Disadvantages of using computer

Some of the disadvantages of using computers is that it takes one away from
socializing with others in person.

Another disadvantage is that you do not see the other person you might be chatting
with on IM.

Spending too much time playing online games or chatting instead of reading books,
taking walks, and doing homework.

Advantages of using computers

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