sector which computers have impacted. They are of great use in every field.
Today, a life without computers is unimaginable. This underlines the importance of computer education.
Knowledge of computers can propel one's career in the right direction. Computers are a part of almost every
industry today. They are no longer limited any specific field. They are used in networking, for information
access and data storage and also in the processing and presentation of information. Computers should be
introduced early in education. I don't think I am making an overstatement in saying that computer education is
as fundamental as learning English. Long gone are the days when we used notebooks to write down our
research paper or actually used the library for research. Today, you simply need to 'Google' to find any
information you want. Secondly, e- learning (e-classrooms) or distance learning with computers is the latest and
most practical modes of education today. Right from encyclopedias to dictionaries to tests; you can simply have
anything on your own PC within a fraction of seconds. Last, but not the least, very few of us would actually
spend a day without Face book or Twitter. If you take a look at the rise of followers or users on these or any
other social networking sites, you will have a fair idea about their popularity and role in social interaction.
Secondly, do you know that the computer gaming industry generates billions in revenue every year? This is
because of the popularity of computer games all over the world

IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTERS IN TOURISM

Computers play an important role in many different industries - and tourism is no exception.
With the rise of the internet, everything from tourist board advertising through to holiday transport is reliant on
computers. Computers are being used to organize an increasingly growing industry and to accommodate even
more guests in exotic locations unknown until smaller destinations were able to advertise to the wider market
through this medium. From a holidaymaker's point of view, computers, and by extension the internet, is
allowing them to browse and find the perfect holidays tailored to suit their needs and budget whilst comparing
prices offered by multitude of competing companies.
Computers are used for every aspect of tourism; from the selection and planning of a trip to the airport systems
that schedule and orchestrate the flights between airports. All the bookings seen done at travel agents are at a
desk through a computer with ease and speed. It has transformed the way in which the industry operates now
compared to how it worked in its infancy.
The changes over the years have forced the industry to use computers which have been used for over 50 years
ago. In 1953, a system called SABRE was used by the American airlines for networking and distribution
channels; an area of business that organizes the distribution of goods etc which has benefited from the
processing power of the computer for larger quantities of commerce.

As said above, the growing demand for a variety of holiday destinations is only maintained and met because of
the capabilities of the internet and the freedom it gives people to choose the option to visit locations not
previously frequented by the ordinary tourist due to having a low profile. Tourism has become the largest single
category of products made available for sale on the internet.
The future for computers in tourism
Tourism and its companies continue to develop the ways in which it uses technology, in particular computers, to
make holidays more affordable and easier to organize and no doubt will continue to do so to meet demand.

How are computers used in tourism? If you just take a second to think about the average tourist experience,
computers are involved in every part of the process.

For example, here's how computers were involved in my holiday from LA to Paris, France:

 Even before I decided on a tourist destination, I was a target for the French tourist board's advertising
campaign on a national TV station. This advertising was generated and controlled by computers.

 I then booked airplane tickets on my computer, and received an emailed boarding pass.

 The transport I used to get to your my destination was scheduled and guided by computers, from the
coach to the airport through to the 747 I flew in.

 At the airport, I was subject to computerized immigration controls and, at the hotel, my details were
entered into the hotel's computer database.

 When I needed information regarding tourist sites in Paris to visit, I consulted a website. I then used the
computer technology on my smartphone to navigate the streets of Paris.

 When I got hungry and had something to eat at a quaint bistro on the Rue Charlemagne, I used a credit
card to pay for my food - which relied on a computerized system of exchanging money from different
bank accounts.

All the above are prime examples of how important computers are to the survival of the tourist industry today!

THE ROLE OF THE INTERNET IN CONTEMPORARY TOURISM

The appearance of the Internet and the incredibly rapid development of highly sophisticated computer and
telecommunication technology have made the world a global village in a real sense. 'Communication network
satellites provide the quickest and the cheapest data transfer to all parts of the world, a great agreement among
thousands of computer systems that communicate with each other is represented by the Internet.'(Kent,P. 1994).
Development of information technology and the creation of computer networks and the Internet have enabled a
new way of communication. The internet provides a better access to numerous sources of information around
the world, as well as direct communication with all users. ‘The Internet is a collection of computer networks
around the world and as such is the largest computer system that millions of computer users can use and share
all kinds of information: numbers, text, sound and image. ‘(Gates, B., 1999).
The Internet has become a support to more complex and critical functions in tourism and hospitality industry
and it contributed to its significant innovation. Due to the appearance of the Internet, there have been some
changes in the tourism subjects business and those are the following:

 Each serious subject in the tourism and hospitality industry has a website that can be classified into four broad
groups: ‘holding corporation identity websites, chains, concession and membership websites, websites of
individual sites and facilities, and portals and vortals.’(Koelzer, W., Cox, B., 2005). ‘Portal can be defined as a
vehicle that offers a rounded set of services for specific well-defined group of users.’(Kalakota, R., 2002).
‘Vortal is a website that provides information and resources about a particular and specific
industry.’(Webopedia - On line Computer Dictionary for Computer and Internet  Terms  and Definitions).

1. ‘The Internet offers the possibility of expansion, rapid data transfer and flexibility (websites can always
change, the changes are immediately visible and are not limited to space and time).’(Raza, I., 2006).
2. ‘Contemporary business in tourism market is characterized by the implementation of various booking
systems into business systems of travel agencies, hotel chains, airlines, car rental companies and other
participants in tourism product formation.’(Dobre, R., 2005).
3. Organization and distribution costs are decreased in various tourist subjects business conducting (travel
agencies, hotel chains, independent hotels...).
4. New intermediaries on the Internet are created and traditional ones must change their role.
5. The Internet allows high-quality and effective market research and ‘industrial espionage’.

 ADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET USAGE IN CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN CONTEMPORARY

TRAVEL AGENCIES

 In contemporary travel agencies and tour operators business, the Internet has shown to be a profitable medium
of tourism promotion and sales.

1. ‘The Internet represents an interesting and useful distribution channel for collecting clients and it
provides the ability to identify their desires.’ (Čavlek, N, 2000).
2. Promotional visualization of tourism services and products through multimedia technology leaves
greater impression on potential customer than standard brochures, catalogues and leaflets.
3. Overbooking has become almost impossible because all communication problems that may cause it are
removed.
4. The Internet allows the improvement of travel agencies and tour operators by speeding up
communication and providing all the necessary information.
5. Product distribution and services of agencies do not depend on the quantity of printed catalogues
anymore and information about them can reach millions of the Internet users.
6. The Internet provides selling services of travel agencies on demand.
7. CRS/GDS systems allow better and more efficient business with clients to contemporary travel agencies.
8. ‘Greater added values which agencies, by using the Internet, can provide to clients are high-quality
information, quick offer of services related to travel, fast order, express delivery and human
personality.’(Ruelcke, W., 2000).

  Use of the Internet in contemporary travel agencies business has certain drawbacks such as: web information is
not always complete and reliable, payment security is still not on the satisfactory level, and the sale of certain
products and services demands direct communication with the travel agent.

 THE INTERNET AND MARKETING ACTIVITIES OF CONTEMPORARY TRAVEL AGENCIES

 Marketing is an integral part of conducting business in contemporary travel agencies, with the Internet
becoming an essential part of media planning. The Internet provides readily available information to potential
customers from around the world and it represents an important ‘marketing and communication channel’ that
can effectively connect the subjects of offer and demand in contemporary tourism. The increasing
competitiveness in the global tourism market demands of the tourist agency exceptional efforts and investments
in promotion, resources, knowledge and quality in order to achieve satisfactory growth. Therefore, it is
extremely important for each travel agency to follow new technological trends and to have the knowledge
required to effectively respond to challenges of global competition. In order to implement the marketing
concept in business of travel agencies, it is necessary to meet certain requirements:
   Firstly, it is necessary for marketing to be understood and accepted first by governing bodies of the agency, its
individual organizational units and then all employees of the agency.
   Secondly, marketing applied as a business concept operates through its functions. The content of these
functions in the agency should be precisely defined before implementing marketing organizations and setting up
marketing services. Marketing activities of contemporary travel agencies, which greatly enhance business
through the Internet, can be highlighted in the following areas: (Dulčić, A., 2005)

1. Promotion of tourism services – current assets: TV, radio, newspapers, catalogues, pamphlets, posters,
the screen technique; it is improved with promotional text, drawings, photographs and sound, 3D space,
3D photographs, media interaction.
2. Tourism services sales – unlimited database and unlimited capacity of digital media allows instant
access to the tourist market free products to every potential tourist.
3. Tourist services booking – instantaneous communication between all participants of the sales process; it
allows ‘booking on demand’, i.e. avoids excessive sales (overbooking).

In order to perform these marketing activities, particularly in selling travel packages, use of the following
technologies stands out:

1. World Wide Web (the system of linked pages) use

2. Mail connection (for sending and receiving e-mail)
3. Multimedia – ‘a combination of different media: text, sound and images, all computer-
controlled.’(Colin, S., 1993).
4. Databases

   By using the Internet, multimedia and databases it can be achieved the following: a rational and fast online
communication, direct contact with the market and its business partners, integration and automation of business
process, delivery and access of information

CONCLUSION

 Internet technology is an important 'communication channel' between offer and demand in modern tourism.
With the help of the Internet, there is an opportunity for all operators in tourism industry to successfully
promote and sell services and products and to act in accordance with desires and needs of modern consumers. In
modern travel agencies business, the Internet has proven to be an effective medium for tourism promotion and
sales, so distribution of products and services no longer depends on the quantity of printed catalogues and
brochures, but information on tourism products and services can reach millions of Internet users, and
overbooking has become almost impossible because all communication problems have been removed.
Marketing activities occupy an important place in the business strategies of modern travel agency, where the
Internet has recently become an essential part of media planning. It can be concluded that modern Internet
technologies help travel agencies in creating a unique identity, increasing efficiency and developing value-
added services.

IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTERS IN TRANSPORTATION

Like all other professions, computers have changed the way the transportation industry works. Computers and
IT technology are used throughout the transportation process. Computers will be involved in the initial contact a
company will have with the transportation company, such as researching them and reading about them on their
website. A course of emails will probably be sent to establish whether or not the two companies would be
compatible to work together. Computer software has been developed to arrange how the specific items will be
stacked during transportation to ensure the use of space, either in a container or vehicle, is used most efficiently.
Handheld computers will often be used by the couriers to scan the product that is being transported to prove it
has been picked up and register it in their personal computer system so it can be kept track of during the
transporting procedure. The customer is provided with information to track the progress of the transport
meaning the customer has peace of mind and if it goes missing, they know where to begin looking.
Computers will also be used in GPS navigational systems to ensure whatever is being transported is picked up
from the correct location and taken to the new location using the least amount of miles and ensuring fuel and
time efficiency.

Car Navigation

 One common computer used in land transportation today is the Global Positioning System, or GPS. This
form of car navigation is used for everyday travel for many people. These navigation computers are
typically mounted on the dashboard of a car and feature a screen that shows a map that tracks your
vehicle’s movement via satellite signals. These extremely accurate devices can pinpoint your location to
within 100 feet. Some cellular phones even have the technology built in. The navigation system will talk
to the driver to let him know when to prepare to make turns, how far it is until the next required turn,
and can estimate to the minute when the vehicle will arrive at the preferred destination.

Positive Train Control

 Positive Train Control, referred to as PTC by the Federal Railroad Administration, is the computer
system that tracks the movement of trains on various railways around the country. PTC technology is
capable of preventing train-to-train collisions, derailments caused by excessive speed and the associated
deaths or injuries. A 2008 federal law now mandates the widespread use of PTC by December 2015.
Prior to 2008, many trains ran without the benefit of this computer safety system. PTC systems are not
all identical, but serve similar purposes. Metro train and subway systems and various freight and
passenger train companies use various computer programs to maintain positive train control within their
systems.
Air Traffic Control

 Air traffic control computers help direct aircraft safely, both on runways and in flight. Maintaining air
safety worldwide requires increased investments in ATC computers, software and controller training.
Continual air travel growth places increasing pressure on air traffic controllers.

Collision Avoidance

 Traffic alert and collision avoidance system computers can help guard against midair collisions. A
TCAS computer can detect only other aircraft that also have TCAS. When TCAS detects a nearby
TCAS-equipped aircraft, it warns the pilot to turn, climb or dive to avoid collision.

IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTER IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

In industry, computers are used to control and monitor the manufacturing system and continuous running of the
machinery. They also help in monitoring temperature, pressure, for checking the quality & accuracy, and
measurement needed in the manufacturing process.

Role of Robots in Industry In industry, robots are used to perform most of the activities. A robot is an
automatic programmable machine. It can move and perform mechanical tasks. It means that a robot acts like
human beings. Robot can work in environment that is dangerous for human beings such as opening chemical
packages. It can perform repetitive tasks continuously without any break, with very high accuracy than human
beings. Robots can also be used in hundreds of applications such as:

 Assembling & spray-painting of cars.

 Lifting of heavy equipments, power cables etc.
 Testing blood sample.
 Performing different activities in artificial satellites and radioactive environments etc.

 Computers are playing an increasingly important role in our lives. Keeping pace with the application of
the latest technology is a challenge for all of us. In the food industry, as in manufacturing in general,
computers are being put to use designing food products, processing foods and managing the operations
and resources of a food processing plant. A manufacturer needs to keep up with the latest technology to
remain competitive.

 Computer-based systems in manufacturing are known as CAD, CAM,MRPII, and CIM. Although their
use is more limited in the food industry than in other manufacturing environments, these concepts are
gaining importance rapidly in their application to food processing.

 APICS, the American Production and Inventory Control Society, defines the acronyms representing the
various computer-based systems as follows:
  CAD (Computer-Aided Design) - The use of computers in interactive engineering drawing and storage
of designs. Programs complete the layout, geometric transformations, projections, rotations,
magnifications and interval (cross-section) views of a part and its relationship with other parts.

 CAM (Computer- Aided Manufacturing) - Use of computers to program, direct and control production
equipment in the fabrication of manufactured items.

 MRPII (Manufacturing Resource Planning) - A method for the effective planning of all resources of a
manufacturing company.

 CIM (Computer-Integrated Manufacturing) - The integration of the total manufacturing organization

through the use of computer systems and managerial philosophies that improve the organization's
effectiveness; the application of a computer to bridge various computerized systems and connect them
into a coherent, integrated whole. For example, budgets, CAD/CAM, process controls, groups
technology systems, MRPII, financial reporting systems, etc., are linked and interfaced.

  

 More about MRP II

 MRP II is a computer-based, business information management tool that helps manufacturers produce
the "correct" products at the "correct" time. MRP II, used effectively, integrates all company functions
in support of overall corporate strategy, utilizing accurate, consistent and timely information.

 MRP II is an American technology that has evolved gradually over the last 30 years. Benefits to MRP II
users include reduced delivery lead times, reduced product shortages, reduced investment in inventories,
immediate performance measurements and reporting, faster new product introductions, better cost
controls, increased productivity and improved quality of work life.

 Companies that have been highly successful at implementing MRP II, or the Class A users, all have two
things in common: 1) Detailed education programs for their employees and 2) Employees who are
committed to supporting and maintaining the data integrity of the system.

Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is the manufacturing approach of using computers to control the
entire production process. This integration allows individual processes to exchange information with each other
and initiate actions. Through the integration of computers, manufacturing can be faster and less error-prone,
although the main advantage is the ability to create automated manufacturing processes. Typically CIM relies
on closed-loop control processes, based on real-time input from sensors. It is also known as flexible design and
manufacturing.

The term "computer-integrated manufacturing" is both a method of manufacturing and the name of a computer-
automated system in which individual engineering, production, marketing, and support functions of a
manufacturing enterprise are organized. In a CIM system functional areas such as design, analysis, planning,
purchasing, cost accounting, inventory control, and distribution are linked through the computer with factory
floor functions such as materials handling and management, providing direct control and monitoring of all the
operations.
As a method of manufacturing, three components distinguish CIM from other manufacturing methodologies:

 Means for data storage, retrieval, manipulation and presentation;

 Mechanisms for sensing state and modifying processes;
 Algorithms for uniting the data processing component with the sensor/modification component.

CIM is an example of the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in

manufacturing.

CIM implies that there are at least two computers exchanging information, e.g. the controller of an arm robot
and a micro-controller of a CNC machine.

Some factors involved when considering a CIM implementation are the production volume, the experience of
the company or personnel to make the integration, the level of the integration into the product itself and the
integration of the production processes. CIM is most useful where a high level of ICT is used in the company or
facility, such as CAD/CAM systems, the availability of process planning and its data.
 ASSIGNMENT

1 Discuss the use of computers in water transportation

2 The importance of computer to you as a student
3 The importance of computer to your school of study