The Impact Of Computers On The Impact Of Computers On Our Economic And Social Our Economic And Social

Life.Life.

To discuss the capabilities and limitations of To discuss the capabilities and limitations of computers.computers.

To explain the economic benefits of computers To explain the economic benefits of computers to the society.to the society.

To recognize some potential dangers posed by To recognize some potential dangers posed by computers.computers.

To predict the changes information technology To predict the changes information technology will bring to our lifestyle.will bring to our lifestyle.

As computers become increasingly common place in our society, the changes they will cause will undoubtedly affect each and every one of us in one way or another. This chapter focuses on the economic and social impact of computers on our lives.

How do you spend your leisure time? Some people spend it on outdoor activities. They go for picnics, swimming or fishing. Others fly kites or model aeroplanes, take photographs or go for jungle treks.

Those who prefer to stay indoors collect stamps, play board games or throw parties. Yet others travel to faraway places for adventure or to enjoy scenic landscapes.

An increasing number of people now spend their leisure time on computer games and simulators. Will traditional pastimes be forgotten one day? We already feel the impact of computers at home and at work. Will computer take over our leisure hours as well?

Computers are machinesComputers are machines Computers require programsComputers require programs Garbage In Garbage OutGarbage In Garbage Out Differences between human Differences between human

beings and computersbeings and computers

Computers and human Computers and human beingsbeings

Computers have become our new workhorse. They can work continuously, do not complain, do not need coffee breaks and can repetitive tasks exactly the same way they did them the first time.

Computers have become indispensable at home and at work. At home, they are used to teach children how to read, write and spell and how to solve certain problems.

They are also used for entertainment, to control and regulate temperature and humidity and to maintain home security. Computers are also used in factories, offices, hospitals, shops, banks, in transportation and public utilities.

We rely on computers because of their speed, reliability and storage capacities. Large amounts of data can be stored and retrieved quickly and efficiently at any time. The speed of computers also makes them ideal for processing large amounts of data or information.

Computers can be used to do jobs considered too dangerous or too risky for human beings. For example, they are used for handling and disposing of radioactive and toxic materials, working on sea beds and working in outer space. In a workplace where computers are used, individual workers can be freed from repetitive chores and so can do their jobs better and faster. Computers also help us make better informed decisions. For example, Data sent back by weather satellites help us to predict the weather accurately. Therefore, human activities related to and affected by the weather can be planned carefully.

Garbage In and Garbage Out

1. Explain that garbage is rubbish.

2. Point out that although computers are machines, they may not be accurate all the time. These are the possible causes:

Program errorIncorrect inputMachine malfunction

Program error: Since the computer depends entirely on the program to function, the program has to be correct. If a programmer types X=3+Y instead of Y=3+X, then the results would be wrong. It should be stressed that the equal symbol must not be read as ‘equal’, but rather ‘takes the value of’.Explain the job of a programmer and how vigilant he/she has to be in his/her programming.Incorrect input:

Programs work by taking input to produce output. If the input is incorrect, i.e. a data entry clerk enters 27 instead of 72 for the marks, the grade sheet would be wrong.Discuss case studies from books and newspapers about the inconvenience caused by incorrect input.Machine Malfunction:

Nobody has ever built any system that can last forever. So sometimes, machines can malfunction due to electrical disturbances or failure of some microchips inside the system. People who manage the system must be vigilant.

A Computer can do many things quickly and correctly. But there are many other things that it cannot do. Name a few.

Computers have no emotionsComputers cannot draw and reproduceComputers cannot answer back to your remarks when you feel upset about them.Computers cannot do household choresComputers cannot think and reason like human beings.

Think about it!Think about it!

Economic Benefits From ComputersEconomic Benefits From Computers

Difference between automation Difference between automation and mechanizationand mechanization

Information and its importance in Information and its importance in government and business government and business organizationsorganizations

Information exchange through Information exchange through networksnetworks

Technological advancements in Technological advancements in consumer productsconsumer products

The economic benefits from using the computers are many. People benefit on the job even if they are not computer specialists. Planners, managers and administrators use computers to plan and control, to identify problems and opportunities and to plan for alternative courses for action. If a certain variable does not come between he set parameters, the computer will inform the user and suggest the next course of action. Much time, money and other resources are thus saved. This could translate into improved management, better working atmosphere and improved morale.

We also benefit as consumers of the services, materials and goods provided by people who make use of computers.

We enjoy greater efficiency, higher-quality products, better service and improved safety.

And, at home, we benefit by using computers for various uses. We use them for recreation and for education. The handicapped can also benefit from the computerized devices they use.

General:

1.Explain the differences between automation and mechanization. Use examples of space vehicle control jobs and manual work.

2. Give examples of technological advances in consumer products such as film less cameras, colour printouts from a printer attached into a television set and security systems.

Automation:1.Explain the difference between automation

and mechanization: 2.Automation is the use of automatic machines

to do work that once needed human thinking and judgement. These machines are used to control various processes, e.g. in manufacturing.

3. Mechanization, on the other hand, is the use of machines to do work that once needed human muscle power. These machines brought about much economic benefit at the beginning of this century.

2. Explain how automation improves productivity.

3. Discuss automation trends in modern offices- word processors, spreadsheets, databases and e-mail.

4. Explain how factory automation uses robots and CAD/CAM to improve productivity in the automobile industry, the gas industry, space exploration and mining.

Many activities in manufacturing, banking and designing can be automated. Automation can help in areas where one has to do the same job over and over again. The benefits of automation are as follows:

-Raises productivity

-Reduces the cost of labour and work force

-Easy to expand operations

Output usually refers to goods and services and input refers to labour and raw materials.

Automation takes away tedious and repetitive jobs from human beings and hence reduces operational costs. Automation can be programmed. We can change the program to suit any business environment. Thus it will be easy to expand business operations.

Information:

1. Explain the importance of information and its use in government and business organizations.2. Use examples from a supermarket. Ask the students who needs the information below.

Information type Who needs it?

Sales Cashiers, sales supervisors, accountants and customers

Purchases Supplier, purchasing officers and warehouse staff

Inventory Sales supervisors and warehouse staff

Payments Suppliers, customers, accounts staff and management

Networks:1. Wide area network covers a wide geographical area. The speed of access is rather limited. Information flows on the public networks.2. A local area network is mostly a private communication network. The speed varies from one megabit per second to hundreds of megabits per second.3. Traditional networks require cabling. However, wireless networks are now available in the market.

Think about it!

If you are a frequent traveler, in which bank would you prefer to open an account? A bank with many branches all over the world or a small bank with a few branches in Brunei? Why?

A bank with many branches all over the world. It would be easier to find the banks and withdraw cash through the cashier or through its many ATMs at any time of day or night. One does not have to carry a lot of cash then.However, this changing, as more and more banks are issuing cards that will allow the holders to use ATMs belonging to different banks across the world.

Computer HazardsComputer Hazards

How computers can be hazardousHow computers can be hazardous What electronic interference isWhat electronic interference is Pollution problems due to Pollution problems due to

computerscomputers Minimizing computer hazardsMinimizing computer hazards

SAVING THE ENVIRONMENTSAVING THE ENVIRONMENT

Health Hazards and environmental pollution are often Health Hazards and environmental pollution are often equated with the use and misuse of computer equated with the use and misuse of computer technology. We should help raise public consciousness technology. We should help raise public consciousness about protecting our environment through the 4Rs.about protecting our environment through the 4Rs.

ReduceReduce- - Minimize the use of costly and depletable Minimize the use of costly and depletable resources.resources.

RecycleRecycle-- Recycle paper, disks, batteries, cartridges, etc.Recycle paper, disks, batteries, cartridges, etc.

ReuseReuse- - Avoid filling landfills with disposable items. Avoid filling landfills with disposable items. ConsiderConsider reusable mugs, glasses, dishes, cloth towels, reusable mugs, glasses, dishes, cloth towels, etc.etc.

RepairRepair- - Do not simply throw away computers or Do not simply throw away computers or peripherals with minor problems. Try to get them peripherals with minor problems. Try to get them repaired.repaired.

Pollution ProblemsPollution Problems

1. Explain how computers can give 1. Explain how computers can give rise to pollution problems.rise to pollution problems.

2. Then get the students to 2. Then get the students to summarize the problems under these summarize the problems under these categories:categories:

Manufacture of computers and Manufacture of computers and peripheralsperipherals

Expendable computer parts, e.g. Expendable computer parts, e.g. printer cartridgesprinter cartridges

Disposal of unwanted computers and Disposal of unwanted computers and peripheralsperipherals

Health ProblemsHealth Problems 1. Explain how computer users can suffer from RSI and 1. Explain how computer users can suffer from RSI and

eye strain. Go through the following tips below, eye strain. Go through the following tips below, demonstrating the measures where suitable.demonstrating the measures where suitable.

Minimize RSI by following the tips below:Minimize RSI by following the tips below: Your keyboard should be placed appropriately so as to Your keyboard should be placed appropriately so as to

allow you to sit with your hips and your knees at right allow you to sit with your hips and your knees at right angles.angles.

Move the whole arm to press a function key. Do not Move the whole arm to press a function key. Do not reach for it with a finger.reach for it with a finger.

Do not lift your wrist above the level of your fingers Do not lift your wrist above the level of your fingers and never rest your wrist on the desk.and never rest your wrist on the desk.

A padded wrist rest made of firm foam will help you A padded wrist rest made of firm foam will help you keep your wrist in a straight and neutral position while keep your wrist in a straight and neutral position while typing.typing.

Keep your arms off the sharp edges of the work Keep your arms off the sharp edges of the work surface.surface.

Hold the mouse gently and move the whole arm and Hold the mouse gently and move the whole arm and shoulder to operate the mouse.shoulder to operate the mouse.

Keep your wrist relaxed and neutral. Do some hand Keep your wrist relaxed and neutral. Do some hand exercises to relive any discomfort.exercises to relive any discomfort.

Protect your eyes by doing the Protect your eyes by doing the following:following:

Position doing.Position doing.

Do your monitor directly in front of you at 60cm to 80cm Do your monitor directly in front of you at 60cm to 80cm or an arm’s length away. Adjust the height of the monitor or an arm’s length away. Adjust the height of the monitor so that you can easily see what you are not stare at the so that you can easily see what you are not stare at the screen for long stretches of time. Look away from the screen for long stretches of time. Look away from the screen occasionally.screen occasionally.

Do not have bright light falling on the screen. Indirect Do not have bright light falling on the screen. Indirect sunlight is advisable for computer work. Use anti-glare sunlight is advisable for computer work. Use anti-glare filters where there is sunlight.filters where there is sunlight.

Use a document holder to place the documents at the Use a document holder to place the documents at the same distance from your eyes to the monitor. This helps same distance from your eyes to the monitor. This helps to minimize the number of eye movements and hence to minimize the number of eye movements and hence reduce eye strain.reduce eye strain.

Good work habits are essential for hazard-free Good work habits are essential for hazard-free computing. Examples of good work habits are:computing. Examples of good work habits are:

Go for regular exercises after workGo for regular exercises after work Take 5-10 minute breaks from your computer Take 5-10 minute breaks from your computer

after one to two hours of computer work. Try to after one to two hours of computer work. Try to do non-computer related work such as reading do non-computer related work such as reading books or doing homework.books or doing homework.

Avoid holding the same posture for prolonged Avoid holding the same posture for prolonged periods. Try changing positions even while periods. Try changing positions even while sitting in front of a computer.sitting in front of a computer.

Check your eyes periodically if you suspect Check your eyes periodically if you suspect something is wrong.something is wrong.

Avoid unnecessary computer work.Avoid unnecessary computer work. Do not play computer games for long periods of Do not play computer games for long periods of

time. Many people injure their wrists while time. Many people injure their wrists while playing computer games.playing computer games.

Social ImpactSocial Impact

Definition of social impactDefinition of social impact How computers affect employment How computers affect employment

patternspatterns The price for depending too much The price for depending too much

on computerson computers Futuristic lifestyles in a Futuristic lifestyles in a

computerized societycomputerized society

Computers have a positive impact in the following Computers have a positive impact in the following ways:ways:

More efficient businessMore efficient business -- Managers can better track their employees and inventories; Managers can better track their employees and inventories;

make better-informed decisions in order to remain competitive.make better-informed decisions in order to remain competitive.

More efficient manufacturingMore efficient manufacturing -- Products are processed or manufactured automatically and we Products are processed or manufactured automatically and we

pay less as labour cost is reduced.pay less as labour cost is reduced.

People are brought closer togetherPeople are brought closer together -- People are more exposed to the cultures, life styles and values People are more exposed to the cultures, life styles and values

of others through electronic news gathering and dispatching.of others through electronic news gathering and dispatching.

More varied entertainment and recreation.More varied entertainment and recreation.

Wider range of educational toolsWider range of educational tools -- Computers have become a powerful motivating and learning Computers have become a powerful motivating and learning

tool. Various disciplines and areas of interest can be learned at tool. Various disciplines and areas of interest can be learned at one’s pace & leisure.one’s pace & leisure.

ConvenienceConvenience - - Cash can be deposited and withdrawn anywhere and at any Cash can be deposited and withdrawn anywhere and at any

time we fine convenient. Cashless transactions guarantees time we fine convenient. Cashless transactions guarantees security.security.

Tele-shoppingTele-shopping - - Shopping can be done using home computer, with the internet Shopping can be done using home computer, with the internet

becoming a big ‘tele-shop’. A customer can select products using a becoming a big ‘tele-shop’. A customer can select products using a computer and pay for them using a credit card. The Borneo Bulletin computer and pay for them using a credit card. The Borneo Bulletin recently introduced a website for local supermarkets and shops to recently introduced a website for local supermarkets and shops to advertise their products on BruNet. Shops which exists only in a website advertise their products on BruNet. Shops which exists only in a website need not pay for the cost of running an actual shop. They can therefore need not pay for the cost of running an actual shop. They can therefore pass on the savings to their customers.pass on the savings to their customers.

Tele-bankingTele-banking - - This is similar to tele-shopping except that it handles money. A person This is similar to tele-shopping except that it handles money. A person

can be connected to the bank using modems and telephone lines. He or can be connected to the bank using modems and telephone lines. He or she can look into his/her accounts, transfer funds to other accounts or she can look into his/her accounts, transfer funds to other accounts or request for other services from the bank. Hongkong and Shanghai bank request for other services from the bank. Hongkong and Shanghai bank has the tele-banking service called HEXAGAN in Brunei Darussalam. Big has the tele-banking service called HEXAGAN in Brunei Darussalam. Big business organizations use this service.business organizations use this service.

TeleTele--officingofficing – – This is also called tele-commuting. It allows people to work at home This is also called tele-commuting. It allows people to work at home

instead of at an office. They work at a terminal or PC at home and send instead of at an office. They work at a terminal or PC at home and send their work through a communication link to the computer system in the their work through a communication link to the computer system in the office. There are savings in transportation and time. People who look office. There are savings in transportation and time. People who look after young children may benefit from teleofficing. However, they may after young children may benefit from teleofficing. However, they may feel lonely and isolated.feel lonely and isolated.

Tele-conferencingTele-conferencing - - This service allows people in different locations to see and talk to each This service allows people in different locations to see and talk to each

other, so that a conference or meeting can take place. There are savings other, so that a conference or meeting can take place. There are savings in air tickets, hotel bills and time. This is made possible through the use in air tickets, hotel bills and time. This is made possible through the use of networking, and video and audio technologies. JTB offers of networking, and video and audio technologies. JTB offers teleconferencing facilities in the country.teleconferencing facilities in the country.

Think about it!Think about it!

These people have been displaced or These people have been displaced or have been retrained. They have have been retrained. They have been displaced and become been displaced and become unemployed due to changes in unemployed due to changes in technology as their work is no longer technology as their work is no longer needed. Others have been retrained needed. Others have been retrained to use word processors.to use word processors.

In order to find jobs in the modern In order to find jobs in the modern work place one must be literate not work place one must be literate not only in the conventional sense but only in the conventional sense but also in information technology.also in information technology.

We will still need cash, especially We will still need cash, especially when we need to tip a taxi driver when we need to tip a taxi driver or a porter, pay for a parking or a porter, pay for a parking ticket, or give a donation. Small ticket, or give a donation. Small amounts of cash are also needed amounts of cash are also needed to pay for a few pieces of sweets or to pay for a few pieces of sweets or chocolates or use a public toilet! It chocolates or use a public toilet! It is doubtful that we will go is doubtful that we will go completely cashless.completely cashless.

Imagine if a country in ASEAN Imagine if a country in ASEAN stops using hard cash. What effect stops using hard cash. What effect will it have on currency will it have on currency transactions between ASEAN transactions between ASEAN countries?countries?

People might use this free time to:People might use this free time to:

Think ways to increase one’s productivity Think ways to increase one’s productivity and efficiency.and efficiency.

To interact with their family members.To interact with their family members.

To carry out welfare activities.To carry out welfare activities.

We can also expect more talented We can also expect more talented artists, musicians, singers, actresses artists, musicians, singers, actresses and actors. However, some people and actors. However, some people might get involved in anti-social might get involved in anti-social activities if there is not much serious activities if there is not much serious work to do.work to do.