Lasers are used in an incredible variety of ways these days. The first laser was demonstrated in 1960. Today, lasers can be used to perform surgery, to cut metal, or to send data over "optical" connections instead of through wires. Lasers are also used in a huge number of scientific and commercial applications. See this hyperphysics link to read about a few more:

My PhD research involves developing visible light lasers (red, green, blue). One of the most cutting edge commercial applications for visible light lasers are for displays like laser TVs and hand-held projectors that can give high color quality light from very tiny devices. One day soon, your smart phone will probably have a "pico-projector" in it based on visible light lasers.

Lasers have a huge number of uses. Most of the uses I know for lasers consist of guidance (laser points, laser-jet printers, laser-sighting devices, laser-based distance measurements). However, lasers are used to heat things, too (gas-heating, attempts at nuclear fusion power, and, yes, weapons). There are too many uses for lasers to list here.