Computer science is the study of the operating principles of computers, computer programming languages and algorithms for solving theoretical as well as practical problems. It involves the development and use of devices for processing information. It also deals with advantages and disadvantages of computer, its features, application field and its impact on the society. Information in one form is presented to the device (input information) and information in other form is acquired from it (output information). This process of conversion of raw material into the refined form is nothing but the data processing. Data processing may be4 defined as the process of transforming data (raw material of information) into useful information by the computer.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
What is computer?
The word "Computer" is derived from the Latin word "Computare". Which means to calculate, basically computer defined as one, which computes. Computer is an electronic device, which can perform certain mathematical calculations and logical operation at a very high speed. A computer is composed of hardware and software, and con exist in a variety of sizes an configurations.
In other words, a computer is an electronic machine that helps us to solbe the problems. It can be programmed to accept data (input) , Process it into useful information (output) and store it away (In secondary storage device) for safekeeping of later use.
A computer system accepts instruction and data as input form some input devices. Those data are processed as per the instruction and finally the result is obtained in a output device. After processing the data may be stored future use and can be retrieved whenever required. So the memory has two way communication with the processor. The working principle of computer can be summarized as input , process and output cycle.
IPO Cycle:
Input Process Output- Mouse - Cpu - Monitor
- Keyboard - Printer
- Scanner - Plotter
- Digital camera
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Joysticks
- Light pen
- Touch pad
Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the collection of letters, numbers, images etc. Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Digital Camera, Webcam, etc. are some of the input devices.
Process:-
Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of the computer system. CPU is the main processing device.
Output:-
Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also called as result. We can save these results in the storage device for the future use. Monitor and printer are the major output devices.
Characteristics of Computer
1) Speed:-
Computer performs complex calculation at a very high speed. This speed varies from a few micro second to nanoseconds. This is the major factor, which is mainly responsible for the development of computers.
Fractions of a Second:
1 Millisecond = 1/1000th of a second (10-3)
1 Microsecond = 1/1000000th of a second (10-6)
1 Nanosecond = 1/1000000000th of a second (10-9)
1 Pico second = 1/1000000000000th of a second (10-12)
2) Accuracy:-
Computer do not make mistakes. Computer always given 100% actual output, if the user provides correct input and instructions. If any mistake occurs in any calculation they are due to manual error but not of computer.
3) Storage:-
The computers have very large storage capacity. The stored information also can retrieve immediately. This helps in analyzing data and taking quick decisions.
Computer store data in terms of memory units
0 or 1 = 1 Bit (Binary Digits)
8 Bits = 1 Byte
1024 Byte = 1 KB (kilobyte)
1024 KB = 1 MB (megabyte)
1024 MB =1 GB (Gigabyte)
1024 GB = 1 TB (Terabyte)
4) Versatility:-
Computers are being used in different fields such as business, offices, school, hospital, etc. to perform various tasks. Versatile means ability to perform various task an computer can capable to do so. A computer can process any kind of data.
5) Diligence:-
Diligence is capability of performing repeated operation without any tiredness any mistakes. A computer is capable of performing the required task continuously with the same speed, accuracy and efficiency without any error. This characteristic of computer makes it useful for repetitive jobs like process control and quality control.
6) Reliability:-
Computer output is generally very reliable, if the input data and instruction is correct. Incorrect data and unreliable programs gibe us computer errors and wrong results. Since the computer is 100% accurate, it is reliable.
Use of computer:-
Computer , one of the most powerful machine today, is being used everywhere. Let's discuss the uses of computer on various sectors of our society.
1) Business and industry:-
The uses of computers in business improve their working efficiency. Record keeping becomes very easy. Information can be searched immediately. The use of computers in industries has improved their efficiency. The cost of production goes down. The quality of product is improved.
2) Health care:-
Computers are also being used for planning and control purposes by health-care professionals. Computer equipment is used to monitor pulse rate, blood pressure and other vital signs. This leads to correct and fast diagnosis.
3) Education:-
Computers are playing an important role in education. Once can get lessons on certain topics, special lectures prepared by experts etc on the screen as many times as he wants until he understands the topic. Computers are working as teachers or helping teachers in educational institutions.
4) Communication:-
Computers are capable of manipulating and transmitting texts at very fast rate. Sitting at home, anybody may do office work , bank transactions, marketing, purchase of shares, reservation of place and bus tickers and so on. Officers and managers can contract any branch office anywhere in the world through the computer network . Text, Voice, data and picture can easily be transmitted nowadays using modern communication system.
5) Science and Technology:-
Thousands of scientific applications are processed daily, on the computers. One of the most important daily activities is weather forecasting, which involves solution of mathematical equations using world wide data about air pressure , temperature, humidity and other values.
6) Government:-
Various departments of the government use computer for their planning, control and law enforcement activities. To name a few- Traffic, Tourism, Information and Broadcasting, Education, Aviation and many others.
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