Definition & Features & Characteristics Of Computer.

Definition of Computer

A computer is an electronic device with the ability to accept the  input from user and its take process the data and get finally output of the results to the user. A computer will also have the ability store the users data for a long time.

Functions of a computer

If  any digital computer carries out five functions. They are:

1. It takes the data as a input.
2. It stores the data/instructions into memory and use it when required.
3. It processes the data and converts it into useful information.
4. It generates the output.
5. It controls all the above four steps.

Characteristics of Computer

The following are a list of characteristics that are mainly used to differentiate the computer.

They are :-

1. Accuracy
2. Storage 
3. Speed
4. Versatility
5. Diligence 
6. Reliability
7. Automation

Accuracy

Accuracy means to indicates the data processing in the computer which is taken from the user input. A computer is always processes the data with high accuracy. But some times while computing, due to human mistakes some inaccurate results may occur rarely.

Storage

A computer have contains the large storage of capacity.So the data can be storage in the memories. Memories are classified in to 2 types in the computers. The Below diagram shows about the types of memories.

They are 2 types of memories in the computer.
1.Primary Memory:- Primary memory is also known as volatile memory.It is again classified into 2 types they are :

• Ram
• Rom 

2.Secondary Memory:-  Secondary memory is also known as optional memory of a computer, which is used to store the data, files, movies, songs, videos, images etc.. The content of secondary memory is to store the data  permanently and whereas the content  of memory is non-volatile.

Example:- Hard disc, floppy disc, pen drive, compact disc.

Speed 

The rate at which computer process the instructions per second is called speed of the computer. Present the modern computers execute instructions within the Micro, Nano, and Pico seconds.

1 micro second = 1/10 (power of 6) per a second.

1 nano second   = 1/10 (power of 9) per a second.

1 pico second     = 1/10 (power of 12) per a second.

Versatility

A computer are used for variety of applications. They are not limited to any  particular job and even though they can function like a human being. Many software are available to perform different jobs with the help of computer. 

Diligence

In general way, There are some limitations to the human power.  
For Example:- Humans needs some rest after doing the certain work of time. 
But a computer is not like on that way, Because its a machine does not require such type of rest. It can process the same activity any number of times with same speed and accuracy. 

Reliability

1. A computer is a reliable machine.

2. Modern electronic  components have long lives.

3. Computer are designed to make maintenance easy.

Automation 

1. A computer is an automatic machine.

2. Automation means ability to perform the given task automatically.

3. Once a program is given to computer i.e stored in computer memory, the program and instructions can control the program execution without human interaction.  

Advantages 

• The uses of a computer for data processing in an organisation leads to reduction in papers work and results in speed up a process. 
• The data of electronic files can retrieve as when we required.
• It reduces the maintenance of cost problems. 

Limitations

• A computer is a machine that has no intelligence power to perform any task.
• Each instructions has to be given computer only that can be operated by  the human begin.
• It cannot take any decision on its own. It requires any instruction to operate.
• its functions as per a user's instruction only, So it is fully dependent on human skill.
• A computer have no feelings and emotions.
• It cannot make judgment based on feelings, taste, experience and knowledge unlike a human being.