Different Uses of Computers in Business

By Eric Scott, eHow Contributor

updated: August 9, 2009
I want to do this! What's This?

Computers are used for all aspects of running a business. Computer use in a business enhances
productivity and provides results that might not otherwise be possible. Businesses use computers to keep
records, develop budgets and forecasts, prepare marketing documents, research and stay in contact with
other employees and customers. Businesses should look at their operation and ensure that they are using
their computers to the fullest extent.

Keep Records
1. Computer programs such as QuickBooks and other accounting programs allow
businesses to keep detailed records. These programs track accounts payable,
accounts receivable and sales. They also provide an easy and quick way for a
business to send out invoices to customers and handle payroll functions. Back
office productivity and accuracy can increase greatly when using an accounting
program.
Budgeting and Forecasting
2. Computers can be used to prepare detailed budgets and corporate forecasts.
Inexpensive accounting programs allow even people with limited computer
knowledge to develop detailed budgets that will help keep the company on track.
They can also be used to forecast future sales and business expansions.
Spreadsheet programs such as Excel can also be used for budgeting and
forecasting.
Prepare Marketing Documents
3. There are a wide variety of programs that allow businesses to easily prepare
dynamic marketing documents. Adobe Photoshop provides many templates that
users can manipulate to produce eye-catching custom marketing materials.
These programs make it easy for people who do not have a creative background
to prepare professional-looking documents quickly and painlessly.
Research
4. The Internet offers a tremendous amount of information that a business can use
to maintain an edge. Businesses can use the Internet to research its competitors'
products and prices by studying their websites. They can also get a glimpse into
how customers view their own products by reading customer reviews on sites
such as Amazon. When launching a new product a company can perform market
research using online questionnaires and surveys.
Communication
5. One of the biggest benefits of the computer in the workplace is the enhanced
communication they provide. Coworkers can easily communicate with each other
through email. Customer service departments can use email and instant
messaging services to communicate effectively with customers. Web
conferencing provides a cheap alternative to meetings for companies. Instead of
travelling to a meeting attendees can join a meeting from their office. Businesses
can also use email and websites to advertise their products and services.
 Tip
6. Updating computers regularly is vital to a business. Outdated computers can
cause serious problems, crash often and reduce worker productivity. As
technology evolves, the computing power needed to run-cutting edge computer
programs increases. These new programs will often run poorly on out-of-date
computers. As a result, in the long run the most cost-effective strategy is to keep
your business' computers current.

Uses for Computers in Business

I want to do this! What's This?

Computers have become a requirement in the business industry. Computers easily complete duties that
are tedious and timely for humans. The business uses of computers are extensive. Although many of the
computer duties are not irreplaceable, business has become dependent on their accuracy and timeliness.

Accounting
1. Business success is dependent upon accuracy. Many businesses use accounting
software and ledgering systems to ensure the accuracy of their financial status.
Customer Interaction
2. Computers now assist human call centers with answering customer questions, taking
payments and providing general assistance. The automated voice systems are available
with unrestricted hours and are always friendly.
Scheduling
3. Scheduling is of great importance to many businesses, especially businesses involved in
manufacturing and deliveries. Scheduling systems allow businesses to ensure they are
meeting their goals while being effecient.
Communication
4. Communication is most important in business. Computers provide businesses with a
wide array of communication methods that include, but are not limited to, email, chat,
web conferencing and VOIP.
Websites and Advertising
5. The combination of websites, advertising and marketing provide a swift means to vast
business globalization. Websites make the company quickly available to everyone.
Top of Form

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Role of Computers in Business

By Zachary Fenell, eHow Contributor
updated: December 29, 2009
I want to do this! What's This?
Computers in business can help to make the workplace better connected and more efficient. Computers in
business could also hinder business communication. The effect computer technology has on business
depends on the use of the technology in the workplace.

Implementing Computers
1. Inside the workplace computer technology should be used to aid, not substitute
for, business communication. For example, use email to set up a meeting, rather
than using email to share important information, replacing meetings.
Benefits
2. Computer technology gives businesses new marketing tools, such as websites
and new mediums for advertising. Businesses can use these tools to expand their
marketplace.
Consequences
3. The Internet can serve as a distraction to workers. Using the internet at work for
personal use, such as checking email, leads to lost time for companies.
Considerations
4. Whether computers have a positive or negative effect on business depends on
how management decides to implement computers in the workplace.
Work From Home
5. Computer technology makes working from home a reasonable option by giving
employees access to information otherwise only available while at the workplace.

How Computers Are Used in Business Management

By Osmond Vitez, eHow Contributor
updated: December 20, 2009
I want to do this! What's This?

Technological improvements in computers have provided many benefits for companies over the past three
decades. Computers now play a significant role in several important business functions and business
management decisions.

Facts
1. According to the Smithsonian Natural Museum of American History, companies
have been using computers en masse since 1974 to assist managers with
calculations and computations of business information.
Types
2. While desktop PCs are the staple computer in business offices, netbooks,
Blackberries and iPhones now allow managers to track their employee's
productivity and workflow through the Internet.
Features
3. Computers are loaded with software programs designed to collect and report
financial information to company management. Companies may also track
employee time clock hours or other internal business information through
computers.
 Functions
4. Reporting company sales and internal financial information are the primary
functions of computers in business. Managers use this information to decide
where to make improvements in operations or invest in new business
opportunities.
Potential
5. Computers provide companies with the potential to review their operations for
defects and streamline business processes. Managers also use computers to
report on cost inefficiencies, allowing companies to improve their profit.

With ever increasing availability of more complex and dynamic operating systems, the
primary use of a computer is only limited to the imagination and technical know how of the
user.
Some examples of use in the home:
• Network attached storage (Linux distribution named FreeNAS)
• Media Server (Hewlett-Packard makes a dedicated version of this)
• Graphics design (Adobe is the forefront in design software)
• Architectural design (AutoCAD leads this category)
• On-line banking (savings, loans, insurance, credit, mutual funds...)
• Gaming (always fun, sometimes aggravating)
• Social Networking (Myspace, Facebook, Twitter).
• Knowledge sharing (WikiAnswers, Wikipedia, Lifehacker, Gizmodo)
• Science (Folding at Home is a great example of home-based cloud computing)

The list goes on. These are just a few examples. Use your imagination, and chances are
someone is using a computer in their home somewhere for that purpose.

intro

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

"Computer technology" redirects here. For the company, see Computer

Technology Limited. For other uses, see Computer (disambiguation).
The Columbia Supercomputer, located at the NASA Ames Research Center.

An HP laptop computer.

A computer is a programmable machine that receives input, stores and manipulates data, and
provides output in a useful format.
While a computer can, in theory, be made out of almost anything (see misconceptions
section), and mechanical examples of computers have existed through much of recorded
human history, the first electronic computers were developed in the mid-20th century (1940–
1945). Originally, they were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several
hundred modern personal computers (PCs).[1] Modern computers based on integrated circuits
are millions to billions of times more capable than the early machines, and occupy a fraction
of the space.[2] Simple computers are small enough to fit into mobile devices, and can be
powered by a small battery. Personal computers in their various forms are icons of the
Information Age and are what most people think of as "computers". However, the embedded
computers found in many devices from MP3 players to fighter aircraft and from toys to
industrial robots are the most numerous
In business

The Information Technology (IT) revolution that brought in the computers has gone through a variety of different
stages. The prominent introduction being in 1960's when big companies had to store large amounts of data. As
the volume of data that was being churned out began to increase, computer and IT companies such as Apple
computers, Microsoft, HP and IBM began to spring up. Moving on to the use of computers in business entities…

The revolution of computers initially was used for complex data bases only. However people realized the many
uses of computers and the hardware and software, for computers began to become, more user friendly and
aimed at providing comfort, ease of operation and efficiency to the user. Two major breakthroughs in the
revolution of computers were the introduction of Windows and years later the introduction of laptop computers.
Another revolutionary introduction was the Macbook, a highly advanced next generation device, which of course
greatly facilitated businesses and working people in several ways. Apart from that, hardware such as scanners,
CD and floppy drives and printers have facilitated the operations of offices.

Computers in Business

In today's era we cannot imagine an office or business due to our reliance on the numerous computer uses. The
following are a few uses of computers in business…
• General Convenience: Earlier, before computers were introduced in
businesses, there were multiple devices in offices and businesses such as
fax machines, typewriters, telefax equipment, stenography equipment and
filing cabinets that were used extensively. Computers successfully replaced
these office tools. The entire office became 'dematerialized' that is files and
data existed electronically on the computer instead of having a physical
existence.
• Accounting and Finance: An important use of computers in business is the
machines ability to act as a clever accountant. There are countless
accounting software that can cleverly record entries and plan finances. These
financial software basically increase the accuracy of the financial
accounting process. There are also several Internet banking facilities that
have come into use of recent. Such facilities enable people to conduct
transactions from their offices, saving them a journey to the bank.
• Communications: The biggest impact of information technology on business was
observed in the field of communication. The Internet and the concept of e-
mails has benefited businesses as information, letters, technical drawings,
applications and almost any sort of communication can be transmitted from
person to person, at distant locations, in a matter of few minutes. The
Internet also helps in communication to the masses. Stock investors, Forex
traders, media companies, financial planners and company owners rely
solely on the world wide web for instant updates from over the world.
• Technical Software: An important use of computers in business is the
technical software. Technical software are used by countless people such
as engineers, architects, logistics personnel ,etc. These technical software
are again user friendly, accurate, convenient and fast.
The aforementioned are just a few of the many different uses of computers in business. There are also several
advantages of using computer in business. To know more about the pros and cons of using computers in
businesses you can also refer to advantages of information technology and advantages of computers. Fact is, using
computers in today's business has enhanced the performance of employees.

In the early 20th century we often saw several futuristic movies and cartoons that depicted several devices with
screens that had their own brains and did the bidding of mankind. Well, it looks like that such a dream of the
future is not far off. I hope that the elaboration use of computers in business establishments is resourceful.

The Importance of Computers in Business

By an eHow Contributor
I want to do this! What's This?
Businesses deploy computer systems to foster collaboration and communication.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Steve Jurvetson
The advent of computers has revolutionized the workplace and redefined operational practices. The use
and deployment of computers, computer systems and information technology (IT) applications in every
aspect of business is now commonplace. The recent application and adoption of Web-based, information
and telecommunication technologies has force-multiplied the capabilities and benefits of computers. The
importance of computers in business cannot be overstated.

Collaboration
1. Businesses are using Internet communication technologies, networking and
relevant software to enable workers and professionals to collaborate and work
across locations and geographical boundaries and streamline work-flow
management.
Communication Capabilities
2. Computer systems connected over a Web-based environment or an intranet-
based network can communicate with each other. Varied connectivity and access
technologies with computing interfaces facilitate communication of employees
with business partners, suppliers, customers, government regulators and other
stakeholders.
Centralization
3. Deployment of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solutions,
Management Information Systems (MIS), other information management and
business intelligence technologies help businesses to centralize core business
activities and operations, manage gigabytes of generated information and aid
decision-making processes.
Productivity
4. Software, productivity tools and networking applications installed in computers,
laptops and workstations enable employees in a business to streamline their
work-flows, execute assigned tasks faster and aim to achieve organizational
goals and targets.
Bottom-line Impact
5. All businesses investing in computers and IT systems look to leverage the Return
on Investment (ROI) parameter. Long-term planning and allocation of resources
for IT are helping organizations to take up ambitious business expansion
activities, channelize workforce productivity, adjust strategic goals and thereby
positively impact the bottom line
 Related Topics:

Technology | Local Area Networks | Computer Network Security | Firewalls | Online Security & Privacy | Consumer Products | Network
Servers | Electronics

Why You Need a Computer Network

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• Securing the Wireless Network of Your Small

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Future, But What About Security?

If your business has more than one computer, chances are you could benefit from networking them. A local area

network (LAN) connects your company's computers, allowing them to share and exchange a variety of

information. While one computer can be useful on its own, several networked computers can be much more

useful.

Here are some of the ways a computer network can help your business:

• File sharing: Have you ever needed to access a

file stored on another computer? A network

makes it easy for everyone to access the same

file and prevents people from accidentally

creating different versions.

• Printer sharing: If you use a computer, chances

are you also use a printer. With a network,

several computers can share the same printer.

Although you might need a more expensive

printer to handle the added workload, it's still

cheaper to use a network printer than to connect

a separate printer to every computer in your

office.
 • Communication and collaboration: It's hard for

people to work together if no one knows what

anyone else is doing. A network allows

employees to share files, view other people's

work, and exchange ideas more efficiently. In a

larger office, you can use e-mail and instant

messaging tools to communicate quickly and to

store messages for future reference.

• Organization: A variety of scheduling software is

available that makes it possible to arrange

meetings without constantly checking everyone's

schedules. This software usually includes other

helpful features, such as shared address books

and to-do lists.

• Remote access: Having your own network allows

greater mobility while maintaining the same level

of productivity. With remote access in place,

users are able to access the same files, data, and

messages even when they're not in the office.

This access can even be given to mobile

handheld devices.

• Data protection: You should know by now that

it's vital to back up your computer data regularly.

A network makes it easier to back up all of your

company's data on an offsite server, a set of

tapes, CDs, or other backup systems. (Of course,

another aspect of data protection is data security.

In our article, What Is a Firewall? you can read

more about how a network can protect the data it

transmits.)

Of course, this isn't a complete list; once you have a network, you'll probably find many other uses for it. And

once you get used to the benefits of a network, you'll never look at your computer the same way again.
When you're ready to network your computers, one of the first choices you'll encounter is the speed of

connection. You might also wonder whether to spring for a wireless LAN. Read about the speed factor in our

article, How Fast Does Your Network Need to Be?