Introduction to Computer

Introduction to Computer

The word Computer is derived from the word compute, which means calculation. Therefore, in colloquial language it is considered as a calculation device that can do arithmetic and logical operations with speed, but today its definition has changed because now the use of computer is not limited to calculation, today it is used for music, graphics, internet and is also happening in many other areas. So now it can say that it is an electronic device that accepts data, and after a wide step-by-step processing it changes into information and presents the output results. It accepts, stores and manipulates data according to our needs.

Types of Computer

Computer has been categorized in the following parts wise:

Analog Computer: Analog computers are used mostly in medical science. This very kind of computer works on continuous data values, for e.g. If you have to calculate the pressure or something similar then this kind of technology will be useful.
Digital Computer: Digital Computers are the most commonly used computer in a digital technique which is widely used and preferred now-a-days. These kinds of computers use microprocessor technology which is quite digital and able to calculate and execute million of instruction within a second. This also comes under kind of categories as we can see downwards.

Micro Compute : The processor is very small so that called Micro processor and the device is called Micro Computer. Micro Computer is a single user device example: Desktop, Laptop, Palmtop, Notebook, PDA etc.

Mini Computer: The processor of Mini Computer is small but larger than Micro processor. Mini computer is a multi user device generally used in designing companies for commercial use.

Mainframe:it has larger processor and multiuser device. Number of users is more than Mini Computer. This is multiuser and multitasking device mostly used in Metrology.

Super Computer: The processor is bigger than other Computer and processing capacity is higher than other devices. It is a Multi user fastest calculating device, generally used in nuclear science for calculation purposes. CRAY-I is the first Super Computer. India’s First Super Computer is PARAM-10000.

Hybrid Computer: The kind of computer that comes with both characteristics (digital and analog are called hybrid. This is used there where it is needed to calculate both the digital and analog data for e.g. In Hospitals.

Characteristics of Computers

Speed:computer can perform any types of work with greater speed. It takes only few seconds for calculations that we take hours to complete. You will be suprised to know that computer can perform millions (1,000,000) of instructions and even more per second.

Accuracy:Computers can do the calculations without errors and very accurately. The degree of accuracy of computer is very high and every calculations is performed with the same accuracy. The accuracy level is determined on the basis of design of computer. A computer fault can occur only if the person has given incorrect input or instructions.

Diligence:The computer can perfrom any task continuously without getting tired. It never gets tired of any kind, so it can perfrom any task continuously without any fault. Due to this ability of computers, there has been a lot of development in human work.

Storage Capacity:Computers can store large volume of data and information on magnetic media.The Computers has an in-built memory where it can store a large amount of data. You can also store data in secondary storage devices such as floppies, optical disks, which can be kept outside your computer can be carried to other computers.

Versatility: Computers are versatile. They perform multiple different tasks at the same time for e.g. Playing music and drafting your document and even you can print a page. You may also use your computer to prepare payroll slips. Next moment you may use it for inventory management or to prepare electric bills.

Basic Application of Computer

Computer is very useful in our day to day working. The basic applications of computers are:

Word Processing: Word Processing software helps us to do our day to day work smoothly like letter typing, making resume etc., it automatically corrects spelling and grammar mistakes.

In banking: Now-a-days Net Banking is become popular. Most of the people do their banking work by using Net Banking.

Internet:You can connect your computer to any computer anywhere either in India or abroad. It is a global system to interconnected computer network. It begins in 1970’s and 1980’s You can browse through much more information from Internet than you could do in a library.

Hospitals:In hospital you will see that the records of patients are related to the name of the patient, disease diagnosis etc. are stored in computer. By one click doctors knows about patient history.

Digital video or audio composition:Computer makes easy Audio or video composition and editing any types of audio/video film. You can put speical effects in action movies which are being created using computers.

Communication:You will aware about video calling chatting, e-mail etc. Computers let people communicate with each other through chatting, video calling, E-mail, E- learning etc.

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