Computer Basics

—>>>What is a Computer ?

• A Computer is a electronic device which processes data under control of some set of instructions.
• The Computer accepts the data (input) , Manipulates the data (process) , and produces the output by processing the data.
• Generally, the term is used to describe a collection of devices that function together as a system.

—>>> Devices that comprise a computer system:-

—>>>What does a computer can do?
A computer can perform following functions

• It can store the data (Storing) .
• It accepts the data (Input) .
• It manipulates the data (Process).
• It gives the Information (Output) .

—>>>Data and Information:-

• A computer processing requires data, which is a collection of raw facts, figures and symbols, such as numbers, words, images, video and sound, given to the computer during the input phase.
• Computers manipulate data to create information. Information is data that is organized, meaningful, and useful.
• The information can also be put in computer storage for future use (Softcopy) and also can be put into some other form i.e. printed report (Hardcopy) .

—>>>Why a computer is so powerful?

• The ability to perform the information processing cycle with amazing speed.
• Reliability (low failure rate).
• Accuracy.
• Ability to store huge amounts of data and Information.
• Ability to communicate with other computers.

—>>>How does a computer knows what to do?

• It must be given a detailed instructions, called a computer program or software, that tells it exactly what to do .
• Before processing a specific data, the computer program corresponding to that data must be stored in memory .
• Once the program is stored in the memory the computer starts the manipulation of program instructions one after the other.