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Typical Computer Ad

Is the computer fast enough to run necessary programs?

Is the computer cost-effective?

Will it be obsolete in 6 months

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What is a computer?

Historically, a computer was a job title, nota piece of equipment!Requirements of a computer: Process data Store data

Move data between the computer and theoutside world Control the operation of the above

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Computer Characteristics

1. Speed:

Extremely fast

Million instructions per second( billions also)MIPS architecture

It is calculated in MHz/GHz

In Secs a job: human being may do indays/years

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Computer Characteristicsctd

2. Accuracy

Very accurateDepends upon instruction and the type of

machine

Capable of doing what is instructed accurately,Therefore, GIGO

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Computer Characteristicsctd

3. Diligence

No trait of tiredness and lack of concentration (ashuman beings)

Even the millionth instruction is calculated withsame accuracy and speed.

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Computer Characteristicsctd

4. Reliability

Measurement of performancePredefined standard for operation without any

failure

It is reliable, No human intervention in-betweenBuilt in diagnostic capability

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Computer Characteristicsctd

5. Storage capability

Large amount of dataAlthough Small Main memory, virtually infiniteauxiliary storage in the form of Tape, Floppy,CD, flash, memory card etc.

Retrieve in the required information almostinstantaneously

Ex:Computer dictionary

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Computer Characteristicsctd

6. Versatility

Multiple tasks with equal easeoffice automation(text), music(sound),

games(video and graphics), scientific calculations,

CAD, CAM, modeling and simulation, navigatingsatellites and missions, communication, etc

provided its is programmed to do so

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Computer Characteristicsctd

7. Automation

Once a task is initiated, can proceed till the task gets

over.

flawless operations

execute programs in sequence, switch on off the

machines at appropriate time, monitor operationalparameters, send warning signals or take corrective

actions if the parameters exceed the control.

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Computer Characteristicsctd

8. Resource Sharing:

capability of connecting to each othercostly resources(scanners, printers etc) and

information(internet) can be shared.

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Computer limitations

Only performs what is programmed to do

Qualitative considerations are limitedReasoning is poor, cant think

Cant differentiate between sensible thing or

ridiculous.

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Ref Books

Introduction to computers Alexis Leon

Introduction to IT:ITL ESL Introduction to computers:Peter Norton

Foundations of computing:Sinha

How computers work:Computers Today: SAnders