Features/Characteristics
of Computer:
A
computer is the most useful machine in today’s world. A computer can perform
different tasks efficiently and in organized way. It can store, manage and
distribute data and information efficiently. It is used in almost all the
fields. It can be used for preparing letters, documents, spreadsheets,
presentations and databases. It can also be used for composing
The
following are the main functions of a computer which make it so powerful and
usable in almost all area.
1. High Speed: A computer is a very high speed electronic device.
The operations on the data inside the computer are performed through the
electronic circuits. The electronic circuit is designed in such a way that
electrical signal travels at speed of light. So, the computer can process
millions of data within a fraction of second.
The
time
taken by computer to perform an operation is called the processing speed. This
processing of computer is measured in Mega Hertz (MHz) or Giga Hertz (GHz) that
is the speed of CPU. Mega means million and Hertz means times per second. For
example, 100 MHz means 100 million times per second and 100 GHz means 100
billion times per second.
2. Accuracy: A
computer does not make any mistakes. If the data and instructions given to the
computer are correct, it always gives correct result or output. It means that
the result totally depends on the given instructions and input data to the
computer. If input data are incorrect,
the output will also be incorrect. In computer terminology it is called Garbage
in Garbage out (GIGO). So, computer is an accurate machine.
3. Diligence: A
computer is diligent machine. A computer never gets tired or bored while
working. It can work for a long time without taking any rest. It can
continuously work for a long time without any error. It can perform the same
task again and again without getting bored. It performs the operations with the
same accuracy as well as speed as the first one.
4. Versatility: Computer
is a versatile machine means flexible. It is the most important feature of
computer. A computer can perform different kinds of tasks one by one
simultaneously. It can perform the several tasks such as calculations, drawing
pictures, playing game, playing music, writing letters, sending e-mail, etc. We
can perform multiple tasks at a same time. Due to this feature, we can use the
same computer in different fields of work such as education, business,
communication, desktop publishing, etc.
5. High Storage Capacity: A
computer has a high storage capacity. It has internal as well as external or
secondary storage (memory). In the secondary storage, it can store large amount
of data and programs permanently for future use.
6. Automation: A
computer does not interfere with the user during the processing of data. It can
automatically perform operations. It automatically executes the program
instructions one by one and automatically controls different devices attached
with it. To make the computer work automatic, a set of pre-defined instructions
are fed into the computer. The set of predefined instructions is called a
program or software.