Last updated on November 21st, 2023 at 03:56 am
A computer is an electronic device that is widely used in this World of technology. Though humans are more intelligent than computers, many of the activities from business to space exploration are now carried out with the help of computers.
Some of the characteristics of computers include speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility, reliability, power of remembering, no Intelligence Quotient, storage capability, and no feelings.
Speed
A computer is fast and can perform a lot of work within a short period. It processes the given instructions at a very high speed. This means that it can perform in a few seconds the amount of work that a human being can do within a long period. The speed of a computer depends on its processor, primary memory among others; and it is measured in Hertz (Hz).
Accuracy
A computer is very precise in processing data once it is given correct data and instructions. It is more accurate/correct than human beings during data processing. But, the accuracy or correctness of the output obtained from a computer mainly depends on the provided input. If the input is wrong, the output will also be wrong as the term GIGO explains it – Garbage In Garbage Out. The term GIGO is used in computer science to mean that if invalid or incorrect data is entered into a computer, the computer will process and output invalid or incorrect results.
Diligence
A computer is a machine and does not suffer from human traits such as tiredness, and mood swings among others. It also does not lose concentration after working continuously for a long time. Hence, computers can do the same tasks over and over again without getting tired. A computer can also perform long and complex calculations with the same speed and accuracy from the start until the end without creating errors.
Versatility
A computer is versatile. It can be used to carry out different types of activities. For example, a computer can be used in writing, performing arithmetic calculations, playing music, printing, shopping online, playing games among others. A computer performs all these activities easily and can be switched from one activity to another with ease. It is also versatile as it can perform more tasks at the same time, hence the term multi-tasking.
Reliability
A computer is very reliable because it does not get tired or bored in processing repeated work. As long as it is fed with accurate data, a computer is more dependable and trustworthy.
Power of remembering
A computer can store a big amount of information depending on the capacity of its secondary memory. It can also recall and reproduce any information stored on its secondary memory at any time.
No Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
A computer is a machine and has no intelligence of its own. It cannot do any task without instructions from the user, and can only perform what it is programmed to do. Therefore, the user must provide it with accurate instructions, and if not, the result will also be wrong because it has no reasoning.
Storage capability/memory
Depending on the size of its secondary memory, a computer can store a large amount of data. It also has a variety of removable storage devices that could be used to back up data.
No feelings
A computer does not have feelings, emotions, tastes, knowledge, and experience. This enables it to perform well all instructions and tasks and therefore, gives the desired result.
Leave a comment