What is a Computer ?




The Oxford Dictionary defines a computer as ‘an automatic electronic apparatus for making calculations or controlling operations that are expressible in numerical or logical terms’.

     The definition clearly categorizes the computer as an electronic apparatus although the first computers were mechanical and electro-mechanical apparatuses. The definition also points towards the two major areas of computer application: data processing and computer-assisted controls or operations. Another important conclusion of the definition is the fact that the computer can perform only those operations or calculations that can be expressed in logical or numerical terms.

     A computer is a data processor. It can accept input, which may be either data or instructions or both. The computer remembers the input by storing it in memory cells. It then processes the stored input by performing calculations or by making logical comparisons or both. It gives out the result of the arithmetic or logical computations as output information. The computer accepts input and outputs data in an alphanumeric form. Internally it converts the input data to meaningful binary digits, performs the instructed operations on the binary data, and transforms the data from binary digit form to understandable alphanumeric form.



Frequently Asked Questions

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Ans: A computer is a data processor. It can accept input, which may be either data or instructions or both. The computer remembers the input by storing it in memory cells. It then processes the stored input by performing calculations or by making logical comparisons or both. view more..
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Ans: The definition clearly categorizes a computer as an electronic apparatus. view more..
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Ans: The concept of calculating machines evolved long before the invention of electrical and electronic devices , mechanical and mechanical devices. view more..
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Ans: With advancement in the generation, the performance of computers improved . view more..
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Ans: Computers can be classified in variety of ways on the basis of various parameters . view more..
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Ans: A computer can accept input, process or store data, and produce output according to a set of instructions which are fed into it. view more..
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Ans: There are different types of memories with particular functions. view more..
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Ans: An operating system may be defined as a system software which acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware. view more..
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Ans: The processing required for a single instruction is called an instruction cycle. view more..
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Ans: A number system defines a set of values used to represent quantity. view more..
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Ans: The base, or radix, of any number system is determined by the number of digit symbols in the system. view more..
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Ans: Basic Internet Terminology, Types Of Internet Connections, Uses And Hazards Of Internet view more..
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Ans: A computer is 'an automatic electronic apparatus for making calculations or controlling operations that are expressible in numerical or logical terms'. view more..
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Ans: Most designs of computers today are based on concepts developed by John von Neumann and are referred to as the von Neumann architecture. Computers can be classified in variety of ways on the basis of various parameters such as usage, cost, size, processing power, and so on. The classification of computers is presented below based on their power and their use. view more..
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Ans: Supercomputer is the most expensive and fastest type of computer that performs at or near the currently highest operational rate for computers. A Cray supercomputer is a typical example. These are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations such as weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration etc. view more..




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