DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM


DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

BY: Yusuf Basirat Bolanle (ObaKids Link TV) 

 

Content Outline

- Definition of Computer

- Stages of A Computer Data Processing

- Characteristic Features of A Computer System.



What is A Computer?

The term computer is derived from the Latin word ‘computare’, which means to calculate.

 A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it, stores, and then produces information as an output. It is a device that accepts data, processes it using a set of instructions or programs, stores the data that has been processed and finally gives us an output on what we have been working on.

Therefore, it is a device designed to work with information.

Stages of computer

Stages of A Computer Data Processing

Computer passes through 3 stages in processing its data to give information.

-              Input stage

-              Processing stage

-              Output stage

Input stage: the first stage is an input stage, it is the stage when the data is typed or fed into the computer through the help of input device like keyboard, mouse light pen and so on.

Processing stage: it is the second stage, in which computer is to process and turn the data typed or given to it  into information through the help of Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Output stage: this is the third and the last stage, in which the data typed or fed into the computer is given back to us or shown as information through the help of output device like screen or monitor or (VDU) visual Display Unit.

 

Characteristics / Features of a Computer.

a-Storage:

A computer system is capable of storing large quantities of data for future use. The data stored in the computer is save and can be retrieved at any time it is needed
­ A computer is capable of storing large amounts of data or instructions in a very small space.

­

b-Diligence:

A computer system does not gets tired, various tasks can be performed for as many times as possible on the computer without getting bored.
 A computer system can work diligently without getting tired. Even if it has to do a million calculations, it will do the last one with the same speed and accuracy as the first one.

c-Automation:

A computer is an automatic device. This is because, once given the instructions, it is guided by these instructions and can carry on its job automatically until it is complete.

It can also perform a variety of jobs as long as there is a well-defined procedure.


d- Versatile:

A computer can be used in different places to perform a large number of different jobs depending on the instructions fed to it.

e-Speed. 

Computers are very fast while compare with any other gadgets or even human beings. They operate at very high speed and can perform any tasks given to them withing a very short period of time with no mistake
Computers operate at very high speeds, and can perform very many functions within a very short time.

f-Accuracy:

A computer system is very accurate and hardly makes mistakes
A computer can work for very long periods without going wrong. However, when an error occurs the computer has a number of in-built, self-checking features in their electronic components that can detect & correct such errors.

g-Reliability.

Computers are very reliable because they usually provide or given the correct answer to any question thrown at them. They hardly make mistakes. If any mistake is spotted in the  computer calculation. it usually made by the operators
The computer can be relied upon to produce the correct answer if it is given the correct instructions & supplied with the correct data.

h-Consistency:
Computers are usually consistent. This means that, given the same data & the same instructions, they will produce the same answer every time that particular process is repeated.


www.obatutor.com


Post a Comment

0 Comments