COMPUTER BASIC

Computer Basic describes all the rudiments of computer.  In this lesson, we shall be looking at what computer is all about, the basic elements found in the definition of computer, etc. By the end of this lesson, students should be able to define computer, explain the basic element in the definition of computer.

Definition of Computer

Computer is an electronic device that has the ability to accept data as an input, process and store the data, and relinquishes output as information at a fantastic speed.

Following the definition above, let us consider some vital elements found in the definition.

i.                    Electronic device

ii.                  Data

iii.                Input

iv.               Process

v.                 Storage

vi.               Output (Information)

vii.             Speed

i.                    Electronic Device: Computer is said to be an electronic device because it is made up of circuitry board and uses electricity. Unlike the ancient calculating machines that were operated mechanically during the time of Abacus, Leibniz, Babbage and others.

ii.                  Data: Data constitutes the operation of computer. In fact any computer that has no ability to accept data as a basic input is not a computer. Therefore, data is defined as an unprocessed raw fact that needs to be processed in order to get information.

iii.                Input: The general aim of computer is to accept input which makes it possible for manual tabulation to go electronically. Therefore any computer that accepts no input is not a computer. Thus, input is defined as characters, symbols, signs, sounds/audios, videos, etc given into the computer for processing.

iv.               Process: The practical aim of computer is to process data. Therefore, any computer that cannot process data is not a computer. For this reason, process is defined as the act of preparing data for use.

v.                 Storage: The computer is characterized by its efficient capability for storing large amount of data.

vi.               Output (Information): The computer is designed in such a way that it can be able to produce output, therefore, anything computer that cannot produce output is not a computer. In this view, output and/or information is defined as a processed data.

vii.             Speed: The computer is also characterized by its ability to carry out large amount of work within a second. 

Continue Reading>>