It is fairly common knowledge that computers are taking over the world. A few years ago this would have brought fear into the hearts of quite a few people who visualised that these machines were little creatures from "Mars" hell bent on taking over their jobs, invade their homes and dictate terms to human beings.
But now to a large extent, I think it is understood that these machines, although very powerful, are basically only as smart as the persons using them and further they will never ever improve to the extent where they become a potential threat to the human brain but will in fact compliment the human brain.
Computers are used in most countries to control electricity, water distribution and food preparation. With so much traffic, computers have to be used to control air traffic. Computers are also useful in education. Computers can be used for testing, time-tabling, exam preparation and record keeping, teaching for both students and teachers, as computers are tireless, do not forget facts and never make a mistake in calculations.
Micro computers are used in hospitals to store patient records, for security and help to speed up communication between doctors and those working on the wards.
The truth of the matter is that computers are of much use to humans, making life easier at times. Computers keep us intact with the rest of the world. It is what you put in that you will get out, so the computer is only as wise as we make it. With the exciting and far-reaching changes taking place and as technology advances let us try to be updated as the uses to which computer can be put are endless.
-- Contributed by Deon Green
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