The characteristics of computers that have made them so powerful and universally useful are speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility and storage capacity. Let us discuss them briefly. Computers work at an incredible speed.
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to manipulate symbols. Its principal characteristics are: It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner. It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program). It can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.
1 : embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills also : turning with ease from one thing to another. 2 : having many uses or applications versatile building material. 3 : changing or fluctuating readily : variable a versatile disposition.
Computers are dumb: The CPU is the Central Processing Unit or the brains of the computer. The CPU knows what to do with machine language instructions. It doesn't understand them; it just knows what to do with them.
The following are some of the areas where computers are used:
- Supermarkets. Supermarkets and other retail stores use computers for stock control, i.e., to help them manage their daily activities.
- Industries.
- Banks/Insurance industries.
- Process control.
- Hospitals.
- Offices.
- Government Institutions.
- Education.
There are seven types of Computer 1 Supercomputer 2 Mainframe 3 Microcontroller 4 Server Computer 5 Personal Computer 6 Workstation computer 7 smartphone. There are Four Different Computer Types We have four different computer types classified according to their performance, power, and size.
Updated: 04/26/2017 by Computer Hope. Accuracy is a term used to describe anything that is near its true value or recognized standard. For example, a computer may perform an accurate math calculation that is correct with the information given, but is not the exact value.
Classification of Computers
| Sr.No. | Type |
|---|
| 2 | Workstation |
| 3 | Mini-Computer |
| 4 | Main Frame |
| 5 | Super-Computer |
Power and performance. Performance is arguably the most important metric of any PC, and the CPU is the heart of that. You want at the very least a dual-core processor, but a quad-core will give you noticeable performance.
So, what is a computer virus – simply put, a computer virus is a malicious code that can copy itself and infect a computer without the approval or knowledge of a user. A computer Virus has two major characteristics, the ability to replicate itself and the ability to attach itself to another computer file.
There are
three major
components of a computer system: hardware. software.
Internal devices that connect to the motherboard include:
- Microprocessor (CPU).
- Disk drive.
- Random access memory (memory modules).
- Power supply unit (PSU).
The characteristics of computers that have made them so powerful and universally useful are speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility and storage capacity. Let us discuss them briefly. Computers work at an incredible speed. A powerful computer is capable of performing about 3-4 million simple instructions per second.
Computer cannot operate without the instructions given by humans. It is programmed to work effectively, fast and accurately. Computer cannot think by itself and does not have common sense.
Researchers at the University of Michigan just created the world's smallest computer (again). Their previous micro-computer, the Michigan Micro Mote, measured 2x2x4mm. It was a complete, functioning system powered by solar cell batteries.
A computer's processor clock speed determines how quickly the central processing unit (CPU) can retrieve and interpret instructions. This helps your computer complete more tasks by getting them done faster. Clock speeds are measured in gigahertz (GHz), with a higher number equating to higher clock speed.
Computer - Generations
| S.No | Generation & Description |
|---|
| 1 | First Generation The period of first generation: 1946-1959. Vacuum tube based. |
| 2 | Second Generation The period of second generation: 1959-1965. Transistor based. |
| 3 | Third Generation The period of third generation: 1965-1971. Integrated Circuit based. |
Computers are critical for communication and are the centerpiece of information technology. The early 1990s saw the emergence of household Internet use, which eventually spurred common use of email, websites, blogs, social networking, video chat and Voice-Over-Internet Protocol.
It is a slang term used to denote people using (attached to) computers, and is based on the need for a human, or liveware, to operate the system using hardware and software. Other words meaning the same or similar to liveware include wetware, meatware and jellyware.
Importance of Computers in our LifeTo store, access, manipulate, calculate, analyze data and information we use software application only with the help of these computer machines. All our daily life activities are based on online services and products which can only be possible via computers.
What are the advantages of using a computer?
- Increase your productivity.
- Connects you to the Internet.
- Can store vast amounts of information and reduce waste.
- Helps sort, organize, and search through information.
- Get a better understanding of data.
- Keeps you connected.
- Help you learn and keep you informed.
- Can make you money.
You just don't need a computer for any of your usual tasks. People use their computers for all kinds of tasks. Many people can't go without their laptop or desktop, but others could use a tablet, or even a smartphone, for all of the same tasks without missing their computer.
Computers can solve problems by performing billions of operations per second. A programmer's job is to find solutions. They do this by breaking down problems into easy-to-follow steps for a computer. Programming languages allow people to communicate with computers.
A computer is a machine composed of hardware and software components. A computer receives data through an input unit based on the instructions it is given and after it processes the data, it sends it back through an output device. To better imagine how a computer works, knowing what's inside will make it easier.
