ICT

2. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

What is a computer?

A computer is a general-purpose electronic machine that receives / accepts, processes, stores and output data into meaningful information

A computer can also be defined as an electronic device operating under control of instructions stored in its own memory that can accept data, manipulate the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use.

Characteristics of Computers.

Ø  Speed: The computers process data at an extremely fast rate, at millions or billions of instructions per second. A computer can perform a huge task in a few seconds that otherwise a normal human being may take days or even years to complete. The speed of a computer is calculated in MHz (Megahertz), that is, one million instructions per second.

Ø  Accuracy: Besides the efficiency, the computers are also very accurate. The level of accuracy depends on the instructions and the type of machines being used. A computer in other wards does not make any mistakes. For example a computer can accurately give the result of division of any two numbers up to 10 or more decimal places

Ø  Diligence: Computer, being a machine, does not suffer from the human traits of tiredness and lack of concentration. If four million calculations have to be performed, then the computer will perform the last, four-millionth calculation with the same accuracy and speed as the first calculation.

Ø  Reliability: Generally, reliability is the measurement of the performance of a computer, which is measured against some predetermined standard for operation without any failure.

Ø  Storage Capability: Computers can store large amounts of data and can recall the required information almost instantaneously i.e. data can be retrieved whenever required.

Ø  Versatility: Computers are quite versatile in nature. It can perform multiple tasks simultaneously with equal ease. For example, at one moment it can be used to draft a letter, another moment it can be used to play music and in between, one can print a document aswell.

Ø  Resource Sharing: In the initial stages of development, computers used to be isolated machines. With the tremendous growth in computer technologies, computers today have the capability to connect with each other. This has made the sharing of costly resources like printers possible. Apart from device sharing, data and information can also be shared among groups of computers, thus creating a large information and knowledge base.