What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that enables the user to do simple to complex functions. Such as from storing to processing the data and performing a sequence of arithmetic and logical operations spontaneously. Instinctively via a programming language.
What are the Functions of a Computer?
The functions of a computer can be broadly classified into four types. They include, 1) Take the Data from input devices; 2) Perform logical operations and process the data. Example: addition, subtraction, and multiplication; 3) Stores the Information; and 4) Showcase the processed data or information through output devices such as the monitor.
How Data Manipulation occurs in a Computer?
In the introduction to computers topic, the processing of converting the raw data into information is detailed. The raw data is converted or processed in a computer to generate useful information. Also, during this data processing, the computer manipulates or organizes the given data systematically to make it more readable. It is to be noted that data manipulation involves logical reasoning. Here, the data is instructed to carry on a sequence of operations through a standard set of statements depicted in the computer programming language.
What is the Difference between Data and Information?
Data represent a set of names or numbers, for example, the students’ names list in a class. Data is generally not so helpful, but processed data or information is much more beneficial as it is organized intelligently. Some examples of information are merit lists, weather reports, and many more. For example, the temperature reading of the past 50 years is data, and analyzing and concluding that the past ten years have been much hotter is information.
What is the Role of Programming Languages?
The computer performs logical functions while processing complex data by adding, deleting, or subtracting. Such processing and analytical reasoning functions employ programming languages like Java or dot net. The programming language consists of a particular set of statements. Here the data is instructed to carry on a sequence of operations through a specific set of standard statements.
This kind of information generation is possible for modern computers as they have the ability to follow generalized sets of operations called programs associated with a programming language such as Java or dot Net. These programs enable computers to perform an extensive range of complex tasks.
For instance, while a calculator can perform computation upon numerical data alone, a computer can accomplish much more complex computations. Importantly, computers help humans to perform certain operations at a higher speed.
A Look into Classification of Computers
Computers are classified into three types, namely
- analog,
- digital, and
- hybrid.
Among all these computer types, digital computers are used extensively across the programming community as it supports easy programming.
The digital computer is again classified into five types:
- mainframe computer,
- supercomputer,
- minicomputer,
- microcomputer, and
- personal computer.
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