What is a Computer?

OBJECTIVES:
1. To identify the meaning of computer;
2. To list the four parts of computer system;
3. To determine the capabilities and limitations of
computer;
4. To determine the different uses of computer;
 COMPUTER Meaning
Computer is an electronic device that ma-
nipulates information, or data. It is a sys-
tem consisting of two different compo-
nents, Hardware and Software.
A computer is a data processor. The
processor is called as the CPU – Central
Processing Unit.

A CPU is the most important com-

ponent of any computing device. It
handles basic instruction. The job
of the CPU is to execute programs.
 COMPUTER Meaning
The power of the computer comes from its
speed and intricacies of its program.
Program is simply a set of instructions meant
to be followed mechanically by computer. A
computer is build to carry out instructions that
are written in a very simple type of language
called Machine Language.

Computer can execute programs

written in other language if they are
first translated into machine lan-
guage.
 COMPUTER Meaning
RAM (Random Access Memory) holds
data that is being used or processed by
the program.
RAM consists of sequence of locations and
these locations are numbered, and the se-
quence number of location is called its ad-
dress.

An address provides a way of picking out

one particular piece of information from
among the millions stored in memory.
Limitations of Com-
puter
 COMPUTER Meaning

A computer executes machine language pro-

grams mechanically – that is without understand-
ing them or thinking of them – simply because of
the way it is physically put together.

Computer is a machine built of millions of tiny

switches called Transistors.

Machine Language instructions are ex-

pressed as binary Numbers. It is made
up of just two possible digits, 1 and 0.
 MEMORY
Holds data for the computer to process, and it holds the
result of the computers intermediate calculation.

Limitations of Com-
puter
 FOUR COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER
COMPLETE COMPUTER SYSTEM

HARDWARE SOFTWARE USERS DATA

Tangible part of the computer It is the set of instruction that These are people that oper- It consist of individual facts or
that you can touch. Consists make the computer perform ates the computers. They are bits of information, which by
of interconnected electronic tasks. The program refers to the one who design, build, themselves may not make
devices that you can use to any software. program and repair computer sense to a person.
control computers operations. systems.
 DATA
Within the computer, data is organized into file. A file is
simply a set of data that has been given a name. a file that
the user can open and use is often called documents.

Limitations of Com-
puter
 CAPABILITIES OF COMPUTER

The computer has the ability to

01 perform arithmetic operation
like: addition. subtraction, mul- The computer has the ability to pro-
tiplication and division. 04 cess information at a very high
speed

The computer can perform re-

02 lational and logical operations.
The computer can direct itself
05 in a predetermine manner
without human intervention
A computer has a storage area
03 called memory, the reason why
the computer has the ability to
store and retrieve information.
LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTER

01
Computers do not think for you.

02 The computer can not correct inaccurate

data.

03 The computer is subject to break-

down.
 USES OF COMPUTERS

PERSONAL COMPUTING EDUCATION

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH MEDICINE

INFORMATION SYSTEM/ DATA PROCESSING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The small computer called microcomputer can be controlled by a single per-
son, thus the term “personal computing”

These computers can be used for application like: Personal

• Maintaining up – to – date inventory of household items
• Storing names and addresses Computing
• Creating And monitoring a household budget
• Keeping an appointment and social calendar
• Writing letters
• Education and entertainment

In small businesses, computers can be used for:

1. Word processing – software that allow users to enter, store, manipulate
and print text. (Letters, reports, etc.)
2. Desktop Publishing – software that allow users to produce near type – set
– quality copy of newsletter, advertisements, and other publishing jobs.
3. Electronic Spreadsheet – software that permits users to work with num-
bers formatted in lines and columns normally used for accounting jobs.
4. Database – permits users to create and maintain several files and extract in
an easy convenient manner.
 Science
And
Engineers and Scientists use computers as a tool in experimentation
and design.
Research
Aerospace Engineers use computers to simulate the effects of wind
tunnels to analyse the aerodynamics of an airplane prototype. Chemist
use computer graphics to create three (3) dimentional views of an ex-
periment molecules.
 Information
Computers are used to support the administrative aspects of the organ- System/
ization.

For examples are the applications including:

Data
• Payroll system
• Airline reservation system Processing
• Grading system
• And others

They Provide for fast data processing requirements and information

needed to make better, more informed decisions by management.
 Education
Computers can interact with students to enhance the learning process.
Computer can help children learn to read and write. Adults can also
use computers to learn about just anything from auto mechanics to zo-
ology.
 Medicine
Tiny "computer on a chip" are being embedded in artificial hearts and
other organs. Once the organs are implanted in the body, the computer
monitors critical inputs, such as blood pressure and flow, then takes
corrective action to ensure stability of operation in a continuous feed-
back.
Today'c computer can imitate many human movements such as reach- Artificial
ing, gasping calculating, speaking, remembering, comparing numbers
and drawings. Researcher are working to expand these capabilities by Intelligence
developing computers and programs that can imitate human intelli-
gence. This general area of reaserch is called Artificial intelligence.

However, computer can never be capable of simulating the distinctly

human qualities of creativity, humor and emotions.