What
is Computer ? Function & Characteristics
Computer Definition:-
The word ‘computer’ is derived from Latin word
‘computere’ which means ‘to
calculate’. So Computer is an electronic device that takes raw data from
the user process it under the set of control of instructions and gives the
result (output) and we can save that result in computer memory for future use.
Initially Computer was used only for Calculation but nowadays it is used to
create documents, send emails .
Computer is being very fast in audio- video playing, games –playing, database
management as well as in many other functions such as blanks, educational
instructions, offices, homes, shops.
Function of Computer:-
Ø Computer
takes data as input.
Ø Store
data and instruction in its memory and
use them when required.
Ø Process
on that data and convert into useful information.
Ø Generates
the output.
Characteristics (Advantage) of Computer:-
Computer characteristics are define or tell
the capability of computers. Some characteristics of computer are listed below-
Ø Automatic- Computer is an electronic machine and it
perform the given task automatically.
Ø High
Speed- Computer can work very fast. It
perform millions of instructions and even more in per second.
Ø Accuracy- Computer can do any calculations without
errors and very accurately.
Ø Diligence- Computer consistently perform n number of
task or calculation with the same
accuracy and efficiency at the same time.
Ø Reliability- The result produce by the computer is very
reliable but it is depend on data input by user.
Ø Storage
Capacity- Computer can store huge
amount of data. It has different type of memory to store data.
Limitations of Computer:-
Ø No
learning power
Ø No
decision making
Ø No
self intelligence
Ø Interaction
is needed
Application of Computer:-
Application
of computer refers to the scope and use of computer in various fields and
sector. These ares-
Ø Business
Ø Education
Ø Banking
Ø Marketing
Ø Medical
Ø Defense
Ø Entertainment
Ø Railway
Ø Agriculture
Ø Scientific
research
Type of computer:-
On the basis of working
principle computer is of three types
Analog
Computer:-
The computer which uses
the analog signal to represent the data are known analog computer. This kind of
computer works on continuous data value.
Ex- Speedometers
Digital
Computer:-
The computer which uses
digital signals to represent the data is known as digital computer.
Ex- PC, Laptop, PDA,
etc.
On the basis of size
and performance digital computer is further classified into four category-
Ø Super
Computer
Ø Mainframe
Computer
Ø Mini
Computer
Ø Micro
Computer
Hybrid
Computer (Analog +Digital):-
A
combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in
both digital and analog signals. This is used there were it needs to calculate
both the digital and analog data. ECG and DIALYSIS are most commonly used
hybrid computer
Computer Terminology:-
Data:-
Unprocessed raw facts
and figures ,like number .Text on pieces
paper ,are known
as data.
Processing:-
It is the sequence of
actions taken on data to convert into information .
Information:-
When data is processed,
organized, structured or presented in a given context so as to be useful, then
it is called information.
Instruction:-
It is command given to
a computer in the computer language by the user.
Program:-
It is set of
instructions given to a computer in order to perform task.
Input:-
This is a process of
entering data and program into the computer system.
Storage:-
The process of saving
data and instruction permanently is known as storage.
Output:-
This is the process of
producing result from the data or the instructions provided by the input
device. The output is of two types’ soft copy and hard copy.
Soft
copy:-
These are the output
which are being provided or displayed on screen for e.g. monitor or projector.
Hard
Copy:-
These are the output which
is being provided on through the printer
as an output.