Characteristics of a Computer

The reasons why computers are widely used are the following characteristics:
o Speed - The computer can process data fastly that no human being can
compete. It can solve complex computations and analyze data in a few seconds.
Examples are calculators, weather forecasting, PCOS machines.
o Accuracy - Aside from being fast, computers can give result accurately. Since it
is programmed, any error that may occur can be attributed to human error (either
the user or the programmer).
o Diligence - Unlike humans, a computer can consistently perform any task for a
long period of time. They do not suffer from human traits like boredom and
tiredness so it can perform a series of repetitive tasks with the same speed and
accuracy from beginning till end.
o Storage Capability - Today's computers can store a large volume of data. Once
data or information is stored, it can never be forgotten and can be retrieved at
any time
o Versatility - computers are capable of performing any task even at the same time.

Limitation of Computer
Despite its various features, a computer does have the following limitation
1. No Self Intelligence
2. No Decision-Making power
3. No Learning power
4. Emotionless
5. Curtail human Capabilities

 No Self Intelligence- Today, a computer is able to do a work which is

impossible for man. Computer used to do risky and dangerous work where
sharp actually needed. But it does not have any intelligence of its own. It
works according to the instruction only.

 No Decision-Making power- Computer cannot take any decision of its own.

It does only those tasks which are already instructed to it.

 Computer No Learning power- Computer has no learning power. Once you

give instruction ta a computer how to perform a task, the very task is cannot
perform if you do not give it any instruction for the next time. For example,
when you are taught how to solve a problem and if same type of problem is
given you to solve, then you can do it.
 Emotionless- Computer are emotionless. They do not have emotion, like
dislike feelings. They are simply machines which work as per the instruction
given to them.

 Curtail human Capabilities- Although computer are great help to human

beings, it is commonly felt that we people have becomes so dependent on
calculator that we cannot make very simple calculation without calculator.
Sometimes, find it difficult to instantly speak out even that telephone number
which they use every now and then as they have got the habit of using them
by retrieving the storage.

Caution- Excessive use of computer is causing various type of health injures

such as cervical and back pain, pain in eye, headache.

Similarities and Difference between Human and Computer

Computer is a very effective and efficient machine which performs several activities in
few minutes, which otherwise would have taken several days if performed naturally.
Besides there would have been a doubt about the accuracy, finish etc. The computer
may be faster; more accurate but it cannot compete with human brain. However there
are some similarities between the human and the computer which would make the
computer more understandable.
  The computer has storage devices like floppies, hard disks, compact disks to
store and retrieve information.
 However computer does not understand emotions, it does not understand
meaning beyond words, it cannot read between the lines like the human. We
learn many things unknowingly, certain things knowingly; we call it as upbringing.
 But computers can learn everything only knowingly. We learn many things on our
own, but computer has to be taught to do everything.

Human Computer

Like human beings has ears, Computers have input devices such as
nose, eyes etc. keyboard. scanner, touch screen, mouse
etc to get information.

Like we remember things Computer also stores information.

We recollect certain information as The computer also retreves information
required. when times,

We express ourselves by speech, writing Computer expresses through screen,

etc printouts etc which we call as output.

When we watch, hear, learn certain With the help of software, computer also
things and analyze. can analyze Information and draw
conclusions.

The place where we store, analyze, The computer brain is known as CPU
conclude information is known as the
brain (Central Processing
Unit) where it analyses information.

The computer has storage devices like floppies, hard disks, compact disks to store and
retrieve information.
5 most important components of your computer
Regular servicing and timely upgrades are necessary to maintain your PC in
its prime condition, so you can keep enjoying it without interruption.
Electrical items break down eventually after constant use, and this is also
true for computer hardware.

PCs can slow down for many different reasons, and most of the time, you
can solve it without touching delicate computer components. That said, for
more critical issues, an upgrade often is the best solution. These are the 5
major components of a computer that you need to know about:

1. Motherboard

A complete computer components list always starts with the motherboard,

the primary circuit board that holds all the hardware in place. Every PC has
one, from dedicated workstations to personal notebooks. A robust
motherboard offers many slots for installing multiple computer components
(e.g. RAM, graphics card, etc.).

Motherboards offer different form factors (general specs encompassing

circuitry arrangement, overall size, number of ports, etc.), and only specific
motherboard models can fit into certain computer cases/chassis, especially
for customisable desktops.

For laptops, specialised motherboards are used instead, with much of their
built-in hardware already soldered onto their respective circuits permanently.
This is done due to the laptop’s smaller frame and lighter build, with only
certain parts like the RAM and storage that can be upgraded.

When a motherboard is damaged, PCs cease to function fully. Noting the

complexity of the circuitry and wiring in place, a faulty motherboard can
instantly stop your computer from working and potentially harm other parts.
While motherboards are easily replaced for desktops, the same can’t be said
for laptops, forcing you to buy a brand new one.

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The central processing unit (CPU) - commonly referred to as the

processor - is the ‘brain’ of your computer. The CPU solves all the
sophisticated algorithms and programming your computer does while
running programs or applications.

Nowadays, almost all processors possess multiple CPUs to achieve quicker

processing speeds, ensuring faster response times when using software or
browsing the web. These special processors are called multi-core
processors, with each CPU designated as 1 processing core.

For example, the high-end Intel® Core™ i7-12850HX processor has 16

independent cores that work together to handle computing tasks, allowing
you to do program-intensive work without stressing your computer too much.

You can squeeze more power from your CPUs to get slight performance
boosts by overclocking them. However, this comes with risks that might
damage your processor, so keep that in mind. Remember, a PC cannot work
properly with an impaired processor, even if other components function
normally.

3. Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)

When handling graphical operations and advanced imagery, the graphical

processing unit (GPU) is the computer hardware responsible for it. A GPU
is required for your computer to read and reproduce graphical
representations and effects, which are almost present in every form of media
today.

Certain top-spec CPUs can also have basic GPUs embedded in them,
especially premium laptops that focus on lightweight mobility and use.
However, the finest GPUs are primarily used for video gaming, capable of
handling immense 3D-graphics loads to maintain smooth frame rates and
lag-free experiences.

When gaming, the CPU and GPU work in tandem. The GPU manages the
heavy lifting in terms of the on-screen graphics and fidelity, while the CPU
runs the programming that works behind the scenes, such as data and in-
game statistics.
A broken-down GPU can lead to many problems, including the feared black
screen of death. The current crisis of GPU chips shortages causes another
headache, making losing your GPU a nightmare.

4. Random Access Memory (RAM)

Computers have different forms of memory that store information and data,
and the more prominently discussed is random-access memory (RAM). A
RAM device keeps important currently-used data and codes on standby,
loading them instantly when respective programs or apps are opened.

RAM is a volatile type of memory, meaning all stored memory is refreshed

after turning off the PC. This allows the device to quickly absorb new data
immediately during the next session, prompting quicker loading processes.

Almost all mainstream computers can be upgraded with more RAM by buying
a better RAM device - or RAM stick - that offers bigger storage capacity,
including mini laptops. Nevertheless, depending on your computing
activities, you might not use all RAM, so you need to understand how much
RAM is ideal for your PC according to its primary use (work, gaming, etc.).

Although a damaged RAM stick might not necessarily disrupt your computer
from working properly, it will hinder its performance over time, resulting in
program crashes, unexpected decrease in RAM, and failure to boot, among
others.

5. Storage device

A storage device provides the memory for installing programs and saving
files. Unlike RAM, a storage device’s content is secured in non-volatile
memory, meaning that data is saved permanently inside its memory bank,
preserving them even after you turn off the PC (unless manually deleted or
uninstalled).

PCs use 2 common types of internal storage devices: hard disk drives
(HDDs) and solid-state drives (SDDs). HDDs are the cheaper option but
suffer from slower transfer speeds, while SDDs are their superior
counterparts but are more expensive. These devices are attached to your
computer using dedicated SATA cables, replaced by SAS cables for big
servers and workstations.

Other secondary storage devices exist, such as USB flash drives and portable
HDDs. However, these peripherals are not installed inside computers.
Instead, they are connected to the PC via alternative channels like USB ports
or external disk drives, depending on the specs.
Even though storage devices do not impact your computer’s boot-up
process, start-up programs like Google Chrome or Microsoft Word are loaded
directly from your HDD or SDD. So a damaged storage device can interrupt
the whole process, potentially corrupting your files. If so, you will need
to replace your hard drive immediately, sometimes requiring a complete
system reformat or Windows reinstall, which is a hassle.

HP desktops with excellent benchmarks

Understanding the major components of your computer helps gauge your
expectations of what your PC is capable of doing. It’s telling that an office
notebook is not the right choice for you to play games with due to its
unsuitable specs. This notion is true for every computer as they are all built
for different purposes, with distinct specifications.

Premium PCs are designed for everything: work, streaming, gaming, and
more. If you’re looking for exclusive PCs that offer first-rate specs and
unbeatable performances, here are some extraordinary HP desktops to
consider:

Resources: https://www.hp.com/my-en/shop/tech-takes/post/most-important-
computer-components