Introduction

Definition.
A computer is an electronic data that takes in data as input and processes it into output. A
computer is made up of two main parts which are hardware and software.
Hardware are the parts of the computer we can see and touch while software are the parts of the
computer we can see but cannot touch.
Areas of applications of computer
Computers have become very useful in our society to the point that they have change the way in
which we live. Computers are used in many domains of the society which are listed and
explained in the lines below.
1) Banks
- Computers are used in banks to save customers information and the information of their
accounts
- Automatic machines are used to facilitate the withdrawal of money with their bank cards
2) Stock Control Systems
The collection of items that a business sells is called stock. In a shop for example,
- Computers are used to control the amount of goods in the stock
- Know the amount of goods to pass for command
- Know the expiring date of products
3) Communication systems
Computers are used for communication in many ways
a) Teleconferencing
It allows people in different physical locations to communicate through telephone or electronic
mail. A more advance form of teleconferencing is video conferencing which allow people to see
and hear each other.
Definition
Video conferencing: is communication between people using video, voice and data. Equipment
used for video conferencing include camera, microphone, speakers and broadband internet
access.
b) Email: it is an application that handles the sending and receiving of electronic messages.
4) Electronic Money
Computers have helped many banks and other institution to pay their employees or to send
money through bank transfer, mobile money etc.
5) Reservation Systems
Through the use of computers, hotel rooms, air flights can be reserved .

6) Modeling and Simulation

Computers are used for modeling and carrying out of simulations.
Definition: A computer model is a computer program that represents the construction and
working of a physical system.
Definition: Simulation is the process of using a computer to imitate a real life situation.
7) Computer-Aided Design
Computers are used to carry out technical drawings
8) Computer-Aided Manufacturing
Robots are used in manufacturing industries to fit in parts of cars and other tasks

9) Control and Monitoring Systems

Computers are used to control and monitor traffic lights systems and patients on hospital beds

10) Computers in Music

Computers are used to play and record musics
11) Computers in Film-making
Computers are used to design cartoons and other animated videos.

12) Computer in education

Computers and ICT can bring benefits such as
- Special facilities available for students with disabilities for e.g blind people can use text
to speech conversion.
- The use of interactive teaching packages available on compact disc for many different
subjects
- The use for productivity tools like word processing, desktop publishing and spread sheet
software for projects and other school activities.
- A virtual learning environment (VLE) works over the internet to provide tools for
students to learn.
- Computer base learning (CBL) sometimes known as E-learning. It makes learning more
interesting with interactive system and multimedia, so greater motivation.

Historical evolution of computers