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Information Processing Cycle

The document discusses the information processing cycle of computers. It begins by defining a computer as an electronic device that takes input from users, processes it using defined instructions, and produces an output. It then covers the advantages of computers in performing tasks efficiently while connecting people and organizing data. The document also defines the basic functions of computers as taking input, storing and processing data, and generating output. It distinguishes between data and information, and classifies computers as digital, analog, or hybrid based on the type of inputs they accept. The document concludes by describing different types of computers like laptops, smartphones, and supercomputers.

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61 views3 pages

Information Processing Cycle

The document discusses the information processing cycle of computers. It begins by defining a computer as an electronic device that takes input from users, processes it using defined instructions, and produces an output. It then covers the advantages of computers in performing tasks efficiently while connecting people and organizing data. The document also defines the basic functions of computers as taking input, storing and processing data, and generating output. It distinguishes between data and information, and classifies computers as digital, analog, or hybrid based on the type of inputs they accept. The document concludes by describing different types of computers like laptops, smartphones, and supercomputers.

Uploaded by

owenbulwayan10
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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INFORMATION PROCESSING CYCLE

Computer is an electronic device that can perform various functions by taking input
from the user, performing various processes on it with a set of defined instructions that
produce an output.
The word computer is derived from the Latin word ‘computare’ which translates to ‘to
compute’.

Advantages of Computers
1. It helps in performing any task in the easiest and most efficient way.
2. Helps us connect to the internet.
3. Increases productivity by using fewer resources and time.
4. Helps to organize a vast amount of data most efficiently and makes it quite
accessible.
5. The computer keeps you connected with all the information as well as your loved
ones.

Functions of Computer
1. Takes data as input
2. Stores the data/instructions in its memory and use them when required
3. Processes the data and converts it into useful information
4. Generates the output

Data and Information


Data: Facts and figures which relay something specific, but which are not organized in
any way and which provide no further information.

Information: For data to become information, it must be contextualized, categorized,


calculated and condensed. Information thus paints a bigger picture; it is data with
relevance and purpose.

Classification of Computers
Digital
Our personal computers are an example of a digital computer. These computers
accept input in the form of 0s and 1s, process, and provide the output.
Analog
These computers process analog data. An analog data keep varying and does
not have any discrete value. They read the continuous change in the input, process it,
and provide the output. Speedometer, thermometer are some of the examples.
Hybrid
Hybrid computers are a mix of both analog and digital computers. These
computers perform a high level of calculations quickly and efficiently. It takes input in
analog form, converts it into digital form, and then processes it to produce an output.
Such computers are perfect for scientific purposes.
Based on the purpose, we can classify computers as microcomputers,
minicomputers, mainframe, and supercomputers.
Microcomputer
Microcomputers also called personal computers are single-chip – bases systems.
These are useful for personal use and can perform all the basic functions of the
computer. These require very little space and are efficient too.
Minicomputer
Standing in between a microcomputer and a mainframe computer is the
minicomputer. These computers are useful if people around 5 to 300 want to operate
the system at the same time. You can see such computers at the billing counters of the
malls or big institutions.
Mainframe
The mainframe computers come into use when a large number of people like in
the health care or retail sector want to access data simultaneously. Mainframes thus are
helpful for processing huge data.
Supercomputers
Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. Such computers can
process trillions of functions within a few seconds. These computers are specifically
designed for scientific applications.
1. Encryption decryption of passwords
2. Weather forecasting
3. Testing of nuclear weapons
4. Scientific research of earth and other planetary systems, etc.

Laptop and Smartphone Computer


Laptop: A laptop is a battery or AC-powered personal computer that can be easily
carried and used in a variety of locations.

Netbook: A netbook is a type of laptop that is designed to be even more portable.


Netbooks are often cheaper than laptops or desktops

Mobile Device: A mobile device is basically any handheld computer. It is designed to


be extremely portable, often fitting in the palm of your hand or in your pocket. Some
mobile devices are more powerful, and they allow you to do many of the same things
you can do with a desktop or laptop computer. These include tablet computers, e-
readers, and smartphones.

Tablet Computers: Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable.


However, they provide a very different computing experience. The most obvious
difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpads.

Characteristics of Computers
Speed: The computer can process data very fast, at the rate of millions of instructions
per second.
Speed measurement: The speed of Central Processing Unit (CPU) is measured by
Hertz (Hz), Which represent a CPU cycle. The speed of CPU is known as Computer
Speed.

Accuracy: Computer provides a high degree of accuracy.

Diligence: When used for a longer period of time, the computer does not get tired or
fatigued. It can perform long and complex calculations with the same speed and
accuracy from the start till the end.

Storage Capability: Large volumes of data and information can be stored in the
computer and also retrieved whenever required. A limited amount of data can be stored,
temporarily, in the primary memory. Secondary storage devices like floppy disk and
compact disk can store a large amount of data permanently

Storage measurements: The basic unit used in computer data storage is called a bit
(binary digit). Computers use these little bits, which are composed of ones and zeros, to
do things and talk to other computers. All your files, for instance, are kept in the
computer as binary files and translated into words and pictures by the software (which
is also ones and zeros). This two number system, is called a “binary number system”
since it has only two numbers in it. The decimal number system in contrast has ten
unique digits, zero through nine.

Versatility: Computer is versatile in nature. It can perform different types of tasks with
the same ease.

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