INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

Definition of a computer

A computer can be define as an electronic device which is capable of receiving input (i.e. data from the users), storing it for a desired period of time, manipulating it according to some set of instructions (called program) and producing the output to the user in desired form.

Basic functions of a computer

The basic function of the computer is as follows:-

1.     Input: - the computer accepts data from outside for processing within. Input devices would be required to enable us get information into a computer. Some examples of these input devices are keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, digital camera etc.

2.     Storage: - The computer can store data either internally using memory or externally using storage devices. Basically, the computer holds data internally before, during and after processing.

3.     Processing: - The computer performs operation on the data it holds within. The CPU which is the “BRAIN” of the computer actually processes the information you put in into human readable form.

4.     Output: - Information that has been processed is communicated back to the user in the form of words, sounds or pictures, and is delivered through printers, speakers, monitors or other output devices.

Constituents of a computer system

A constituent of a computer system refers to the parts or components a computer system is made of.

Generally, a computer system has two main constituents:

1.     Hardware: - is the general term used to describe all the electronic and mechanical elements of the computer system together with those devices used with the computer. They are the visible part of a computer.

2.     Software: - is the term used to describe all the various programs used on a computer together with their associated documentation. Without software a computer is useless. It is the invisible part of a computer system.

Characteristics of a computer system

1.     Speed: - a computer has a very high speed of operation. Complex calculations are performed within fractions of a second and results obtained very fast.

2.     Accuracy: - the degree of accuracy of computer is very high and every calculation is performed with the same accuracy. Machine errors rarely occur because of in-built error detecting techniques within the computer.

3.     Diligence: - the computer is consistent and diligent in its mode of operation, which means it is reliable. The computer being a machine does not suffer from the human trait of tiredness and lack of concentration.

4.     Versatility: - this means the capacity to perform different types of work.

5.     Storage: - the computer has an in-built memory where it can store large amount of data. You can also store data in secondary storage devices such as flash drives, which can be kept outside your computer and can be carried to other computers.

6.     No intelligence quotient (IQ): - computer is a dumb machine and it cannot do any work without instructions from the users. It performs the instructions at tremendous speed and with accuracy.