Computer Fundamentals

Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as an input from the user and processes it under the control of a set of instructions (called program), produces a result (output), and saves it for future use


Functionalities of a Computer

If we look at it in a very broad sense, any digital computer carries out the following five functions −
Step 1 − Takes data as input.
Step 2 − Stores the data/instructions in its memory and uses them as required.
Step 3 − Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
Step 4 − Generates the output.
Step 5 − Controls all the above four steps.
Computer

Advantages of Computers

Following are certain advantages of computers.

High Speed

  • Computer is a very fast device.
  • It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
  • The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the picosecond.
  • It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will spend many months to perform the same task.

Accuracy

  • In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
  • The calculations are 100% error free.
  • Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is correct.

Storage Capability

  • Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
  • A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
  • It can store large amount of data.
  • It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.

Diligence

  • Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of concentration.
  • It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
  • It can perform repeated tasks with the same speed and accuracy.

Versatility

  • A computer is a very versatile machine.
  • A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
  • This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
  • At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment it may be playing a card game.

Reliability

  • A computer is a reliable machine.
  • Modern electronic components have long lives.
  • Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.

Automation

  • Computer is an automatic machine.
  • Automation is the ability to perform a given task automatically. Once the computer receives a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer memory, then the program and instruction can control the program execution without human interaction.

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