Chapter – 1 [Basic Concepts Of Information Technology]

What is a computer? What are the characteristics of a computer?

A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations, and operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. A computer has the following characteristics

• Speed- It is a very fast device. It can perform tasks in a few seconds which would take a long time if done manually.
• Accuracy-The accuracy of a computer is high. Errors occur mainly because of humans.
• Diligence-It doesn’t get tired. It can work for very long hours without creating any errors.
• Versatility-It can perform various tasks at a given time.
• Power of remembering– It can store and recall data at any time.
• No, I.Q-It does not think like a human.
• No feeling-It does not have any feelings or emotions.

There are four functions in this definition:

Functions of a computer:

• Input
• Processing
• Output
• Storage

Input:

Everything we give to the computer is called input.

The collection of raw facts and figures is called data. Data 1s entered in the computer through input devices e.g. keyboard, mouse etc.

Data Processing:

The system that accepts data and manipulates it in a useful and meaningful form is called data processing.

The operations carried out on data to convert it into useful information are called data processing.

CPU is a device that is used to process the data arithmetically or logically to convert it into information.

Output:

The organized and meaningful form of data after processing is called information.

Output devices show the results or information in the form of output.

Output devices are printers, monitors, etc.

Storage:

Data and information are stored on secondary storage devices for later use.

Secondary storage devices are CDs, Hard Disk, Floppy Disk etc.

Components of a System:

• A system is a combination of some related components that interact with each other to perform some specific tasks.
• The system is created to solve problems.
• A problem must exist before the development of a system.
• First, the problem is defined then a system is developed to solve it. There are five system components.

Hardware – The physical parts required to develop a system.

Software – The instructions run the system smoothly.

People/User – The user uses the system and gets benefits from the system

Data/Information – Data is input provided to the system and information is output obtained from the system.

Communication Setup – The transmission of information from one location to another at right time and at the right place is called communication setup.