COMPUTER - FUNDAMENTALS (ENGLISH)

Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and saves output for the future use.
This Computer Fundamentals tutorial covers a foundational understanding of computer hardware, software, operating systems, peripherals, etc., and how to get the most value and impact from computer technology.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of computers is not a prerequisite to follow the contents of this tutorial. This tutorial assumes no background in computers or computer programming.

Today's world is an information-rich world and it has become a necessity for everyone to know about computers. Purpose of this tutorial is to introduce you about computer systems and its fundamentals.

Functionalities of a computer

Any digital computer carries out five functions in gross terms:

• Takes data as input.
• Stores the data/instructions in its memory and can use them when required.
• Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
• Outputs the information.
• Controls all the above four steps.

Definition

Computer System is an electronic data processing device, which does the following:

• Accept and store an input data.
• Process the data input.
• And output the processed data in required format.

Advantages

Following list demonstrates the advantages of Computers in today's arena.

High Speed

• Computer is a very fast device.
• It is capable of performing addition of very big data.
• The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond and even the picosecond.
• It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man, who can spend many months for doing the same task.

Accuracy

• In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
• The computer has performed calculations 100% error-free.
• Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy.

Storage Capability

• Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
• The computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
• It can store large amount of data.
• It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio and any other type.

Diligence

• Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness and lack of concentration.
• It can work continuously without creating any error and boredom.
• It can do repeated work with same speed and accuracy.

Versatility

• A computer is a very versatile machine.
• A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
• This machine can be used to solve the problems relating to various different fields.
• At one instant, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next moment it may be playing a card game.

Reliability

• A computer is a reliable machine.
• Modern electronic components have failure-free long lives.
• Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.

Automation

• Computer is an automatic machine.
• Automation means ability to perform the task automatically.
• 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.

Reduction in Paper Work

• The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction in paper work and speeds up the process.
• As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of maintenance of large number of files gets reduced.

Reduction in Cost

• Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high but it substantially reduces the cost of each of its transaction.

Disadvantages

Following list demonstrates the disadvantages of Computers in today's arena.

No IQ

• A computer is a machine and has no intelligence of its own to perform any task.
• Each and every instruction has to be given to the computer.
• A computer can not take any decision on its own.

Dependency

• It can perform function as instructed by user, so it is fully dependent on human being.

Environment

• The operating environment of computer should be dust-free and suitable to it.

No Feeling

• Computer has no feeling or emotions.
• It cannot make judgement based on feeling, taste, experience and knowledge unlike a human being.