The word computer has been derived from Latin language. A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data according to the set of instructions. It has the ability to store, retrieve and process data. A computer is used to type documents, send E-mails and browse the Internet. It is also used to handle accounting, database management, presentations, games and so on.
Functioning of a Computer
Computer performs four basic functions which are
as follows
1. Input Information or data that is entered into a computer is called input. It sends data and instructions to the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
2. Processing It is the sequence of actions taken on data to convert it into information which is meaningful to the user. It can be calculations, comparisons or decisions taken by the computer.
3. Output It makes processed data available to the user. It is mainly used to display the desired result to the user as per input instructions.
4. Storage It stores data and programs permanently. It is used to store information during the time of program execution and possible to get any type of information from it.
Features of Computer
The key features of computer are as follows
1. Speed The computer can process data
very fast at the rate of millions of instructions per second.
2. Accuracy Computers provide a high degree of accuracy. They respond to the user as per the input instructions.
3. Storage Capacity Computers are capable to store huge amount of data which depends on the capacity of hard disk.
4. Versatility Computers can do different types of work simultaneously. They can perform multiple tasks at a same time.
5. Automation Once the instruction to do any work is given to the computer, the computer does its work automatically by itself.
6. Diligence Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, lack of concentration, etc. and can work for hours without creating any errors.
7. Secrecy Leakage of information is reduced by creating login system with password protection.
8. Reliability Computers are more reliable than human beings. Computers always produce exact results. The possibility of errors occur only if the input is wrong, i.e. the computers never make mistakes of their own accord.
9. Plug and Play Computers have the ability to automatically configure a new hardware and software component.
Terms Related to Computer
1. Hardware
It is the collection of
physical elements that constitutes a computer system.
It is a comprehensive term for all the physical parts of a computer.
e.g. Display screens, discs, keyboards, etc.
2. Software
It is a set of programs
and procedures. Software tells the
hardware what to do and how to accomplish a task. e.g. Web browsers, word
processors, etc.
3. Data Unprocessed raw facts and figures, like
numbers, text on piece of paper, are known as data.
4. Information
When data is processed,
organised, structured or presented
in a given context so as to be
useful, then it is called information.
5. Instruction It is a command given to a computer
in the computer language by the user.
6. Program It is a set of instructions given to a computer in order to perform some task.
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