A computer allows users to store and process information quickly and automatically.
A computer is a programmable machine. It allows the user to store all sorts of information and then ‘process’ that information, or data, or carry out actions with the information, such as calculating numbers or organising words.
Computer: A machine that can receive and store information and change or process it.
Information: Knowledge that is communicated.
Data (pl.): The representation of information in a formalised manner suitable for communication, interpretation and processing, generally by a computer system. Note: the term ‘raw data’ refers to unprocessed information.
Computers can be generally classified by size and power, although there can be considerable overlap. Following are descriptions of several different types of computers.
Mainframe computers are large-sized, powerful multi-user computers that can support concurrent programs. That means, they can perform different actions or ‘processes’ at the same time. Mainframe computers can be used by as many as hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. Large organisations may use a mainframe computer to execute large-scale processes such as processing the organisation’s payroll.
Mini-computers are mid-sized multi-processing computers. Again, they can perform several actions at the same time and can support from 4 to 200 users simultaneously. In recent years the distinction between mini-computers and small mainframes has become blurred. Often the distinction depends upon how the manufacturer wants to market its machines. Organisations may use a mini-computer for such tasks as managing the information in a small financial system or maintaining a small database of information about registrations or applications.
Workstations are powerful, single-user computers.
They have the capacity to store and process large quantities of data, but they are only used by one person at a time. However, workstations are typically linked together to form a computer network called a local area network, which means that several people, such as staff in an office, can communicate with each other and share electronic files and data.
Computers are made up of two parts: the hardware and the software.
Hardware: The physical equipment required to create, use, manipulate and store electronic data.
Software: The computerised instructions that operate a computer, manipulate the data and execute particular functions or tasks.
All computers require the following hardware components:
• central processing unit (CPU)
• memory
Central processing unit (CPU): The chip or chips at the heart of a computer that enable it to process data. Also known as a processor.
Memory: An area within a computer system that holds data waiting to be processed.
• storage device
Storage device: The place where a computer puts data.
• input devices : the devices that allow data and instructions to enter a computer (such as a keyboard, mouse, scanner)
Input: Any resource required for the functioning of a process, in the course of which it will be transformed into one or more outputs.
• output devices: the devices that allow information to be represented (that is, given out) to the user, such as a display screen or printer)
Output: The product of the transformation of inputs by a process.
Please Read and Share Your thoughts
No comments: