COMPUTER
A Computer is a man made electronic machine which stores, reads and processes data to produce meaningful information as output.It works very fast and does not make mistakes but its capacity is limited.It is made of the English word ‘to compute’. It operates under the control of a set of instructions that is stored in its memory unit.
A computer accepts data from an input device and processes it into useful information which it displays in its output devices .
Actually, a computer is a collection of hardware and software components that helps us to accomplish many different tasks.Hardware consists of the computer itself and includes a CPU , a monitor, a keyboard , a mouse, and any equipment connected to it . Software is the set of instructions that the computer follows in performing a task.
Characteristic of a computer
Computers are the foundation of business, travel, and leisure of life today. The common characteristics that make computers of all sizes such a powerful machine are speed, accuracy and reliability, storage capacity, ability to operate automatically, diligence, scientific approach and versatility.
1.Speed:
Computers provide the processing speed required by all facets of society. The quick service we expect at the bank, at the grocery store, on the stock exchange and on the internet are dependent on the speed of computers .The speed of a computer is measured in the following time units for the access time or instruction per second
Millisecond[1ms]- (A thousandth of a second)
Micro second[1ms]- (A millionth of a second)
Nano second[1ns]- (A thousand millionth of a second)
Pico second[1ps]- (A million millionth of a second)
KIPS Second- (Kilo instruction per second)
MIPS Second- (Million Instruction per Second)
2. Accuracy and Reliability:
Computers are quite accurate and extremely reliable as well. They are only a machine and do not make errors on their own. Errors are caused by humans,not by computers.
3. High storage capacity:
Computers are capable of storing enormous amounts of data that must be located and retrieved very quickly. The capability to store and retrieve volumes of data is the core of the core of the information age.
4. Automation:
Once a process has been initiated , It is capable of functioning automatically.It does not require an operator at each stage of the process .
5. Diligence:
It is capable of operating at exactly the same level of speed and accuracy even if it has to carry out the most voluminous and complex operation for a long period of time. It does not suffer from physical and mental fatigue,lack of concentration and laziness.
6. Versatility:
The wide use of computers in so many areas such as commerce, scientific application,education in day to day life is ample evidence of its versatility.
