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Introduction to Computers

10:37 PM

Learning Outlines
After studying this chapter, the readers will be able to:

  • Define a computer and explain the importance of a computer.
  • Define Data Processing Cycle and list the different stages of the Data Processing Cycle.
  • Explain the different strengths of a computer.
  • List the positive effects of computers.
  • List the weaknesses of a computer

Concept:
Computer technology is currenty taking center stage in everyday lives. The increasing use of computer technology in our lives has resulted in a new and improved way of thinking, living and working. Today, computers are no longer specialized tools used only by scientists or engineers. They do not hum behind sealed glass walls in climate controlled environments. Now, they are put to use for all sorts of applications ranging from complex calculations in the field of frontline research, engineering simulations, education, printing books and recreational games. They have become so deeply embedded in our society that almost no activity would be possible without them. 
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Definition of a Computer
The word computer is derived from the Latin word "Computare" which means "to calculate". Computer is a programmable machine that received input, stores and automatically manipulates data, and provides output in a useful format. Computer operates under the control of instructions stored in its own memory unit. A set of detailed, step-by-step instruction that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task is known as a computer program. The steps in a computer program are written in a language that the computer can understand.
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Importance of a Computer
Computers are part of every industry and without it the whole world will freeze. Computers and mobiles are the two important electronic equipment in our present generation. The 21st century witnessed the computer and information revolution; enabling people to communicate instantly and helped them in doing all the things with the help of computer.
  • Computers can save valuable time of employees in the office and help industries by making their employees productive and efficient in any office or business.
  • Computers in school will help the students to understand the basic concepts better with the help of audio and video examples.
  • Computers in universities will help the researchers and professors to do their calculations quickly and in a better and efficient way and also help them to share the same with their counterparts.
  • Computers are helping doctors in diagnosing the disease efficiently and quickly.
  • Farmers use innovations in computer technology to determine the best time to plant, fertilize, harvest and sell crops.
  • People correspond with friend, family, acquaintances and business associates through social media, e-mail, text message and instant messaging.
  • Computers are used for producing cartoons. Computer graphics are used in cinema to product more dramatic and realistic effects.
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Data Processing Cycle
Data are the raw materials of computer systems. It consists of the raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images and sound. After data is processed through the computer, they form a desired output which serves some purpose. These resultant facts are known as information. Data becomes information when you understand what it means. Computers process dtaa and people use information. The process of changing data into information is known as data processing cycle.

Stages of the Data Processing Cycle
Input
Input is any data that a computer collects from the outside world. Input cycle involes 'data capturing', 'data collection' and 'data checking' and converting of data in machine readable form (processed data).

Process
Processing is a systematic series of action that a computer uses to convert input to output. In process cycle, various types of data is combined to produce meaningful information. This cycle involves calculations, comparisons, classifications, summarizations, sorting and storing of information.

Output
Output is any computer-generated information displayed on screen or printed on paper. This cycle involves retrieved of output, conversion of it into human readable form (information) and then directing it to the appropriate output device such as monitor and printer.

Storage
Storage is the last stage in the data processing cycle, where data instruction and information are help for future use. The importance of this cycle is that it allows quickly access and retrieval of the processed information, allowing it to be passed on to the next stage directly, when needed. Every computer uses storage to hold system and application software.


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Strengths of a Computer
As you have seen that computers are being effectively used for a variety of taks in nearby every field, can you think of the qualities which make computers so popular? Let us expore those reasons that are responsible for computers' popularity. Computers certainly have some strengths, which make them immensly useful and popular. Let us discuss what these strengths are:

Speed
Computer works at an amazing speed without any mistakes. As the power of computer increases, the speed also increases. A modern computer can execute billions of instruction in one second. The computer's speed at performing a single operation can be measured in terms of millisecond, microsecond, nanosecond, picosecond and femtosecond. The computer present in the modern world has the speed of nanosecond and picosecond. 

Measurement of speed of a computer
Millisecond :
A millisecond is a unit of time that represents 1/1000th of a second.

Microsecond :
A microsecond is a unit of time equal to one millionth of a second. It is also equal to 1/1000th of a millisecond.

Nanosecond :
A nanosecond is a unit of time that equals to one billionth of a second. It is also equal to 1/1000th of a microsecond.

Picosecond :
A picosecond is a unit of time that equals on trillionth of a second, or equal to 1/1,000th of nanoseconds. 

Femtosecond :
A femtosecond is a unit of time that equals one quadrillionth of a second. It also can be expressed as 1/100th of picosecond.

Accuracy
A computer is highly accurate and the degree of accuracy of a particular computer depends upon its design. There may be errors produced by a computer. Almost all the errors that arise while it is operational, are a result of illogical programming or incorrect provision of data and information. A very small percentage of its error are due to component malfunctions, which again may arise due to misue and improper handling of the equipment. Computer errors caused due to incorrect input data or unreliable programs are often referred to as GIGO.

Automatic
A computer is automatic. It executes the process without any invention of the user once it is assigned to work. However, a computer being a machine cannot start itself. It works from a program of coded instructions, which specify exactly how a particular job is to be done. 

Storage Capability
Computers store vast amount of information. You can quickly and efficiently organize and search information, making for easier retrieval than paper storage. The storage capacity of the computer can be increased by using secondary storage devices such as magnetic disk, optical disk, flash drive and memory cards.

Storing Capacity of a Computer
The storing capacity of a computer is measured in terms of 
Kilobyte :
A unit of computer memory or data storage capacity equal to 1,024 bytes

Megabyte :
A unit of computer memory or data storage capacity equal to 1,024 kilobytes.

Gigabyte :
A unit of computer memory or data storage capacity equal to 1,024 megabyes.

Terabyte :
A unit of computer memory dr data storage capacity equal to 1,024 gigabytes.

Petabyte :
A unit of computer memory dr data storage capacity equal to 1,024 terabytes.

Exabyte :
A unit of computer memory dr data storage capacity equal to 1,024 petabytes.

Diligent
Human beings suffer from weaknesses like tiredness and lack of concentration. They cannot perform the same task over and over again with the same speed, accuracy and enthusiasm as in the first time. This will affect the performance. Being a machine, a computer does not suffer from such weaknesses. The computer is capable of performing task repeatedly at the same level of speed and accuracy even if it has to carry complex operation for a long period of time.

Mobility
Researchers can take computers anywhere, making it easier to conduct field research and collect data. New areas of research in remote areas or at a community level are opened up by the mobility of computers. Social media sites have become a new medium for interaction and information.

Versatile
A computer is a versatile machine. The immense power of this versatile machine has practically replaced manual working and man power, to a great extent. It has become indispensable in today's world. Millions of people use computers all over the world.
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Positive Effects of Computers
The computer has been widely considered as one of the greatest inventions of 21st century, but it is also is blamed for many day-to-day problems and even tragic events. As computer technology advances, the effects will continue to change the world for better or worse. 
  • A computer has positive effects which include the gaining of a wide range of information within minutes and connecting with people of different backgrounds and cultures all over the world. Computers are also progress the technical skills in a person in doing research as well as in the use of the computer itself.
  • Computers have definitely changed the way society behaves. Computers have had positive impact on society, benefiting the medical and even the automotive world. Another positive effect is the ability for more information and learning to be done around the world.
  • Computers offer many opportunities to meet new people. There are many social networking sites that let people connect with others. People can communicate in a variety of ways and reconnect with old friends and classmates. The internet can help people find others with common interests, form bonds with strangers and expand their social network.
  • Scientists use computers to develop theories, collect, analyze and test the data, and exchange of information electronically with colleagues around the world.
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Weaknesses of Computers
Computer is one of the most powerful tools ever developed. It has many useful applications however, it does possess some limitations.

Lack of Decision-Making Power
Computer cannot take its own decision. It needs special instrument to operate. A computer cannot decide how it is to be programmed or provides its own input. It cannot interpret the data it generates and implement any decision that it suggests.

Zero IQ
Computer is a dumb machine. It possesses no intelligence of its own. Its intelligence quotient is zero. It has to be told what to do and in what sequence. Hence, only the user can determine what task a computer will perform.

No Heuristics
Heuristics means learning from past experiences. If a computer commits an erron once and a similar situation occurs again, the computer will commit the same error again. It cannot learn from its past experiences. Unlike human beings, a computer cannot learn from its past experiences.


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Tech-Terms
Computer
An automated data processor designed to accept and store input data, manipulate them and produce output results.

Data
Raw facts that can be shaped and formed to create information.

GIGO
Garbage in, garbage out: if poor data are used as input into an equation or model, the result will be erroneous.

Picosecond
A measure of machine cycle time; equals one one-trillionth of a second.

Program 
A set of instructions that performs a particular task.

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Let's Revise
  • Computer is a programmable machine that receives input, stores and automatically manipulates data, and provides output in a useful format.
  • Computers can save valuable time of employees in the office and help industries by making their employees productive and efficient in any office or business.
  • Computers in universities will help the researchers and professors to do their calculations quickly and in a better and efficient way and also help them to share the same with their counterparts.
  • Input cycle involves 'data capturing', 'data collection' and 'data checking' and converting of data in machine readable form (processed data).
  • Processing is a systematic series of actions that a computer uses to convert input to output.
  • Output is any computer-generated information displayed on screen or printed on paper.
  • Storage is the last stage in the data processing cycle, where data instruction and information are held for future use.
  • A computer is highly accurate and the degree of accuracy of a particular computer depends upon its design.
  • Computer is a dumb machine. It possesses no intelligence of its own. Its intelligence quotient is zero.
  • Scintists use computer to develop theories, collet, analyze and test the data, and exchanging of information electronically with colleague around the world.

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