53 Computer -- Introduction to Computer

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Introduction to Computer

Introduction to Computer

Computers are the machines that can perform tasks or calculations according to set of instructions or programs. The term computer is derived from the word compute which means to calculate. Computer is an electronic device that can perform arithmetic and logical calculations faster. The first fully computer is introduced in 1940s, were huge machines that required teams of people to operate. Compared to those early machines, today's computers are not only thousand times faster, they can fit on your desk, lap, even we can carry it from one place to another. You must appreciate the impact of computers in our day-to-day life. The computer has been us in reservation of tickets in Airlines and Railways, payment of telephone and electricity bills, deposits, etc.

Advantages of Computer


  • Computers are very fast due to which thousands of job can be performed within a short period of time.

  • Complex mathematical problems and logical operations can be solved by using this computer.

  • As computer is a versatile device, multiple tasks like communication, graphics, documentation can be done.

  • A huge amount of data can be stored and retrieved as it has high storage capacity.


    Weaknesses of a Computer


    • Computers are machines hence, they have no brain so they work according to the program instructions given by the user.

    • It is an electronic device and it uses electrical sources to work. So, it is very risky to store data and information on the computer independently because some electrical damages may damage the data. So, we have to make regular backup of the data.

    • Computers require dustless and temperature maintained environment for best performance.

    •  If a computer commits an error once and a similar situation occurs again, the computer will commit the same error again. It cannot learn from its past experiences. Unlike human beings, a computer cannot learn from its past experiences.




    • Speed: Speed of computer may be defined as the time taken by a computer to perform a task. It takes only a few seconds for the calculations that we take hours to solve. It works in the fraction of second. Most of the computers work on Micro and Nanosecond. Its speed is measured in terms of MHz (Megahertz) and GHz (Gigahertz).


    • Accuracy: The computers are the accurate machine that can perform a 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 ). The degree of accuracy in a computer is very high and every calculation is performed with same accuracy. The accuracy level is determined on the basis of design of computer. The errors in the computer are due to human and inaccurate data.


    • Diligence: The capacity of computer of performing repetitive tasks without getting tired is called diligence. A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. Therefore, it can work for hours without creating any errors. Even if millions of calculations are to be performed, computer will perform every calculation with same accuracy.

    • Versatility: The capacity of computer of performing more than one task at the same time is called versatility of computer. Versatility means the capacity to perform different types of work completely.



    • Storage: Computer has a mass storage section where we can store large volume of data for future use. Such data are easily accessible when needed. Magnetic disk, magnetic- tape and optical disk are used as mass storage devices. The storage capacity of computer is measured in terms of kilobyte (KB), Megabyte (MB), Gigabyte (GB), Terabyte (TB), etc.


    • Automatic: Computer is an automatic machine that works without the intervention of the user. The user is required to give the data and utilize the result but the process is automatic.


    • Processing: Large volume of data can be processed at great speeds. During processing, there are different types of operations such as input and out operation, logical and comparison operation, text manipulation operation, etc.


    • Non-intelligent: Computer is a dumb machine that cannot do any work without the instruction of the user. The instructions are performed at tremendous speed and with accuracy. Computer cannot take its own decision and doesn't have feeling or emotion, taste, knowledge and experience, etc. 




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