What Is A Computer

 

What Is A Computer? A computer is an electronic device, that manipulates data & information. operating under the control of instructions (software) stored in its own memory unit, that can accept; ❑ Data (input), ❑ manipulate data (process), and ❑ produce information (output) from the processing. ❑ And store result for Future Use Generally, the term is used to describe a collection of devices that function together as a system. 4 Devices that comprise a computer system Printer (output) Monitor (output) Speaker (output) Scanner (input) Mouse (input) Keyboard (input) System unit (processor, memory…) Storage devices (CD-RW, Floppy, Hard disk, zip,…) 5 Data and Information 6 Advantages of Using Computers ◼ Speed: Computers can carry out instructions in less than a millionth of a second. ◼ Accuracy : Computers can do the calculations without errors and very accurately. ◼ Diligence : Computers are capable of performing any task given to them repetitively. ◼ Storage Capacity : Computers can store large volume of data and information on magnetic media. ◼ Communication: Computers can connect you another computer to send or receive information. 7 Disadvantages of Using Computers The use of computer has also created some problems in society which are as follows. ◼ Unemployment: Different tasks are performed automatically by using computers. It reduces the need of people and increases unemployment in society. ◼ Wastage of time and energy: Many people use computers without positive purpose. They play games and chat for a long period of time. It causes wastage of time and energy. ◼ Data Security: The data stored on a computer can be accessed by unauthorized persons through networks. It has created serious problems for the data security. ◼ Computer Crimes: People use the computer for negative activities. They hack the credit card numbers of the people and misuse them or they can steal important data from big organizations. ◼ Privacy violation: The computers are used to store personal data of the people. The privacy of a person can be violated if the personal and confidential records are not protected properly. ◼ Health risks: The improper and prolonged use of computer can results in injuries or disorders of hands, wrists, elbows, eyes, necks and back. The users can avoid h