In this chapter you will learn about:

  • Computer
  • Data processing
  • Characteristic features of computers
  • Computers’ evolution to their present form
  • Computer generations
  • Characteristic features of each computer generation

The word laptop comes from the word “compute”, which suggests, “to calculate” Thereby, a laptop is AN device which will perform arithmetic operations at high speed

A laptop is additionally known as a knowledge processor as a result of it will store, process, and retrieve information whenever desired.

The activity of processing data using a computer is called data processing

Characteristics of Computers

01. Automatic: Given a job, the computer can work on it automatically without human interventions

02. Speed: Computer can perform data processing jobs very fast, usually measured in microseconds (10-6), nanoseconds (10-9), and picoseconds (10-12)

03. Accuracy: Accuracy of a computer is consistently high and the degree of its accuracy depends upon its design. Computer errors caused due to incorrect input data or unreliable programs are often referred to as Garbage- In-Garbage-Out (GIGO)

04. Diligence: The computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of concentration. It can continuously work for hours without creating any error and without grumbling

05. Versatility: Computer is capable of performing almost any task if the task can be reduced to a finite series of logical steps

06. Power of Remembering: The computer can store and recall any amount of information because of its secondary storage capability. It forgets or loses certain information only when it is asked to do so

07. No I.Q.: A computer does only what it is programmed to do. It cannot take its own decision in this regard

08. No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. Their judgment is based on the instructions given to them in the form of programs that are written by us (human beings) 

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