Today's world is an information-rich world and it has become a
necessity for everyone to know about computers. Purpose of this tutorial
is to introduce you about computer systems and its fundamentals.
Functionalities of a computer
Any digital computer carries out five functions in gross terms:- Takes data as input.
- Stores the data/instructions in its memory and can use them when required.
- Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
- Outputs the information.
- Controls all the above four steps.
Definition
Computer System is an electronic data processing device, which does the following:- Accept and store an input data.
- Process the data input.
- And output the processed data in required format.
Advantages
Following list demonstrates the advantages of Computers in today's arena.High Speed
- Computer is a very fast device.
- It is capable of performing addition of very big data.
- The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond and even the picosecond.
- It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man, who can spend many months for doing the same task.
Accuracy
- In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
- The computer has performed calculations 100% error-free.
- Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy.
Storage Capability
- Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
- The computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
- It can store large amount of data.
- It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio and any other type.
Diligence
- Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness and lack of concentration.
- It can work continuously without creating any error and boredom.
- It can do repeated work with same speed and accuracy.
Versatility
- A computer is a very versatile machine.
- A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
- This machine can be used to solve the problems relating to various different fields.
- At one instant, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment it may be playing a card game.
Reliability
- A computer is a reliable machine.
- Modern electronic components have failure-free long lives.
- Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
Automation
- Computer is an automatic machine.
- Automation means ability to perform the task automatically.
- Once a program is given to computer, i.e., stored in computer memory, the program and instructions can control the program execution without human interaction.
Reduction in Paper Work
- The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper work and speeds up the process.
- As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of maintenance of large number of files gets reduced.
Reduction in Cost
- Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high but it substantially reduces the cost of each of its transaction.
Disadvantages
Following list demonstrates the disadvantages of Computers in today's arena.No IQ
- A computer is a machine and has no intelligence of its own to perform any task.
- Each and every instruction has to be given to the computer.
- A computer can not take any decision on its own.
Dependency
- It can perform function as instructed by user, so it is fully dependent on human being.
Environment
- The operating environment of computer should be dust-free and suitable to it.