Essays

A computer is a fast and accurate electronic data Manipulator. It is fashioned to store input data, process it as per some predefined instructions and show results.  The computer performs four basic functions, namely Input, storage, process and output. The present century is witnessing a computer revolution in which information processing and retrieval are being done accurately at tremendous speed.

The data and the instructions on how to process it are kept in the- storage unit of the computer called 'memory'.  The relevant instructions fed into the computer are called ‘Program’. Usually, FORTRAN and Pascal Languages suit mathematical applications, and COBOL and Basic language are useful in other applications.

In India to begin with Trade Unions opposed the introduction of computers. They were assured that the manpower which became surplus as a result of computerization would be absorbed and that no retrenchment was thought of.

The first computer was installed in India at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata in 1955. During 1955 to 1964, 28 computers were installed—all these were imported computers. During 1964 to 1977, 392 additional Computers were installed. Of these, 25 per cent were manufactured by the Electronics Corporation of India.

The departure of IBM from India in 1978 acted as a Spur to the indigenous industry which in 1978-79 worked out over a dozen new models of computers. Since then, the computer industry in India has progressed leaps and Bounds. Today there are more than a hundred companies manufacturing computers, as against only nine companies in 1978.

With the announcement of an integrated Compel, Policy by the Control Government in 19H computerization in the country got a new thrust. The policy gave a big boost to the indigenous computer industry.

In India, the use of computers was initially confirm to research institutions, defense and space establishment Now, with the advent of personal computers, even send establishments are using computers in their business’

Large organizations are putting in huge investment to use computers in office automation, decision-making manufacturing. Insurance companies and banks and publishers have gone in for computerization in a big w< to improve their efficiency and to save time. Indi«| Airlines, Air India, Indian Railways and banks ar offices are computerizing their operations.

The phenomenal growth of the computer industry has opened up new, lucrative employment opportunities. The existing infrastructure in India is not enough to meet the requirements. The demand is more than the supply.

Hence, starting as a mere calculating device, compute! In India have come a long way. Computers are being used by private organizations and public sector establishment for their day to day operations and work. The country moving towards mass scale computerization. Computers are playing an important role in the country's R & D outfits and in the country's fast industrialization and development.

Do You Know

The South Indian cities of Hyderabad and Bangalore rank among the most important centre of Software Development in the world.