State the characteristics of a computer in detail OR Explain the features of computer available for individuals and organizations

Computer Fundamentals >   Overview of Computer Fundamentals >   About Computer  

514

---

Answer:

Today, much of the world’s infrastructure depends on computers and it has profoundly changed our lives, mostly for better. Some of the characteristics of the computers that make them an essential part of every emerging technology and a desirable tool in the human development are as follows:

Speed: Computers 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. The speed of a computer is calculated in MHz (Megahertz), that is, one million instructions per second. At present, a powerful computer can perform billions of operations in just one second.

Accuracy: Besides efficiency, computers are accurate as well. The level of accuracy depends on the instructions and the type of machine being used. Since computer is capable of doing only what it is instructed to do, faulty instructions for data processing may lead to faulty results. This is known as GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out).

Diligence: Computer, being a machine, does not suffer from the human traits of tiredness and lack of concentration. If four million calculations have to be performed, then the computer will perform the last four-millionth calculation with the same accuracy and speed as the first calculation.

Reliability: Generally, reliability is the measurement of performance of a computer, which is measured against some predetermined standard for operation without any failure. The major reason behind the reliability of the computers is that, at hardware level, it does not require any human intervention between its processing operations. Moreover, computers have built-in diagnostic capabilities, which help in continuous monitoring of the system.

Storage capability: Computers can store large amounts of data and can recall the required information almost instantaneously. The main memory of the computer is relatively small and it can hold only a certain amount of information, therefore, the data is stored on secondary storage devices such as magnetic tape or disks. Small sections of the data can be accessed very quickly and brought into the storage devices, as and when required, for processing.

Versatility: Computers are quite versatile in nature. They 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 and in between, one can print a document as well. All this work is possible by changing the program (computer instructions).

Resource sharing: In the initial stages of development, computers used to be isolated machines. With the tremendous growth in computer technologies, computers today have the capability to connect with each other. This has made the sharing of costly resources such as printers possible. Apart from device sharing, data and information can also be shared among groups of computers, thus creating a large information and knowledge base.

---

---

Join Our telegram group to ask Questions

Click below button to join our groups.