22-05-2012, 02:15 PM
INTERDUCTION OF COMPUTER
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WHAT IS COMPUTER?
Computer is an electronic device (machine) that performs tasks, such as mathematical calculation or electronic communication, under the control of a set of instruction called a program. Computers are used to do a variety of activities with reliability, accuracy and speed.
Though the word “computer” has been derived from the term “computing” or “calculating”. A computer is much more than a mere computing device, while it can do all arithmetical and logical functions. It can as well as copy, compare and choose at a great speed. Especially a computer is an electronic device or huge data processing unit, which process raw data into meaningful information.
DATA:
Data is a collection of facts and figures, which is processed to produce information. Data can be words, numbers, symbols, graphics etc.
PROCESSING:
The process, which unjumbles the data and arranges them into organized manner, is called processing of raw data into meaningful information.
INFORMATION:
When we process data to give them meaning, the result is information. It is the process by which raw data gets transferred into meaningful information. You can say the product of data processing information.
DIFFERENT STAGES OF DATA PROCESSING:
INPUT:
In this step the initial data or input data are prepared in same convenient form for processing. The form will depend on the machine .For example, when electromechanical devices were used the input data were punched on cards, but now when electronic computers are used, the input data can be recorded on any of several types of input medium, such as floppy, Tape, CDs and so on.
Capturing The Input Data: Data must be recorded or captured in some form before they can be processed. Data may first be recorded on source documents-paper forms designed to accept input data or they may first be captured by keyboards, automated letter machine, scanners, or other input devices that accept input data in paperless, machine readable form.
PROCESSING:
In this step the output data is changed and usually combined with other information, to produce data in a more useful form. The processing step is usually involves a sequence of certain basic processing operation and is dependent on the program (software).
Manipulating the Data: One of more of the operation may than have to be performed on the gathered data like: classifying, calculating, sorting, summarizing.
OUTPUT:
Here the results of the preceding processing steps are collected .The particular form of the output depends on the use of data. For example, output data may be checks for employees, a printed summary of monthly sales for management or simply data to be stored for further processing at a later date.
Managing the Output Results: once data has been captured and manipulated one or more of the following may be needed:
Storing and Retrieving: The process of retaining data for future reference is called storing. Recovering stored data and/or information is retrieving activity.
Communicating and Reproducing: Transferring data from one location or operation to another for use for further processing is called Data communication. A process that continues until information in a usable form reaches the final user. Sometimes of course it is necessary to copy or duplicate data. Output generated should meet the requirement of the user of the information.
CAPABILITIES AND CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF COMPUTER:
Computers have some significant characteristics, because of which they are becoming more versatile day by day. They have several capabilities and some limitations as well.
SPEED:
Computers have tremendous processing speed. The speed of the computer is used in terms of instructions processed per second .The speed is so high that special units are speed determination.
VOLUME:
The computer can handle large volume of data with high degree of efficiency. The processing capability does not decrease with increase in the volume of data .All the data is given the same kind of treatment.
ACCURACY:
The accuracy of a computer is consistently high which in the case of a human being; one could commit approximately one error per 50-100 calculations. A computer commits no error and has the same efficiency and reliability with any amount of data.
COMPLEXITY:
Computation involving complex algorithms is time consuming as well as has a high probability of inaccurate result if solved manually. Usage of computer for such complex operations or calculation not only ensures accuracy of result but also does so in a very short time.
TIMELINESS:
Information is no relevance unless received at the right time. Computer with capabilities of speed and accuracy have to great extent improved the timeliness of information.
DILIGENCE:
Computer does not suffer from stress and strain and do not get tired and Lac boredom, when repetitive tasks are given.
STORAGE:
It is not just enough to process data at high speeds and accurately, computer today have huge storage capacity. Data or information can be permanently stored on other storage devices like disks and tapes.
LIMITATION OF COMPUTER:
LACK OF COMMONSENSE:
Computer does not have common sense. They operate in a way in which they are programmed to operate. They do not have their own logic.
INABILITY TO CORRECT:
The computer can only process jobs, which can be expressed in a finite no of steps leading to specific goal. The instructions what ever you give should be correct, computer cannot correct it. If the instruction were incorrect, the result would be also incorrect.
DEPENDANCE ON HUMAN INSTRUCTION:
Computers have to be told exactly what to do. The computer does what it is programmed to do and nothing else.
PORTABILITY:
Program and software prepared for one type of computer may be usable on other type of computers. The situation is also under the consideration of various bodies and vendor is trying to develop software to ensure portability of application from one platform to another.
ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERISATION:
Better job opportunities.
Benefit at place of work