Introduction to computer

What is a Computer?

Very simple answer is a machine. To understand completely lets discuss from the very simple place

Machine

We can explain a machine as a device that makes work easier for humans

Machine has

1. Input :What we input to the machine
2. Processing :The process(task) happens inside the machine
3. Output :What we can get as output/result from the machine
4. Control : The machine is operated for humans purposes. Because Human should communicate with the machine to control it, Adjusters, leavers, buttons, keys, etc are use to control the machine.

If computer is a machine we could define
We can identify
computer is an electronic machine that input DATA ,PROCESS them according to the INSTRUCTIONS and returns INFORMATION as result.

1. What input to the computer : Data
2. What process happened in the computer : Compute
3. What outcome we can get from the computer :Information
4. How we control the computer :Instructions

Data: Fact(Value/Characteristic) or attribute about relevant to something.Data can be classified into:

1. Quantitative :Describe about Value(Quantity) eg:age,height
2. Qualitative :Describe About Quality Eg:Color,Gender

Data should have good qualities like

1. Accurate
2. Up to date(timely)
3. Relevant
4. Complete
5. Concise(well presented)
6. Clear
7. Useful(adapted to user requirements)
8. Accessible
9. Economical
10. Verifiable

Data can collect through measurement or storage/recordable device forms or in oral methods. Unprocessed data is know as ROW DATA.

(Processing) Compute: (Solving) Arithmetical and logical processing solution can be described as computing(Data Processing)
There are two data processing methods

1. Manual Data processing (Human Based)
2. Electronic Data processing (Machine Based)

Information:Useful things that we can obtain after processing data,The data also useful but in information the data has been formed to the recommended (required) manner.
Instructions:To control computer we use instructions. A set of instructions we can explain as computer program (Software,Application) .computer has the ability to execute (work according to) this instruction set.
Knowledge:The instruction set has been formed by understanding about a matter(problem)that we are solving . To create instructions to computer (Program) we need Knowledge.

What Computers Can Do?

As discussed Above

1. Input
2. Process
3. Output
4. Store
5. Retrieve
6. Communication and Control

  The purpose of using computers

Computer is programed by the human to solve any problem and it executes those programs when needed. Here the most important factor is the computer has some advantages when uses for data processing

Advantages

1. Speed : Computer is working by electronic signals. So it can execute instructions faster
2. Memory capacity: Computer have a huge memory capacity which can access faster in many formats like documents,pictures,sounds etc. and even instructions.
3. Accuracy: computer gets values up to more accurate decimal values within a small time period and the value is accurate out of a problem of data input
4. Diligence: the computers never been tired and reduce the accuracy due to sickness or tired . it can work for a long time period with same working quality.
5. Reliable: Computer stored data never change and it stores for along time period with proper storage medium.
6. Secure : We can protect our data and information by using passwords.
7. Versatile: computer can apply in various purposes in day-today activities
8. Multitasking: Computer can do multiple tasks at the same time
9. Automation: computer can execute a program without any other persons involvements.

Disadvantages

We have to keep in mind that the computer is a machine. So the computer only execute instructions and it does not have intelligence to think. So it has no:

1. Creativity
2. Favors
3. Sensitive Decisions
4. feelings

How We use the computer?

Computer is a device that was invented by Scientific and Engineering technology. They use it for calculations and logic processing. and then for drafting charts and graphs.
With calculating capability and storage capability in used by the business and accounting field.they use this computer for calculations and documentation purposes integrating the printing capability.
With documentation capabilities it comes to the education and offices for day-today activities. and then it is empowered with Multimedia(Audio,Video,Text,Graphics and Animation) then it comes to the entertainment field.They are used at homes for video audio movie games.
With the improvement of internet now it is using in communication and vast applications of electronic society like ICT.