What are the main uses of computers?

1. Numerical calculation. Computers are widely used in the calculation of science and engineering technology, which is a basic aspect of computer application, and we are familiar with it. Such as: the calculation of satellite orbit, the calculation of various parameters of missile launch, the calculation of seismic strength of buildings, etc.

Second, data processing. It is called data processing to record, sort out and calculate the data in time by computer and process it into the form required by people. Compared with numerical calculation, the main characteristics of data processing are more raw data, large processing capacity and strong timeliness, but the calculation formula is not complicated. Today, with the popularization of computer applications, computers are no longer just tools for scientific calculation, but are more used for data processing. Such as: factory production management, planning and scheduling, statistical reports, quality analysis and control; In the financial department, accounts are registered, classified, summarized, counted and tabulated by computers. We can't use computers to realize office automation. It is faster, more efficient and more convenient to use computers for text input, typesetting, plate making and printing than traditional movable type printing. Through computer communication, that is, data exchange through local area network or wide area network, it is convenient to send and receive data reports and faxes.

Automatic control. Automatic control is also an important aspect of computer application. In the production process, automatic control by computer can greatly improve the quantity and quality of products, improve labor productivity, improve people's working conditions, save the consumption of raw materials and reduce production costs.

Fourth, aided design. Computer-aided design (CAD) is a practical technology for designing with the help of computers. Using computer-aided design process to realize automation or semi-automation can not only greatly shorten the design cycle, speed up the upgrading of products, reduce production costs and save manpower and material resources, but also play an important role in ensuring products.

Fifth, auxiliary teaching. Computer-aided instruction (CAI) is to use computers to teach students. The first large-scale computer-aided instruction system was Plato developed by the University of Illinois in the 1960s. At present, the teaching software developed in the world cannot be accurately counted. The special software of CAI is called courseware, which is a main branch of CAD. It can be classified according to different teaching methods and different fields.

6. artificial intelligence. Computers have memory ability and are good at logical reasoning, so they can imitate people's thinking, make computers have certain learning and reasoning functions, accumulate knowledge by themselves and solve problems independently. This is the artificial intelligence of the computer. For example, computers can compile and interpret high-level computer languages; Machine translation between languages of different countries; On many occasions, robots equipped with computers can replace people in heavy and dangerous physical labor and some simple and repetitive mental work.

Entertainment. We can watch TV, VCD, listen to music, play games, chat with friends online and so on.