What Is A Computer

What is a Computer?
Computer is defined as an electronic device that accepts raw data from the user as input, processes
it with a set of instructions (called program), and produces result/information as output.
1. electronic device” – meaning, it needs electricity for the computer to run. Powered
by electricity.
2. “accepts raw data from the user as INPUT” – user feeds raw DATA into the
computer. There are many devices that we can use to feed raw data into the computer
but will be discussed later on. (Data) User -> Computer
3. “processes it with a set of instructions (called program)” – after the user feeds
the computer with raw data, the computer then performs mathematical and logical
operations to data inputted. The term “computer” is derived from the Latin word
“computare” which means “to calculate”.
1. Program - a series of coded software instructions to control the operation of a
computer.
2. Programs are, in short, instructions made by the programmer for the computer to
run.
4. “produces result/information as output” - after the computer process the data, it
will become INFORMATION, that will be delivered to the user via devices that is used
to deliver information to the user. (Information) Computer -> User
Data - Raw. Unprocessed. Information - Processed. Undergone processing.

Computers are designed to execute applications/programs and provides a variety of
solutions through integrated hardware and software components. It also works with
the help of programs and represents the decimal numbers through a string of binary
digits which will be discussed in the latter part of this subject.
5 basic functionalities of a computer

1. Takes data as input.
2. Stores the data/instructions in its memory and uses them as required.
3. Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
4. Generates the output.
5. Controls all the above four steps
Advantages of Computers (VS. Man)
1. High Speed
2. Accuracy
3. Storage Capability
4. Diligence
5. Versatility
6. Reliability
7. Automation
8. Reduction in Paper Work and Cost
Disadvantages of Computers
1. No I.Q
2. Dependency
3. Environment
4. No Feeling
1. High Speed
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.
The modern computer is not just a calculating device anymore with its speed and accuracy it
can perform multiple tasks, operations, and complex numerical problems within fractions of
seconds.
2. Accuracy
The calculations are 100% error free. Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy
provided that the input is correct.
3. Storage Capability
A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings. It can store large amount of
data. It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc. Data storing
capabilities of computers these days are “HUGE” as compared to previous years.
They can save or store any volume of data or instruction given to them permanently.
Users can recall the data or instructions or information given to them anytime & any place.
4.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.
If millions of calculations are to be performed, a computer will perform every calculation with
the same accuracy. Due to this capability it overpowers human being in routine type of work.
5. Versatility
It means the capacity to perform completely different type of work. You may use your
computer to prepare payroll slips. Next moment you may use it for inventory management or
to prepare electric bills.
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. APPLICATION.
6.Reliability
Computers are designed to make maintenance easy. Modern electronic components have
long lives.
Computer has the power of storing any amount of information or data. Any information can be
stored and recalled as long as you require it, for any numbers of years. It depends entirely
upon you how much data you want to store in a computer and when to lose or retrieve these
data.
7.Automation
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.
8.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.
1.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.
It performs the instructions at tremendous speed and with accuracy. But it is you to decide
what you want to do and in what sequence. So a computer cannot take its own decision as
you can.
2.Dependency
The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.
3.Environment
The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable
4. No Feeling
Computers have no feelings or emotions. It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste,
experience, and knowledge unlike humans.

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What is a Computer?

Data - Raw. Unprocessed. Information - Processed. Undergone processing.

5 basic functionalities of a computer

8.Reduction in Paper Work and Cost

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