Introduction To Computer

Introduction To Computer

introduction to computer
Introduction to computer


This is the age of computer technology as computers are used in almost all the fields. The word “Computer” is derived from the Latin word “Computare” which means to calculate. To make the calculation is the primary function of the computer. Besides calculation, communication, processing and storing data are some other important functions of the computer. 
A computer is an electronic device that receives input process it and displays the result of processing as output. It works on the principle of IPO cycle (Input-Processing-Output)
 
Working process of computer: (IPO-Cycle)
The whole process that involves input, processing, and output action is said to be IPO cycle.

IPO Cycle of Computer

IPO cycle of computer
IPO-cycle of computer

Steps Involved in IPO-Cycle of Computer
1. Input: First of all, the computer takes input with the help of input devices such as keyboard, and mouse. Users provide input data to the computer system. Input data is stored in the primary memory of the computer for processing.

2. Processing: After receiving input, computer's CPU process the data and perform the calculations as instructed and generate the result for displaying as output. Output data are stored in a storage unit and displayed on the monitor.

3. Output: Finally, after processing, the computer displays the result of processing on the output device. Monitor displays the softcopy output and printer prints the output on the paper.
The output can be saved in the hard disk or in any secondary storage device permanently for future use. 
 
The basic operations of computer
1.       Input
2.       Processing
3.       Output
4.       Storage
 
Important terms used in computer
Data:
It is the raw facts and figures in an unorganized form

Information: Information is the processed data that gives meaning.

Input: It is the data and instructions given to computer with the help of input devices such and keyboard, mouse, etc.

Output: The result of processing is called the output. It is displayed on the monitor or printed on the printer after processing the data.

Processing: The process of converting raw data and instructions into information is called processing. 
 
Advantages of computer
1.       It helps to perform many tasks with great speed.
2.       It is used in school, college, bank, industry, hospital, etc.
3.       It helps in online learning.
4.       It provides us entertainment.
5.       It helps to make communication.
6.       It stores a huge amount of data in an organized form.
 
Disadvantages of computer
1.       Continuous use of computers creates health problem
2.       Cyber crime
3.       It distracts students from their studies.
4.       Virus attack 
5.       Creates social isolation and impact on social culture
 
 Limitations of computer
1.       It cannot do anything without instruction.
2.       It cannot operate without electricity.
3.       It cannot make decisions.
4.       It does not have feelings.
 
 
Features of computer
1.       High speed
2.       Accuracy
3.       Diligence
4.       Versatility
5.       Reliability
6.       Automation 
7.       Storage
 
High Speed
A computer works with great speed and accuracy compared to humans while performing mathematical calculations. Computer is very fast machine because it can process millions or even more instructions per second. The time taken by computers for their operations is measured in different units as milliseconds, microseconds, nanoseconds, and picoseconds.
 
Accuracy
Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy so they are called an accurate machine. Errors may occur due to data inconsistency or inaccuracy. The computer does not make mistakes until wrong input is provided. The error caused due to wrong input is called GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out).

Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same consistency and accuracy. It doesn’t feel tired or lack of concentration. A computer is called a diligent machine because it can perform the same task repeatedly without losing speed and accuracy.
 
Versatility
Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works in different fields with similar efficiency. A computer is called a versatile machine as it is used in different fields.
 

Reliability
A computer is reliable as it gives consistent results for a similar set of data. If we give the same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.
 
Automation
The computer performs all the tasks automatically. The user provides commands and the computer automatically performs all the tasks.  
 
Storage
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory (RAM and ROM) where it stores data. Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, are also used to store huge amount of data.
 
Application areas of computer:
1.       Home
2.       Office
3.       Bank
4.       Education
5.       Hospital
6.       Industry
7.       Business
8.       Entertainment
 
Home
Computers are used at homes for several purposes like online bill payment, watching movies or shows at home, home tutoring, social media access, playing games, internet access, etc.
 
Office
Computer are used in offices of school colleges, banks and other organization to carry out different official tasks.  
 
Banking
In the banking sector, computers are used to store details of customers and conduct transactions, such as withdrawal and deposit of money through ATMs. Banks have reduced manual errors and expenses to a great extent through extensive use of computers.
 
Education
Computers are used in education sector for online classes, online examinations, referring e-books, online tutoring, etc. They help in increased use of audio-visual aids in the education field.

Hospital
Computers are used in hospitals to maintain a database of patients’ history, diagnosis, X-rays, live monitoring of patients, etc.
 
Industry
Computers are used to perform several tasks in industries like managing inventory, designing purpose, creating virtual sample products, interior designing, video conferencing, etc. Computers are also used to operate huge machines in industries.
 
Business
Nowadays, computers are totally integrated into the business. The main objective of business is transaction processing, which involves transactions with suppliers, employees or customers. Computers can make these transactions easy and accurate.
 
Entertainment
Computers help to watch movies online, play games online; act as a virtual entertainer in playing games, listening to music, etc. Videos can be fed from computers to full-screen televisions.
 

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