What is Computer – Characteristics, Definition, Functions, Types and Uses :

 Let us know what is computer? A computer is a machine that can process data and perform calculations. The term computer refers to the hardware, software, and firmware used to process data.

What is a computer? In simple language, it is a machine that can process data and do calculations. The term "computer" refers to the hardware, software, and firmware used to process data. Computers have been in use since the early 20th century, but they became widespread in the 1980s with the advent of the personal computer.

So we can call a computer such an advanced electronic device that takes raw data from the user as input. Then processes that data through a program (set of instruction) and publishes the final result as Output. It processes both numerical and non numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations. What is a computer and know a little from bed.

What is Computer ?

A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to automatically perform a set of arithmetic or logical operations. This is the easiest answer to what is a computer.

A computer has three main components: input, processing, and output. Input is usually a keyboard and mouse. The processing component is usually in the form of a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU). Output is usually on a display screen, such as a monitor or television.

A computer has three main components: input, processing, and output. Input is usually a keyboard and mouse. The processing component is usually in the form of a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU). Output is usually on a display screen, such as a monitor or television.

How does computer work ?

A computer is a device that is used to store, process and transmit data. They are used for anything from storing files and documents to sending emails.

Computers are electronic devices that can store and process data through the use of microchips. The first computer was invented in the 1940s by a team of scientists led by British mathematician Alan Turing. The computer was designed to calculate artillery tables for the British Army.

The word "computer" is derived from the word "compute", which means "to figure out". Computers have been around since 1938 when they were invented by British mathematician Alan Turing.

What is the full form of computer ?

Technically there is no full form of computer. The full form of computer is “Computer”, yet there is a fictitious full form of computer,

C -        Commonly

O -          Operated

M -           Machine

P   -     Particularly

U   -          Used for

T  -    Technical and

E  -     Educational

R  -        Research

Computer features

Computers have the following characteristics: speed, accuracy, reliability, and versatility.

speed

A computer is faster than a human in processing large amounts of data because it can perform many calculations faster.

Accuracy

Scientists and data analysts use computers for tasks requiring precise results, such as scientific research and data analysis, because they can perform calculations with a high degree of accuracy.

Reliability

As far as computers are concerned, they are designed to be highly reliable, which means they can run continuously for very long periods of time without breaking down or malfunctioning.

Versatility

Computers are extremely versatile in being used for a wide range of purposes, and this versatility allows them to be used in fields ranging from science and engineering to business and entertainment, as well as many others.

How to run computer?

For some people, understanding how to use a computer can be difficult. This section will help you to understand how to operate your computer easily.

You must be wondering how you can use keyboard and mouse at the same time? Well, it's not that complicated! Here are some instructions on how to do this:

• Move the mouse pointer over the icon or letter you want to click.
• Press and hold the left mouse button.
• Drag the pointer to the spot you want to click.
• Release the left mouse button when you reach the desired destination.

Who invented computer ?

Father Of Computer Charles Babbage.Who is called the father of modern computer? So many people have contributed in this computing field. But out of all these the contribution of Charles Babage is more. Because it was he who first came out with the Analytical Engine in the year 1837.

The concept of ALU, Basic Flow Control and Integrated Memory was implemented in his engine. Today's computers were designed on the basis of this model only. That's why his contribution is maximum. That's why he is also known as the father of computer.

Definition of computer

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates data according to a list of instructions called a program.

The term computer has been in use since the early 17th century, when it refers to a person who calculates or a person who operates a calculating machine. The term continued to refer to these workers through the 19th century and into the 20th century until it was later applied to "a machine that automatically calculates".

accepts data input

processes data processing

produces output Output

stores results Storage

computer work

Input (Data): Input is the step in which raw information is entered into the computer using Input Device. It can be a letter, picture or even a video.

Process: During the process, the data inputted is processed according to the instruction. This is completely internal process.

Output: The data that has already been processed during Output is shown in the form of Result. And if we want, we can save this result and keep it in memory for future use.

labeled diagram of basic units of computer 

If you have ever seen inside a computer case, then you must have found that there are many small components inside, they look very complicated, but they are not that complicated in reality. Now I will give you some information about these components.

Main parts of Computer

computer components :

Motherboard

The main circuit board of any computer is called Motherboard. It looks like a thin plate but it is holding many things. Such as CPU, Memory, Connectors for hard drive and Optical Drive, expansion card to control Video and Audio, as well as connection to all ports of the computer. If seen, the motherboard is directly or indirectly connected with all the parts of the computer.

CPU/Processor

Do you know what is Central Processing Unit ie CPU? This is also called It is found in the Motherboard inside the computer case. It is also called the brain of the computer. It keeps an eye on all the activities inside a computer. The higher the speed of a processor, the faster it will be able to do processing.

RAM

We also know RAM by the name of Random Access Memory. This is the short term memory of the system. Whenever the computer does some calculation, it temporarily saves that result in RAM. This data is also lost if the computer is turned off. If we are writing a document, then to avoid its destruction, we should save our data in between. By saving, if the data is saved in the Hard Drive, it can remain for a long time.

RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). The more RAM, the better it is for us.

Hard drive

Hard Drive is the component where software, documents and other files are saved. In this, the data remains stored for a long time.

Power Supply Unit

The work of the power supply unit is to take power from the main power supply and supply it to other components as per the requirement.

Expansion Card

All computers have Expansion Slots so that we can add an Expansion Card in the future. These are also called PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) cards. But nowadays there are already many slots built-in in the motherboard. Names of some Expansion Cards that we can use to update old computers.

• video cards
• sound card
• network cards
• Bluetooth Card (Adapter)

Computer hardware and software

We can call computer hardware any physical device that we use in our computer, whereas computer software means a collection of codes that we install in the hard drive of our machine to run the hardware.

For example, the computer monitor that we use to read, the mouse that we use to navigate are all computer hardware. The same Internet Browser from which we visit the website, and the Operating System in which that Internet Browser runs. We call such things as software.

We can say that a computer is a combination of software and hardware, both have similar roles, both can work together.

Type of computer

A computer is a type of machine that people use to calculate information. Computers are often called the brains of the modern world because they are used in almost every industry and for many different purposes.

There are two types of computers, analog and digital. Analog computers require less power but require more time to process data, while digital computers require more power but require less time to process data.

Whenever we hear the use of the word computer, only the picture of personal computer comes in our mind. Let me tell you that there are many types of computers. Come in various shapes and sizes. We use them according to need, such as ATM to withdraw money, Scanner to scan a barcode, Calculator to do any big calculation. These are all different types of computers.

1.Desktop

Many people use desktop computers for their homes, schools and for their personal work. Their design is such that we can keep them on our desk. They have many parts like Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Computer Case.

2.Laptop

You must have known about Laptops which are Battery Powered, they are very portable so that they can be taken anywhere and anytime.

3.Tablet

Now let's talk about Tablet which we also call Handheld Computer because it can be easily held in hands.

There is no keyboard and mouse in it, just a touch sensitive screen which is used for typing and navigation. Example – iPad.

4.Servers

A server is some type of computer that we use to exchange information. For example, whenever we search for something in the Internet, all those things are stored in the server only.

Access of computer

Where is the computer used? If seen, we have been using computers everywhere in our lives and will continue to do so. It has become a part of us. I have written some of its uses below for your information.

Use of computers in the field of education: They have the biggest hand in education, if a student needs information about something, then this information becomes available to him within a few minutes with the help of it. Research has shown that with the help of computer, there has been a significant increase in the learning performance of any student. Nowadays one can study from home with the help of online classes.

Health and Medicine: It is a boon for health and medicine. With its help nowadays patients are treated very easily. Nowadays everything has become digital, due to which it is very easy to know about the disease and accordingly its treatment is also possible. Due to this, the operations have also become easy.

Use of computer in the field of science: This is the gift of science only. This makes research very easy. Nowadays a new trend is going on which is also called Collaboratory, so that all the scientists of the world can work together, it doesn't matter from which country you are present.

Business: It has a huge hand in business to increase productivity and competitiveness. It is mainly used in Marketing, Retailing, Banking, Stock Trading. Because everything here is digital, its processing has become very fast. And nowadays more importance is being given on Cashless Transaction.

Recreation and Entertainment: It has become a new destination for entertainment, talk about anything like Movies, Sports or resturants, they are used everywhere.

Government: Nowadays even the government is giving more focus on their use. If we talk about Traffic, Tourism, Information & Broadcasting, Education, Aviation, our work has become very easy by using them everywhere.

Defence: Their use has increased to a great extent in the army as well. With the help of which our army has now become more powerful. Because nowadays everything is controlled with the help of computer.

There are many places where we use it as per our requirement.

Future of computer

The future of computers is not just the hardware and software, but the people who use them. As we move into a new era of computing, it is important to acknowledge that the future of technology will be shaped by how we interact with it.

Computers are developing at an exponential rate. This is because of advances in artificial intelligence. In the future, computers will be able to do much more than just provide us with information and take care of our basic needs. They will be able to perform tasks that are currently performed by humans, such as driving a car or writing articles.

There will be many changes in the future of computers. It will be more intuitive and natural to use. It will be able to process the data very fast. Nowadays Scientists are doing more research on Optical Computer, DNA Computer, Neural Computer and Quantum Computer. Along with this, a lot of attention is also being given to Artificial Intelligence so that it can do its work smoothly on its own.