Introduction to computer
V E S R N TECHNOLOGIES
computer is an electronic data processing device, which accepts and stores data input, processes the data input, and generates the output in a required format.
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.
Advantage of Computers
Following are 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.
➢ 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.
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.
Reduction in Paper Work and Cost
➢ The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper work and results in speeding up the process.
➢ As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of maintenance of large number of paper files gets reduced.
➢ Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high, it substantially reduces the cost of each of its transaction.
Disadvantages of Computers
Following are certain disadvantages of computers.
No I.Q.
➢ A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
➢ Each instruction has to be given to the computer.
➢ A computer cannot take any decision on its own.
Dependency
➢ It functions as per the user’s instruction, thus it is fully dependent on humans. Environment
➢ The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable. No Feeling
➢ Computers have no feelings or emotions.
➢ It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike humans.