Computer:
The term computer is derived from the latin term computare, this means to calculate or programmable machine.
• Computer is an electronic programmable machine that accepts data from as input through input devices, then stores and processes the data under the influence of a set of instruction called programs to produce the desired result.
• In other words, A computer is a device that can process, store, and retrieve data.
• Programs are the set of instructions that instructs a computer what to do.
• Information is the result after the data has been processed that convey meaning.
• GIGO, which stands for “garbage in, garbage out“, is a concept in computer science that states that if you input wrong data (garbage) into a computer program, you will get wrong or nonsense output (garbage) as a result. In other words, the quality of the output of a computer program is directly dependent on the quality of the input.
Note: Computer is 100% accurate theoritically and has ±5% error practically.
Characteristics of a Computer:
As we know, a computer is the powerful electronic device.
The main characteristics of computer are given below:
- Word length
- Speed
- Accuracy
- Diligence
- Versatility
- Storage
• Word length:
Word length is a measure of the number of bits that a computer can process at a time. The larger the word length, the more data the computer can process at once. This is important for applications that require a lot of processing power, such as video editing and scientific computing.
• Speed:
Speed is a measure of how quickly a computer can perform calculations and execute instructions. Speed is typically measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). The higher the MHz or GHz rating, the faster the computer. Speed is important for applications that require real-time processing, such as gaming and video conferencing.
• Accuracy:
Computer is an accurate machine. It can perform different tasks at a time with same accuracy and speed. It can perform large numbers of task without errors but if we feed wrong data to the computer it returns the wrong information called GIGO (Garbage In Grabage Out).
• Diligence:
Diligence is a measure of a computer’s ability to perform repetitive tasks consistently and without error. Computers are very diligent, and they can perform tasks for long periods of time without making mistakes. Diligence is important for applications that require continuous operation, such as network servers and industrial control systems.
• Versatility:
Versatility is a measure of a computer’s ability to perform a wide range of tasks. Computers are very versatile, and they can be used for a wide variety of applications, such as word processing, web browsing, gaming, and programming. Versatility is important for users who need a computer that can be used for a variety of tasks.
• Storage:
Storage is a measure of a computer’s ability to store data. Storage is typically measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). The more GB or TB of storage, the more data the computer can store. Storage is important for users who need to store a lot of data, such as photos, videos, and music.
These are just a few of the main characteristics of a computer. Computers are complex and powerful machines, and they have a wide range of capabilities.
Limitations of computer:
Computers are powerful machines that have revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. However, they also have a number of limitations.
- Lack of intelligence
- Lack of common sense
- Reliance on humans
- Vulnerability to errors
- Security risks
- Environmental impact
- Social impact
- Potential for misuse
• Lack of intelligence:
Computers are not intelligent in the same way that humans are. They can only process data and follow instructions that they have been programmed to follow. They cannot understand the meaning of the data they are processing, and they cannot make decisions on their own.
• Lack of common sense:
Computers do not have common sense. They cannot understand the nuances of human language, and they cannot make judgments based on their own experiences. This can lead to errors and misunderstandings.
• Reliance on humans:
Computers are reliant on humans for input and output. They cannot design themselves, build themselves, or program themselves. They also need humans to interpret their output and make decisions based on it.
• Vulnerability to errors:
Computers are susceptible to errors caused by hardware failures, software bugs, and human error. These errors can cause computers to crash, lose data, or produce incorrect results.
• Security risks:
Computers are vulnerable to cyberattacks, such as viruses, malware, and phishing scams. These attacks can steal data, damage systems, or disrupt operations.
• Environmental impact:
Computers consume a lot of energy and generate a lot of waste. This can have a negative impact on the environment.
• Social impact:
Computers can have a negative impact on social interaction and relationships. They can also lead to addiction and isolation.
• Potential for misuse:
Computers can be used for malicious purposes, such as cybercrime, identity theft, and surveillance.
Despite their limitations, computers are powerful tools that can be used to improve our lives in many ways. It is important to be aware of the limitations of computers so that we can use them responsibly and safely.
Analog Computers:
An analog computer is a type of computer that uses continuous physical quantities, such as electrical voltage or mechanical rotation, to represent the data being processed.
• Analog computers were the first type of computer to be developed, and they were widely used in the early 20th century for applications such as scientific computing, engineering simulations, and flight control systems. However, they were eventually superseded by digital computers, which are more versatile and accurate.
Digital Computers:
A digital computer is a type of computer that uses discrete values, such as 0s and 1s, to represent data.
• Digital computers are the most common type of computer in use today. They are used in a wide variety of applications, including personal computing, scientific computing, business computing, and engineering.
Differences between Analog and Digital Computer:
| S.No. | Analog Computer | Digital Computer |
| 1. | It works with physical values such as temperature, pressure etc. | It works with binary digits 0s and 1s. |
| 2. | These computers are based with continuous data. | These computers are based with discrete data. |
| 3. | It has low accuracy. | It has high accuracy. |
| 4. | Based on similiarity measurement principle. | Based on counting principle. |
| 5. | It has no or limited storage capcacity. | It has high storage capacity. |
| 6. | It does single purpose job. | It does muti-purpose jobs. |
| 7. | No possibility of reprogramming. | It can be reprogrammed. |
| 8. | It isspecial purpose computer. | It is general purpose computer. |
| 9. | The architecture is complex than digital system. | The architecture is not as complex as analog system. |
