What are the features of computers?
A computer is an electronic data processing device, which accepts and stores data input, processes the data input, and generates the output in a required format.
• It is an electronic device that manipulates data or information.
• It has the capacity to store, retrieve, and process data.
• We can use a computer to type documents, send an email, browse the internet, do accounting, do database management, games, and more.
• Charles Babbage is the father of computers.
Types of Computer:
We can Divide computers by two ways: data handling capabilities and size.
On the basis of data handling abilities, the computer is of 3 types of computers:
- Analogue Computer
- Digital Computer
- Hybrid Computer
- Analogue Computer:
• Analogue computers are designed to process analog data.
• Analogue data is continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values such as speed, temperature, pressure and current.
• analog computers measure the continuous changes in physical quantity and generally render output as a reading on a dial or scale.
• Analogue computers directly accept the data from the measuring device without first converting it into numbers and codes.
• Speedometers and mercury thermometers are examples of analog computers. - Digital Computer:
• Digital computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed.
• It accepts the raw data as digits or numbers and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce output.
• All modern computers like laptops and desktops that we use at home or office are digital computers. - Hybrid Computer:
• Hybrid computer has features of both analog and digital computers.
• It is fast like an analog computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers.
• It can process both continuous and discrete data.
• So it is widely used in specialized applications where both analog and digital data is processed.
• For example, a processor is used in petrol pumps that convert the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price, ECG Machine, and Blood Pressure Measuring Instrument.
On the basis of size, the computer can be of 5 types:
- Supercomputer:
• Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process a huge amount of data.
• It can process trillions of instructions in a second. It has thousands of interconnected processors.
• it is particularly used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations, and nuclear energy research.
• First supercomputer was developed by Roger Cray in 1976. - Mainframe computer:
• Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
• They can support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different processes simultaneously.
• These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big organizations like banking and telecom sectors, which need to manage and process a high volume of data. - Mini frame computer:
• It is a midsize multiprocessing computer.
• It consists of two or more processors and can support 4 to 200 users at one time.
• Mini frame computers are used in institutes and departments for the tasks such as billing, accounting, and inventory management. - Workstation:
• Workstation is a single-user computer that is designed for technical or scientific applications.
• It has a faster microprocessor, a large amount of RAM, and high-speed graphic adapters.
• It generally performs a specific job with great expertise; accordingly, they are of different types such as graphics workstations, music workstations, and engineering design workstations. - Microcomputer:
• It is also known as a personal computer.
• It is a general-purpose computer that is designed for individual use.
• It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage area, input unit, and output unit.
• Laptops and desktop computers are examples of microcomputers.
Characteristics or Advantages of Computers:
- High Speed: The computer is a very fast device.
• It is capable of performing calculations of a very large amount of data.
• The computer has units of speed in microseconds, nanoseconds, and even picoseconds.
• It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to a man who will spend many months to perform the same task. - Accuracy:
• In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
• The calculations are 100% error-free.
• Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is correct. - Storage Capability:
• Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
• A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
• It can store a large amount of data.
• It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc
| Sl.No. Unit & Description | Unit & Description | |
| 1 | 0 or1 | 1 Bit |
| 2 | 4 Bits | 1 Nibble or Nano Byte |
| 3 | 2 Nibbles or 8 Bits | 1 Byte |
| 4 | 1024 Bytes | 1 KB (Kilo Byte) |
| 5 | 1024 KB | 1 MB(Mega Byte) |
| 6 | 1024 MB | 1 GB(Giga Byte) |
| 7 | 1024 GB | 1 TB(Tera Byte) |
| 8 | 1024 TB | 1 HB(Hexa Byte) |
| 9 | 1024 HB | 1 PB(Peta Byte) |
| 10 | 1024 PB | 1 ZB(Zeta Byte) |
- Diligence:
• Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of concentration.
• It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
• It can perform repetitive tasks with the 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 problems related to various fields.
• At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem, and the very next moment it may be playing a card game. - Reliability:
• It is a reliable machine.
• Modern electronic components have long lives.
• Computers are designed to make maintenance easy. - Automation:
• It is an automatic machine.
• Automation is the ability to perform a given task automatically. Once the computer receives a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer memory, then the program and instruction can control the program execution without human interaction. - Reduction in Paper Work and Cost:
• The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to a reduction in paperwork and results in speeding up the process.
• As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem of maintenance of a large number of paper files gets reduced.
• Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high, it substantially reduces the cost of each of its transactions.
Computers have become an integral part of modern society, impacting every aspect of human life, from work to communication, education to entertainment, and beyond. The following are some of the key characteristics and features that make computers unique and indispensable tools for modern life.
- Speed: One of the most notable features of computers is their speed. Computers can process vast amounts of data and perform complex calculations in a matter of seconds, far faster than any human could.
- Storage: Computers have large storage capacities, allowing them to store vast amounts of data and information. This data can be easily retrieved and accessed as needed.
- Accuracy: Computers are incredibly accurate and reliable in performing tasks. They are not susceptible to errors that humans can make due to fatigue, distraction, or other factors.
- Automation: Computers can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for humans to focus on more complex or creative tasks.
- Connectivity: Computers can connect to each other and to the internet, allowing for seamless communication and collaboration across distances.
- Multitasking: Computers can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, allowing for greater efficiency and productivity.
- Customizability: Computers can be customized to suit the needs of individual users or organizations, allowing for greater flexibility and versatility.
- Scalability: Computers can be scaled up or down to meet changing demands or requirements, making them ideal for businesses and organizations with fluctuating needs.
- User interface: Computers have user-friendly interfaces that make them easy to use, even for those with limited technical knowledge.
- Multimedia capabilities: Computers can handle a wide range of multimedia, including text, images, audio, and video, making them ideal for a variety of tasks, from graphic design to video editing.
- Security: Computers have built-in security features, such as firewalls and antivirus software, that protect against cyber threats and keep data secure.
- Reliability: Computers are highly reliable and can operate continuously for long periods without experiencing significant issues or downtime.
- Upgradability: Its can be upgraded with new hardware and software to keep up with changing technologies and requirements.
- Energy efficiency: Computers are designed to be energy-efficient, minimizing their impact on the environment and reducing energy costs for users.
- Portability: It comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, from desktops to laptops to smartphones, making them highly portable and versatile.
In conclusion, computers are powerful and versatile tools that have transformed every aspect of modern society. Their speed, accuracy, storage capacity, connectivity, and other features make them indispensable for work, education, communication, entertainment, and much more. As technology continues to advance, computers will undoubtedly become even more powerful and influential, shaping the future of society in ways we cannot yet imagine.