INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER IX

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

Introduction

A computer is an electronic machine that accepts instruction as input data, stores the data, processes them and produces the desired output. Computer automatically accepts data and instructions as input, stores and processes them and produces and gives the output under the control of the instructions of the stored programs.

Features of computer:

As computer is an intelligent amplifier that performs the above-mentioned operations in a faster, accurate and efficient way, it creates extra leisure time which can be used in matters involving creativity & judgment. Some of the common characteristics possessed by computers are as follows:

• A computer can perform tasks at very high speed. The speed, with which computers carry out these operations, varies from a few microseconds (10^-6 of a second or millionth of a second) to nanoseconds (10^-9 of a second or billionth of a second).
• It can store a large amount of data in its memory forever
• It gives 100% accurate outputs unless the wrong data and instructions are entered.
• Once the data and instructions are given, it caries out its operation automatically to produce the desired output.
• It can perform its tasks repetitively with same speed, efficiency and accuracy, without being affected by traits of tiredness and lack of concentration.
• It is versatile in a sense that it can perform from simple tasks, such as Desktop Publishing, to advanced tasks, such as controlling of automatic weapons, satellite launching, etc.

Limitations of Computers:

• Since computer does not have its own intelligence, it should be given instructions to carry out its tasks. However, the fifth generation is supposed to have own intelligence.
• An important data can be lost sometimes due to the breakdown of storage media in machine.
• However there are various systems to protect data, but there is always fear of data piracy.
• Computer is a very expensive to install and maintain that it would be difficult to afford it for everybody. But, with the ever-increasing advances being made in the state of the art, the cost of computer equipment has dropped drastically over the years. Hardware costs have been decreasing at an estimated annual rate of 25%.
• Computers cannot store data unless they are given instructions.