What is a Computer?

A computer is an automatic, high speed,

digital, electronic data processing machine used
for performing program instructions to produce
the desired output.

It is fast and accurate manipulating system

that is designed and organized to accept and
store inputted data automatically, process and
produce output results under the direction of a
detailed step-by-step program of instructions.
Functions of Computer

•A computer accepts input – computer input is

whatever is put into a computer system. “Input”
means to feed information into a computer.

•A computer process data – process is a systematic

series of actions that a computer uses to manipulate
data.

•A computer stores data – computer must store data

so that it will be available for processing.

•A computer produces output – computer output is the

results produced by a computer.
Capabilities of Computer

•It is self directing. The user merely feeds all the instructions to
the computer at the start and later proceeds without any need of
human intervention.

•Ability to store and retrieve information. The computer has the

ability to remember or recall data when the user finds the need for
them.

•Ability to perform mathematical operations and solve complex

formula at high speed with great precision. A very fast computer
can perform the addition of 20 million pairs of ten digit numbers in
one second.

•Ability to perform logic operation. The computer is capable of

comparing numbers, letters of alphabet, and special characters.
Based on the results of computer comparison, the computer can
direct to take alternative actions.

•Ability to communicate with the user or with other machines.

The computer is capable of telling what must be fed or what must
be done for the program to operate continuously. It can also
transmit data and messages from one computer to another.
Limitations of Computer

•It can do only what is designed or programmed to

do.
•It cannot correct input data
•It cannot think and cannot derive meanings from
objects.
•It can only process jobs expressed in a finite
number of steps leading to a precisely defined
goal.
•It cannot completely avoid making errors due to
power fluctuations, system malfunctions and
human disorders.
Elements of a Computer
•Hardware – physical devices, tangible parts.
•Software – computer instructions, programs.
•Peopleware – computer users
•Data – raw facts

Components of Computer System

•Input Devices – data entry operations
•Output Devices – data result operations
•Processing Unit – data manipulation and control operations
•Storage Devices – data storage within the computer
•Secondary/Auxiliary Storage Devices – data storage using
auxiliary devices
Types of Computer According to Size

•Microcomputers
•Minicomputers
•Mainframe
•Super Computer

Types of Computer According to Function

•General Computer
•Special Computer
Types of Software

•Systems Software – operating system, utilities

•Application Software – packaged software for design,

offices etc.

•Language Software – program creation

What is Computer Programming?

Computer programming (often shortened

to programming or coding) is the process of
writing, testing, and maintaining the source
code of computer programs.

The source code is written in a

programming language. This code may be a
modification of existing source or something
completely new, the purpose being to create a
program that exhibits the desired behavior.