Fundamentals of Computer > Introduction to Computer & Computer System > Features of a Computer
Outstanding Features of a Computer
Outstanding characteristics of a typical computer is given below:
a) Speed
- The speed of a computer depends on the fact that how swiftly it can process a fixed amount of data.
- As the computer is electronic, its internal speed is virtually instantaneous. In fact, a computer is more speedy than a human being.
- The speed of a computer can be made faster or slower by the type of microprocessor that it contains.
- The speed of computer is calculated in MHz, that is one million instructions per second (MIPS). BIPS (billion of instructions per second) is also used.
b) Accuracy
- Accuracy means the capability to provide results without any errors. If there is no error in the given instruction and data, computer gives result accurately as well as quickly.
- The degree of accuracy of computer is very high and every calculation is performed with the same accuracy.
- A computer can perform the calculations with zero error rate. Some errors may occur in computer, but they are mainly due to human fault. Computer is based on the principle of Garbage-In-Garbage-Out. If wrong data is given as input then it will produce wrong data as output.
c) High Storage Capacity
- A computer can store a huge amount of data and programs on its memory with appropriate format.
- Information stored in its memory can be recalled as long as you need it. Even after several years, the information recalled will be as accurate as on the day when it was fed to the computer.
- It has the capability of storing data either permanently or temporarily.
- Additional storage capacity can be attached internally to the computer or externally through the use of an external storage device.
d) High Reliability
- Computer systems are widely accepted because of their exceptional reliability. Huge databases that are very difficult to control by people can be dealt with in a much more reliable manner by a computer.
- Unlike most human, a computer is capable of operating under the most adverse conditions for extended periods of time without showing any sign of fatigue.
- Computers consistently provide the same accurate result under all operating conditions. Of course computers do break down and may require servicing.
e) Versatility
- Multi-processing capability of a computer makes it quiet versatile in nature. It is capable of performing different types of tasks. We can use a computer in hospital, bank or at home. At one moment you can use computer for play games and in the next moment you can use computer for watching videos.
- It can solve problems on various fields like complex scientific problems, business problem, the problem of traffic at an airport, space-exploration etc.
f) Efficiency
- The efficiency of computer is very high. For human being it is very difficult to work continuously for hours with out loosing concentration, but computers does not lose concentration and can work for hours with out creating any errors.
g) Diligence
- A computer, being a machine, does not suffer from boredom, tiredness or lack of concentration even if it has to work for long hours.
- Thus, If millions of calculations are to be performed, a computer will perform every calculation with the same accuracy. Due to this capability it overpowers human being in routine type of work.
h) Automatic Operation
- A machine is said to be automatic, if it works by itself without human intervention.
- Computers are automatic in operation. Once data and program are fed to a computer, operation of the computer is automatic in the sequence of steps defined by the program.
- However, computers, being machines, can not start themselves. They have to be instructed.
i) No I.Q.
- Computer has no intelligence to perform any task on its own like human being. It is not brainy than human.
- It only follows the given instructions. If a computer is given a program for addition, it cannot perform subtraction by itself. It has to be told what to do and in what sequences.
- Hence, only the user can determine what tasks a computer will perform. A computer can not take its own decision in this regards.
j) No Feelings
- Computers are devoid of emotions. They have no feelings and no instincts because they are machines. They cannot be affected by sorrows and happiness.
- Based on our feelings, taste, knowledge, and experience, we often make certain judgements. However, computers cannot make such judgements on their own.