CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS

The important characteristics of a computer are as follows.

Speed Computers can perform millions of operations in a single second. This means that a computer can process the data in blink of an eye which otherwise may take multiple days to complete. The speed of the computer is usually given in nano second and pico second, where

1 nano second = 1 x 10 second and 1 pico second = 1 x 1012 second

Accuracy Computers are a reliable electronic device. It never makes mistakes. It always gives accurate results provided that correct data and set of instructions are input to it. So in the advent of an error, only the user who hasfed the incorrect data/program is responsible. If the input data is wrong, then the output will also be erroneous. In computer terminology, it is known as garbage-in garbage out (GIGO).

Automatic Besides being very fast and accurate, computers are automatic devices that can perform without any user intervention. The user just needs to assign the task to the computer after which the computer automatically controls different devices attached to it and executes the program instructions one by on

Diligence Computers can never get tired as humans do. It can continually work for hours without creating any error. If a large number of executions have to be made then each and every execution will require the same amount of time and accuracy.

Versatile Versatile means flexible. Today, computers are being used in our daily lives in different fields. For example, they are used as personal computers (PCs) for home use, for business-oriented tasks, weather forecasting, space explorations, teaching, railways, banking, medicine, etc. On the PC that you use at home, you may play a game, compose and send e-mails, listen to music, etc. Therefore, computers are versatile devices as they can perform multiple tasks of different nature at the same time.

Memory Similar to humans, computers also have memory. Human beings cannot store everything in their memory and need secondary media, such as a notebook to record certain important things. Similarly, computers have internal memory (storage space) as well as external or secondary memory. While the internal memory of computers is very expensive and limited in size, the secondary storage is cheaper and bigger in size.

The computer stores a large amount of data and programs in the secondary storage space. The stored data and programs can be used whenever required. Secondary memory devices include CD, DVD, hard disk, pen drives, etc.

No IQ Although the trend today is to make computers intelligent by inducing artificial intelligence (AI) in them, they do not have any decision-making abilities of their own, that is, their IQ level is zero. They need guidance to perform various tasks.

Economical Today, computers are considered as short-term investment for achieving long-term gain. Using computers also reduces manpower requirements and leads to an elegant and efficient way for doing tasks. Hence, computers save time, energy, and money. When compared to other systems, computers can do more work in lesser time. For example, using the conventional postal system to send an important document takes at least 2-3 days, whereas the same information when sent using the Internet (e-mail) will be delivered instantaneously.