Characteristics of a computer
Characteristics of a computer
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to
- Define a computer
- Main function of a computer
- Define and know difference between data and information
- List and explain each characteristic of a computer
Basic definitions
- A computer: a computer is an electronic device that operates under the control of a set of instructions that are stored in its memory.
A computer accepts data from an input device and processes it into useful information which is displayed on its output device.
- Data: data are raw facts put into the computer for processing.
- Information: Information is data which have been process and has meaning.
Characteristics of a computer
SPEED
- The speed of a computer may be defined as the time taken by a computer to perform tasks.
- It takes only a few seconds by a computer for the calculations that humans take hours to solve.
- It works in the fractions of seconds. Most of the computer work on Micro and Nano seconds
- Its speed is measures in terms of MHz (Mega Hertz) and GHz (Giga Hertz)
Accuracy
- Since computer is programmed, so whatever input we give, it gives results without errors.
- It performs large number of tasks without errors but if we feed wrong data to the computer, it returns the same wrong information called GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out)
- Computer errors are due to human and inaccurate data.
Diligence (Tiredness)
- Computer can work for hours repeating one and the same task without any break and creating errors.
- A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, monotony, fatigue etc.
Versatility
- The capacity of computer performing more than one task at the time is called versatility of computer.
- The computer can perform a diverse nature of work like calculating, graphic work, searching etc. at the same time.
Power of remembering:
- The action or method of storing something for future use
- Computer can store and recall any amount of information because of its secondary storage capability
- A computer can forget or loose data when it is asked to do so (delete)
- Storage is measured in terms of Kilobyte (KB), Megabyte (MB), Gigabyte (GB), Terabyte (TB)
No IQ
- A computer is not a thinkable machine
- A computer is neither intelligent and never does task on its own.
- They follow human instructions to do task.
No feelings:
Computer doesn’t have emotions, knowledge, experience, feelings.
- Feelings is an emotional state or reaction
- A computer can’t make judgement based on feelings, taste, experience and knowledge unlike humans.
