Computer
The term 'Computer' originates from the word 'computare'
which means to calculate. Computer is a fast and accurate electronic device
that accepts data through input device then store and process them, and
resulted data are displayed from output device.
Characteristics of Computer
1. Speed :
Computer can do calculation at a very fast rate. It can even perform very
complex calculations that human being may not be able to do. Generally, the
speed of computer is measured in terms of fractions of second. Different terms
are used to denote the speed as millisecond, microsecond, nanosecond,
picoseconds and femtosecond.
2. Storage:
A computer system can store a great amount of information in it.
Computers have inbuilt and auxiliary memory. Any data or information stored in
the memory can be retrieved any time and at lightning speed.
3. Accuracy:
If the data and instruction given are correct, the result given by the
computer will always be accurate. The term GIGO (Garbage In Garbage
Out) applies in this contrast as, if we feed in wrong data then the
computer will obviously give us wrong data.
4. Versatility:
The computer is a versatile machine. Computer has the ability to
communicate with other systems and adopt several modes like audio-visual, graphics, user-friendly. The computers are
very flexible in its operations. It has a wide range of applications and is
used in different field like education, science and technology, astronomy,
business, medicines, printing etc.
5. Diligence:
The capacity of performing repetitive task without getting tired is
called diligence capacity of computer. A computer is free from tiredness, lack
of concentration, fatigue, etc. it can work for hours without creating any
error.
6. Automatic:
This
is an automatic machine and performs the work without intervention of user. User
is required to give the data and utilize the result but the processing is
automatic.
Advantages of computer:
- Performance given by computer is 100% accurate and it is reliable than any other devices and human being.
- Comparing with human being it is much faster.
- Computer can be very useful in doing repeated job which man cannot do.
- Computer is versatile as it can do many types of jobs once at a time.
- Computer can be used in different or multiple fields.
- Impossible things can be done by using computer through simulation.
Disadvantages of computer:
- It cannot be used on the dusty and rough environment.
- Computer is very expensive so each and every people cannot afford the computer.
- Although it is reliable, sometimes the failure of devices and program can produce unreliable results.
- There is every chance of leakage of information because of dishonest people and hence it has less security.
- After the advancement of computer, everyday piracy of intellectual properties in increasing.