Application of Computer Science: notes

Computers help people work faster, more accurately and from far away. For each area, know one real use and one benefit.

Everyday sectors

• Agriculture: sensors check soil moisture and switch on irrigation; farmers get weather and market prices by SMS.
• Banking: ATMs, mobile money (EcoCash), internet banking and card payments. Records update in real time.
• Education: e-learning sites, online tests, school management systems for marks and fees.
• Health: patient records, scanning machines (CT, MRI), expert systems that suggest a diagnosis, telemedicine.
• Transport: online booking, GPS tracking of buses and trucks, computer controlled traffic lights.
• Social networks: sharing news and ideas fast. Risks include fake news and cyberbullying.

Industry and research

• Research and development: computers run simulations and analyse large data sets.
• Computer aided manufacturing (CAM): machines cut and build parts from a computer design (CAD). Output is fast and every part is the same.
• Robotics: robots do dangerous, dirty or repetitive work, such as welding cars or working in mines.
• Mining: sensors monitor gas levels and machines underground; GPS maps the site.

Smart systems

• Intelligent systems / expert systems: a knowledge base plus rules give advice like a human expert.
• Ambient systems: devices sense the room and respond on their own, such as lights that switch on when you walk in.
• Environmental management: sensors and satellites track rainfall, pollution and floods.
• Wildlife management: GPS collars track animals; cameras and drones help catch poachers.
• GIS (geographic information system): stores and shows data on a map in layers, used for planning roads, schools and farms.