Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes it under the control of set of instructions (called program), gives the result (output), and saves it for the future use.
Any digital computer carries out five functions:
• Takes data as input.
• Stores the data/instructions in its memory and use them when required.
• Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
• Generates the output
• Controls all the above four steps.
The advantages of computers
1) High Speed
2) Accuracy
3) Storage Capability
4) Diligence
5) Versatility
6) Reliability
7) Automation
8) Reduction in Paper Work
9) Reduction in Cost
The disadvantages of computers
1) No I.Q
• A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
• Each instruction has to be given to computer.
• A computer cannot take any decision on its own.
2) Dependency
• It functions as per a user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent on human being
3) Environment
• The operating environment of computer should be dust free and suitable.
4) No Feeling
• Computers have no feelings or emotions.
• It cannot make judgement based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike a human being.
Computer System Hardware
Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of a computer i.e. the components that can be seen and touched.
Examples of Hardware are following:
Input devices -- keyboard, mouse etc.
Output devices -- printer, monitor etc.
Secondary storage devices -- Hard disk, CD, DVD etc.
Internal components -- CPU, motherboard, RAM etc.
Relationship between Hardware and Software
1. Hardware and software are mutually dependent on each other. Both of them must work together to make a computer produce a useful output.
2. Software cannot be utilized without supporting hardware.
3. Hardware without set of programs to operate upon cannot be utilized and is useless.
4. To get a particular job done on the computer, relevant software should be loaded into the hardware
5. Hardware is a one-time expense while, software development is very expensive and is a continuing expense.
6. Different software applications can be loaded on a hardware to run different jobs.
7. A software acts as an interface between the user and the hardware.
8. If hardware is the 'heart' of a computer system, then software is its 'soul'. Both are complimentary to each other.
Any digital computer carries out five functions:
• Takes data as input.
• Stores the data/instructions in its memory and use them when required.
• Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
• Generates the output
• Controls all the above four steps.
The advantages of computers
1) High Speed
2) Accuracy
3) Storage Capability
4) Diligence
5) Versatility
6) Reliability
7) Automation
8) Reduction in Paper Work
9) Reduction in Cost
The disadvantages of computers
1) No I.Q
• A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
• Each instruction has to be given to computer.
• A computer cannot take any decision on its own.
2) Dependency
• It functions as per a user’s instruction, so it is fully dependent on human being
3) Environment
• The operating environment of computer should be dust free and suitable.
4) No Feeling
• Computers have no feelings or emotions.
• It cannot make judgement based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike a human being.
Computer System Hardware
Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of a computer i.e. the components that can be seen and touched.
Examples of Hardware are following:
Input devices -- keyboard, mouse etc.
Output devices -- printer, monitor etc.
Secondary storage devices -- Hard disk, CD, DVD etc.
Internal components -- CPU, motherboard, RAM etc.
Relationship between Hardware and Software
1. Hardware and software are mutually dependent on each other. Both of them must work together to make a computer produce a useful output.
2. Software cannot be utilized without supporting hardware.
3. Hardware without set of programs to operate upon cannot be utilized and is useless.
4. To get a particular job done on the computer, relevant software should be loaded into the hardware
5. Hardware is a one-time expense while, software development is very expensive and is a continuing expense.
6. Different software applications can be loaded on a hardware to run different jobs.
7. A software acts as an interface between the user and the hardware.
8. If hardware is the 'heart' of a computer system, then software is its 'soul'. Both are complimentary to each other.
