Characteristics of computer

A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory. These instructions tell the machine what to do. The computer is capable of accepting data (input), processing data arithmetically and logically, producing output from the processing, and storing the results for future use. Most computers that sit on a desktop are called Read Also: Characteristics of Computers The • • • • • Motherboard: The motherboard is a printed circuit board that connects other components through the use of traces or electrical pathways. The motherboard is indispensable to the computer and provides the main computing capability. Personal computers normally have one central processing unit (CPU) on the motherboard. Processor (CPU): It is the electronic circuitry of a computer that carries out the actual processing and is usually referred to as the brain of the computer. It is commonly called a processor also. Physically, a CPU can be placed on one or more microchips called integrated circuits (IC). The ICs comprise semiconductor materials. The CPU is given instructions and data through programs. The CPU then fetches the program and data from the memory and performs arithmetic and logic operations as per the given instructions and stores the result back to memory. While processing, the CPU stores the data, as well as for instructions in its local memory, called registers. Registers are part of the CPU chip and are limited in size and number. Different...

A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs operations, displays results, and stores the data or results as needed. It is a combination of hardware and software resources that integrate together and provides various functionalities to the user. Hardware is the physical components of a computer like a processor, memory devices, monitor, keyboard, etc., while the software is a set of programs or instructions that are required by the hardware resources to function properly. Components of a Computer There are basically three important components of a computer: • Input Unit • Central Processing Unit(CPU) • Output Unit 1. Input Unit: The input unit consists of input devices that are attached to the computer. These devices take input and convert it into binary language that the computer understands. Some of the common input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner etc. • The Input Unit is formed by attaching one or more input devices to a computer. • A user input data and instructions through input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, etc. • The input unit is used to provide data to the processor for further processing. 2. Central Processing Unit: Once the information is entered into the computer by the input device, the processor processes it. The CPU is called the brain of the computer because it is the control centre of the computer. It first fetches instructions from memory and then interprets them so as to know what is to be done. If required, data is ...

A computer is a device that is electronic and that accepts data, processes that data, and gives the desired output. It performs programmed computation with great accuracy & higher speed. Or in other words, the computer takes data as input and stores the data/instructions in the memory (use them when required). It then processes the data and converts it into useful information. Finally, it gives the output. Here, input refers to the raw data that we want the machine to process and return to us as a result, o utput refers to the response that the machine provides in response to the raw data entered and the processing of data may involve analyzing, searching, distributing, storing data, etc. Thus, we can also call a computer data processing system. What is Memory? Computer memory is just like the human brain. It is used to store data/information and instructions. It is a data storage unit or a data storage device where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are stored. It can store both the input and output can be stored here. • Primary memory • Secondary memory • Cache memory Now we discuss each type of memory one by one in detail: 1. Primary Memory: It is also known as the main memory of the computer system. It is used to store data and programs or instructions during computer operations. It uses semiconductor technology and hence is commonly called semiconductor memory. Primary memory is of two types: (i) RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a volati...

Currently, the computer has become an essential part of human life and can be easily seen in most of the fields. Most people are computer-friendly and are making their lives easier with it. But, when people are asked about the characteristics of the computer, they give such a response- what! What is this? There are various characteristics of computer system depending on their size, capacity, and specifications. But, the major characteristics of the computer can be classified into Speed, Accuracy, Diligence, Versatility, Reliability, Consistency, Memory, Storage Capacity, Remembrance Power, and Automation: Computers not only provide incredible speed, instead, they are also capable of consistently working with accuracy. The degree of accuracy in computers is very high; computers can perform calculations at almost 100% accuracy. Errors may occur in a computer system, but only because of wrong human input or inaccurate data. Diligence of Computer Unlike a human, the computer doesn’t get tired or lacks its concentration. Due to this characteristic, it overpowers human being in most of the regular tasks. It can work for hours without any fault. This means that if millions of calculations are to be done, a computer will perform every calculation and provide all the results with the same accuracy. Versatility of Computer The computer is so consistent that it can perform trillions of processes without errors for several hours. This means that we can use a computer 24 hours a day or...

In earlier times, software was simple in nature and hence, software development was a simple activity. However, as technology improved, software became more complex and software projects grew larger. Software development now necessitated the presence of a team, which could prepare detailed plans and designs, carry out testing, develop intuitive user interfaces, and integrate all these activities into a system. This new approach led to the emergence of a discipline known as software engineering. Software engineering provides methods to handle complexities in a software system and enables the development of reliable software systems, which maximize productivity. In addition to the technical aspects of the software development, it also covers management activities which include guiding the team, budgeting, preparing schedules, etc. The notion of software engineering was first proposed in 1968. Since then, software engineering has evolved as a full-fledged engineering discipline, which is accepted as a field involving in-depth study and research. Software engineering methods and tools have been successfully implemented in various applications spread across different walks of life. Software is defined as a collection of programs, documentation and operating procedures. The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) defines software as a ‘collection of It possesses no mass, no volume, and no colour, which makes it a non-degradable entity over a long period. Software...