INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Definition
The term computer is derived from the word compute. The word compute means to calculate.
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions(programs) stored
in its own memory unit that can accept data as input, process the data according to specified
rules, produce the desired out as information, and store the information for future use.
A computer automatically accepts data & instructions as input from an output device, stores
them temporarily in its memory, then processes that data according to the instructions given, and
finally transfers the processed data (information) to an output device.
Functionalities of a Computer
Any digital computer carries out five functions in gross terms:
1) Takes data as input
2) Stores the data/instructions in its memory and use them as required
3) Processes the data and converts it into useful information
4) Generates the output
5) Controls all the above four steps
Explanation:
A computer is described as an electronic device because; it is made up of electronic
components and uses electric energy (such as electricity) to operate.
A computer has an internal memory, which stores data and instructions temporarily waiting
processing, and even holds the intermediate results (information) before it is communicated
to the recipients through the output device.
It works on the data in one form and produces it in another form. The data is normally held
within the computer s it is being processed.
Other Terminologies:
1) Data:
Data is a collection of raw facts, figures or instructions that do not have much meaning to the
user. Data may be in form of numbers, alphabets/letters or symbols, and can be processed to
produce information.
Page | 1
2) Data Processing:
It is the process of collecting all items of data together & converting them into information.
Processing refers to the way the data is manipulated (or handled) to turn it into information.
The processing may involve calculation, comparison or any other logic to produce the required
result. The processing of the data usually results in some meaningful information being
produced.
3) Information:
Information is the data which has been refined, summarized & manipulated in the way you want
it, or into a more meaningful form for decision-making. The information must be accurate,
timely, complete and relevant.
Comparison between Data and Information.
Data Information
1. Unprocessed (raw) facts or figures. 1. It is the end-product of data processing
(processed data)
2. Not arranged. 2. Arranged into a meaningful format.
3. Does not have much meaning to the user. 3. More meaningful to the user.
4. Cannot be used for decision-making. 4. Can be used to make decisions
4) Program:
A computer Program is a set of related instructions written in the language of the computer and
is used to make the computer perform a specific task (or, to direct the computer on what to do).
Page | 2
Characteristics of Computer
Automatic:
Computers are automatic machines because it works by itself without human intervention. Once
it started on a job they carry on until the job is finished. Computer cannot start themselves. They
can works from the instructions which are stored inside the system in the form of programs
which specify how a particular job is to be done.
Speed
Computer process data at an extremely fast rate – millions of instructions per second in few
seconds, a computer can perform a huge task that a normal human being may take days or even
years to complete. For example, calculation and generation of salary slips of thousands of
employees of an organization, weather forecasting that requires analysis of a large amount of
data related to temperature, pressure and humidity of various places, etc. The speed of a
computer is calculated in MHz
Accuracy
Computer provides a high degree of accuracy. For example, the computer can accurately give the
result of division of any two numbers up to 10 decimal places. The level of accuracy depends on
the Instructions and the type of machine being used.
However, when an error occurs the computer has a number of in-built, self-checking features in
their electronic components that can detect & correct such errors. Usually errors are committed
by the users entering the data to the computer, thus the saying Garbage in Garbage Out (GIGO).
This means that, if you enter incorrect data into the computer and have it processed, the
computer will give you misleading information.
Diligence
Computer being a machine does not suffer from the human traits of tiredness and lack of
Concentration. 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.
Reliability
Reliability is the measurement of performance of a computer, which is measured against
Some predetermined standard for operation without any failure.
Page | 3
Consistency:
Computers are usually consistent. This means that, given the same data & the same instructions,
they will produce the same answer every time that particular process is repeated
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.
Versatility
It can perform multiple tasks simultaneously with great ease. For example, at one moment it can
be used to draft a letter, another moment it can be used to play music an in between, one can
print a document as well. All this work is possible by changing the program.
Resource sharing
It made the sharing of costly resources like printer possible. Apart from device sharing data and
information can also be shared among group of computers, thus creating a large information and
knowledge base.
Computers have several limitations too. Computer can only perform tasks that it has been
programmed to do. Computer cannot do any work without instructions from the user. It executes
instructions as specified by the user and does not take its own decisions.
Page | 4
