Learn to know 'What are the Characteristics of Computer? if yes then this article is for you.
Explain the Characteristics of Computer
The word compute derives from the word compute means to calculate. A computer is an electronic machine that can perform many arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division at high speed is called a computer. The following are the most important characteristics of Computers:-
Characteristics of Computer
- Automatic. The most important characteristic of computers is automatic. A computer is an automated machine controlled by software. When we give a job to a computer, could do the job without human help.
- Speed. Another characteristic of computers is speed. A computer can perform mathematical calculations faster and more accurately than humans. Computers can process millions of instructions per second. The time it takes for a computer to finish one task measuring in three different time units: microseconds, nanoseconds, and picoseconds.
- Accuracy. Accuracy is a useful characteristic of computers. The computer always calculates with 100% accuracy. The accuracy of the computer is very high, but the accuracy of the computer depends on its design. The computer has an error due to incorrect input data or unreliable programs.
- Diligence. A computer can perform a lot of tasks or calculations with the same degree of consistency and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration. Its memory is also better than that of human beings.
- Versatility. Computers are good at doing almost anything if you tell them what to do logically.
- Reliability. A computer is reliable as it gives consistent results for a similar set of data i.e., if we provide the same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.
- Memory. Another characteristic of computers is memory. A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data. Secondary storage is removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are also used to store data.
- The Power of Remembering. A computer can store and recall any amount of information because of its secondary storage capability. It forgets or loses certain information only when we ask to do so.
Computer Data Processing
The activity of data processing with the help of a computer is called computer data processing. A computer is a data processor because it can store, process, and retrieve data. Data is a raw material used as input. The information collected due to data processing is called output. The process can easily understand with the help of the following diagram.
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| Computer Data Processing |
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Background of Computer
- Blaise Pascal invented the first mechanical summing machine in 1642.
- In 1671, Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz invented the first multiplication calculator.
- Keyboard machines were born in the United States around 1880.
- Herman Hollerith developed the concept of punch cards around 1880, which were often used as input media until the end of 1970.
- Charles Babbage is considered the father of modern digital computersIn 1822 he designed the "Difference Engine”.He designed a fully automatic analytical engine in 1842 for performing basic arithmetic functions.
- His efforts established several principles that are fundamental to the design of any digital computer.
Invention of Computer
- Mark I Computer - 1937-1944
- The Atanasoff-Berry Computer - 1939- 1942
- The ENIAC - 1943-1946
- The EDVAC - 1946-1952
- The EDSAC - 1947-1949
- Manchester Mark - I - 1948
- The UNIVAC I - 1951
Types of Computer
Analog Computer
The first type of computer is an analog computer. The word "analog" comes from the Greek meaning similar. Analog computers use electrical voltage or current to measure similarities between two quantities. Analog computers work by making measurements rather than counting.
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| Analog Computer |
Advantages of Analog Computer
- Analog computers work by measuring.
- In analog computers, the output is described graphically.
- Analog computers require a physical analog input to function.
- Analog computers are designed to work with continuously varying quantities.
- In analog computers, calculations are first into equations and later into electrical signals.
Disadvantages of Analog Computer
- The speed of analog computers is very low.
- The accuracy of an analog computer is very poor.
- The analog computer has very low memory space.
- The uses of these computers are not suitable for business and industry.
- Analog computers are not easy to use. Therefore the uses of these computers are very limited.
Digital Computer
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| Digital Computer |
Advantages of Digital Computer
- Calculations are converted into binary numbers, i.e. 0 and 1.
- The digital computer works with counting.
- The processing speed of digital computers is high.
- These computers use discrete numbers to function.
- It is generic in nature and suitable for many applications.
- The accuracy of a digital computer is very good.
- The output is represented as discrete values.
- The digital computer has a large memory space as compared to an analog computer.
- In a digital computer, numbers, words, and symbols can be used.
- The uses of these computers are suitable for business as well as industry.
Disadvantages of Digital Computer
- In digital computers, signals are increased due to the use of transistors. Hence, more binaries are required compared to an analog computer.
- To use digital computers, a lot of power is required as compared to analog computers.
- The circuits used to operate digital computers are more complex than analog computers.
- In digital computers, sampling errors are introduced during the sampling process.
Hybrid Computer
The last type of computer is a hybrid computer. A computer that has the features of both analog and digital computers is called Hybrid Computers. Hybrid computers have the good qualities of both analog and digital computers. The basic operation is performed by digital computers in addition. Other operations such as multiplication, division, subtraction, and exponentiation are first converted to "addition" and then evaluated.
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| Hybrid Computer |
Advantages of Hybrid Computer
- The Hybrid computer operates by counting.
- In a Hybrid computer, calculations are converted into binary numbers i.e. 0 and 1.
- The accuracy of a Hybrid computer is good.
- Hybrid computers have large memory space.
- These computers perform functions on discrete numbers.
- The output of the hybrid computer is represented in the form of discrete values.
- These computers are versatile in nature and suitable for many applications.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Computer
- Hybrid computers require an expensive network to operate.
- The design of hybrid computers is very complex.
- Hybrid computers use more hardware than analog and digital computers.
- These types of computers required a lot of cables for installation.
- In a hybrid computer, Installation is a difficult process.
Conclusion
A computer is an electronic machine that processes, stores, and outputs data based on instructions, and performs tasks such as calculations, data management, and entertainment. There are different characteristics of computers, like automatic, speed, accuracy, diligence, Versatility, Reliability, memory, and the power of remembering. There are several types of computers. The most important are Hybrid computers, Digital Computers, and Analog computers.
FAQ
What are the 5 main characteristics of computers?
The five main characteristics of computers are:-
- Accuracy
- Speed
- Memory
- Automation
- Versatility
What is the best characteristic of a computer?
The best characteristic of a computer is versatility because it allows the computer to perform a wide range of tasks.
What are the 10 Classifications of Computers?
The ten classifications of computers are:-
- Supercomputers
- Minicomputers
- Mainframe Computers
- Thin Clients
- Microcomputers
- Workstations
- Servers
- Gaming Computers
- Embedded Systems
- Mobile Devices.
The six components of a CBIS (Computer Based Information System) are:-
- Hardware
- Software
- Data
- People
- Procedures
- Networks
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