Computer Fundamentals TUTORIAL

 Overview

    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 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 use them when required.  Processes the data and converts it into useful information.  Generates the output  Controls all the above four steps.

Definition

Computer is an electronic data processing device which  accepts and stores data input,  processes the data input, and.

 generates the output in a 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 calculation of very large amount of 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 will spend many months for doing the same task. Accuracy

 In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.  The calculations are 100% error free.  Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that correct input has been given. Storage Capability

 Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.  A 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 many others. Diligence

 Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness and lack of concentration.  It can work continuously without 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 related to various fields.  At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment it may be playing a card game. R eliability

 A computer is a reliable machine.  Modern electronic components have long lives.  Computers are designed to make maintenance easy. Automation

 Computer is an automatic machine.  Automation means ability to perform the given task automatically.  Once a program is given to computer i.e. stored in computer memory, the program and instruction 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 results in speeding up a process.  As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of maintenance of large number of paper 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. N o I.Q

 A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.  Each instruction has to be given to computer.  A computer cannot take any decision on its own.

Dependency

 It functions as per a user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent on human being. Environment

 The operating environment of computer should be dust free and suitable. No Feeling

 Computers have no feelings or emotions.  It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike a human being.