What is Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that automatically accepts data and instructions as input, stores and processes them and produces and gives the output under the control of the instructions of the stored programs.
Characteristics of Computer:
- A computer performs its tasks at a very high speed. The speed of a computer is measured in terms of millisecond, microsecond, nanosecond or Pico second.
- It can store a large amount of data in its memory forever.
- It gives 100% accurate output unless the wrong data and instructions are entered.
- Once the data and instructions are given, it caries out its operation automatically to produce the desired output.
- It can perform its tasks repetitively with same speed, efficiency and accuracy, without being affected by traits of tiredness and lack of concentration.
- It is versatile in a sense that it can perform from simple tasks, such as Desktop Publishing, to advanced tasks, such as controlling of automatic weapons, satellite launching, etc.
Limitations of Computers:
- Since computer does not have its own intelligence, it should be given instructions to carry out its tasks.
- A large amount of data can be lost sometimes due to the breakdown in machine.
- There are chances of data piracy.
- Computer is a very expensive to install and maintain that it would be difficult to afford it for everybody.
- Computers cannot store data unless they are given instructions.
Garbage-in-Garbage-out
Garbage-In-Garbage-Out (GIGO) is the phrase that is used to express the computer’s capabilities of giving accurate results. It means, only if wrong data or instructions are entered in computer, it results error full output otherwise it results 100% accurate output.
Terms for Measuring Speed
|
Unit of time
|
Meaning
|
Parts of second
|
In the power of 10
|
|
Millisecond
|
Thousandths of a second
|
103 second
|
|
|
Microsecond
|
Millionths of a second
|
106 second
|
|
|
Nanosecond
|
Thousand millionths of a second
|
109 second
|
|
|
Pico second
|
Million millionths of a second
|
1012 second
|
Terms for measuring storage capacity:
BIT=Binary Digit (0 or 1)
Nibble= 4 bits
Byte=2 Nibble or 8 BITs=one character of information
Kilo byte (kB) =1024 bytes
Mega byte= (mb) =1024kbs
Gaga byte (GB) =1024mb
Tetra bytes (TB) =1024gbs
Uses of Computer
Computers are useful they help us write letters, and information on the Internet, and even create our own music CDs. Some people have computers – they speak a different language that includes nonsensical words like IP Address and Gigabytes. But most of us are somewhat clueless when it comes to computers. We know how to turn our computer how, how to surf the Internet (may be).
