What are some advantages of using computers?

Answer 1

This is a loaded question with many potentially right answers. The potential advantages for using a computer depend closely on the intended use. Given a few potential uses, here are some of my thoughts:

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

• 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:
  • Editors: CodeWrite, SlickEdit, VIM, EMACS, Notepad, BBEdit...
  • Compilers: MSVC, Sun javac, GNU Compiler Collection (java, fortran, C, C++, and more), Intel C Compiler...
  • Assemblers: NASM, MASM, TASM...
  • Interpreters: Ruby, Python, Lisp, Perl, bash, and countless others
  • GUI Builders: Glade, QT Designer, MSVC, ...
  • Code browsers (many use output from etags or ctags, MS has their own)
  • Simulators, Emulators
• 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.

To the poster of the question: What uses did you have in mind?

Spell Checker.