*Technology is a field that has never in history shown signs of torpor. Take the case of the computer; we have come a long way since the earlier 4 MB memory PCs. Over the last few decades,the applications of computing have expanded by leaps and bounds,and this progress has ushered in an era of ubiquity. Today,computers can be found in almost every tangible environment. Industries,hospitals and students form just a fraction of the burgeoning number of computer users. Fusing logic and productivity,these machines have made our lives exponentially easier,allowing us to carry out even the most unimaginable tasks with ease and practicality. Otherwise daunting calculations are performed in seconds,with utmost precision,and integrity of valuable information is consistently maintained. However,the importunate question still remains: are we becoming over-dependent on computers to meet our daily needs? Srijit Ghosh,XIIDelhi Public School,RK Puram *Computers are helpful because they offer a wide range of functions and services that are not available anywhere else. There are four main uses: word processing,Internet/communications,digital video/audio composition,and desktop publishing. Although one can create a typed document with a typewriter,the computer provides more features and value-additions. Internet and communications,digital video and audio composition,and desktop publishing are all features that can only be offered by computers. With these tools,human society has progressed exponentially. Using computers,we can make or solve most things that can never be done otherwise. But the biggest advantage offered by computers lies in cutting down on distance and connecting people. Nowadays,students can also obtain degrees simply by sitting at home,through the use of computers. This was practically impossible a few decades ago. Dhruv Kakkar,VII D Ryan International School,Mayur Vihar *Today,technology is touching every aspect of our life,from controlling our needs to our brains. The most useful technological invention for todays age is the Internet. It has made our life tremendously easier. Today,we employ the computer to solve the most complex of mathematical calculations as well as fulfil the most trivial of needs,such as booking movie tickets. People get glued to computers as they are fast,easy to access,provide volumes of information and fulfill all their needs pertaining to entertainment. But then,it is time they stopped to think are we using it for the right reasons? By becoming dependent on computers,some of us lose the ability to put their brains to active use. When our teachers have taught us ways to solve our math equations,why are we using the computer to do it? Also,becoming a PC geek can have undesirable consequences on your health,such as weakening of eyesight,poor body posture,and neck and shoulder pain. While the computer does open up the world for us,some of us are losing their creativity by becoming overtly dependent on it. Shreshtha Singh,X-A Cambridge School,Indirapuram *Computers are becoming increasingly common these days. They can be seen everywhere,including banks,post offices,factories and shops. It has become an integral part of modern life. With its ability to function fast and accurately,computers have brought about a great change in our lives. It has changed our methods of working and cut down substantially on time and cost. There is no field in which computers cannot help. Computers are very user-friendly. With a little training,even a primary school student can master computers. Computers help students master new techniques of education. It helps executives in matters related to accounting and keeping sales-related records. It is used in factories,banks,laboratories and space research centres. Sahil KR Singh,VII C Ryan International School,Mayur Vihar *The computer is a tool that can be used to enhance the curriculum and promote learning. Most educators believe that computer programs can be excellent motivators for learning. The Internet is a treasure trove of resources for students. Web pages include animations,videos and pictures,which make things easier for the students to understand. However,computers can also be addictive. With Facebook and Youtube just a click away,it becomes very hard for the students to concentrate on studies. Excessive use of computers also makes children lazy and obese. Harmful radiations from the computer monitor can strain their eyes. Nowadays,students depend on the computer more than their own intellect. For every question or query,Google finds the answer. Furthermore there is no regulation on the information available on the Internet. Though the computer can be a helpful tool,students need to be wary of it. Jyotsna Singh,X-C Cambridge school,Indirapuram *The computer is one of the most important inventions in human history. It has made our lives more comfortable and provided us with the means to carry out our work swiftly. The Internet,which was made possible only due to the invention of the computer,is another such tool that has been of great help to humankind. It has the ability to connect people,no matter how far they may be from each other. Computers have also had a great impact on education. As the Internet is an enormous information base,it can be harnessed by students for the retrieval of information on a wide variety of subjects. It can be used to get information on various subjects. But then,computer usage has its cons too. It causes a number of illnesses and disorders such as chronic fatigue and difficulty in concentrating. Crimes such as hacking and phishing have gone up,and only because of the wide usage of the Internet. About 50,000 cyber crimes take place across the world everyday ranging from illegal usage of softwares to hacking of hi-security websites. Also,in the absence of a proper regulatory body,the Internet gives them access to objectionable material. Harshit Sinha,IX Rockview,Venkateshwar International School,Dwarka *The computer has become a basic need of the modern world. But though it has a large number of advantages,it has some disadvantages too. Computers are useful for business,education as well as duties at home. It has also made it easier for people to communicate with each other,in addition to saving time and money. Moreover,it has significantly cut down on any chance of miscalculating while trying to solve a problem. The use of computers in education has resulted in significant changes in conventional teaching methods. But while the computer has numerous advantages,it has quite a few disadvantages too. It also contributes to the unemployment rate as a single computer can perform a task that requires at least six to seven workers. Continuous work on the computer affects peoples eyesight in the long run,and children tend to get lazy. The Internet,which is widely used by teenagers to access sites meant for adults,corrupts their minds. Bhawana,XI Apeejay School,Faridabad *The very first time the computer was introduced in our country,the people were against using it in industries because they believed it would hit employment opportunities. The earliest kinds were like huge boxes of machinery that required expensive air conditioning,and therefore affordable to a select few. In time,there was unexpected advancement in the field. But if there are advantages to the computer,there are disadvantages too. Students have started using the Internet indiscriminately. They have become so lazy,that they would rather visit search engines than flip through the pages of a book. The computer also affects people in other ways,by causing severe backpain,weak eyesight and radiation-related health problems. Our society has to be educated on the disadvantages of using computers too. Mahima Mishra,X Cambridge School,Indirapuram
