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Features/Characteristics of Computers

Characteristics / Features of a Computer.

Before 20th century, most information was processed manually or by use of simple machines.  Today, millions of people are using computers in offices and at home to produce and store all types of information

The following are some of the attributes that make computers widely accepted & used in the day-to-day activities in our society:

1.Speed.

Computers operate at very high speeds, and can perform very many functions within a very short time.

They can perform a much complicated task much faster than a human being.

The speed of a computer is measured in Fractions of seconds.

The speed of a computer is usually linked to the technology used to build it.

This means that, if you enter incorrect data into the computer and have it processed, the computer will give you misleading information.

  1. Accuracy:

Unlike human beings, computers are very accurate, i.e., they never make mistakes. 

A computer can work for very long periods without going wrong.  However, when an error occurs the computer has a number of in-built, self-checking features in their electronic components that can detect & correct such errors. 

Usually errors are committed by the users entering the data to the computer, thus the saying Garbage in Garbage Out (GIGO).

This means that, if you enter incorrect data into the computer and have it processed, the computer will give you misleading information.

  1. Reliability.

The computer can be relied upon to produce the correct answer if it is given the correct instructions & supplied with the correct data.

Therefore, if you want to add two numbers, but by mistake, give the computer a “Multiply” instruction, the computer will not know that you intended to “ADD”; it will multiply the numbers supplied.

Similarly, if you give it the ADD instruction, but make a mistake and enter an incorrect data; let say, 14 & 83 instead of 14 & 38; then the computer will produce the “wrong” answer 97 instead of 52.  However, note that, 97 is ‘correct’ based on the data supplied.

Therefore, the output produced by a computer is only as reliable as the instructions used & the data supplied.

  1. Consistency:

Computers are usually consistent.  This means that, given the same data & the same instructions, they will produce the same answer every time that particular process is repeated.

  1. Storage:

­A computer is capable of storing large amounts of data or instructions in a very small space.

­A computer can store data & instructions for later use, and it can produce/ retrieve this data when required so that the user can make use of it. 

­Data stored in a computer can be protected from unauthorized individuals through the use of passwords

  1. Diligence:

Unlike human beings, a computer can work continuously without getting tired or bored.  Even if it has to do a million calculations, it will do the last one with the same speed and accuracy as the first one.

  1. Automation:

A computer is an automatic device.  This is because, once given the instructions, it is guided by these instructions and can carry on its job automatically until it is complete.

It can also perform a variety of jobs as long as there is a well-defined procedure.

  1. Versatile:

A computer can be used in different places to perform a large number of different jobs depending on the instructions fed to it.

  1. Imposition of a formal approach to working methods:

Because a computer can only work with a strict set of instructions, it identifies and imposes rigid rules for dealing with the data it is given to process.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

  1. Computers process data faster:The processing speed of a computer when measured against other devices like typewriters & calculators is far much higher.
  2. Computers are more accurate & reliable:Computers produce more accurate results as long as the correct instructions & data are entered.  They also have the ability to handle numbers with many decimal places
  3. Computers are more efficient:A computer requires less effort to process data as compared to human beings or other machines.
  4. Computers can quickly and effectively store & retrieve large amounts of data.
  5. They are very economical when saving information, for it can conserve a lot of space.
  6. Computers occupy very little office space.
  7. Computers help to reduce paper work significantly.
  8. Computers enhance security & confidentiality:Data stored in a computer can be protected from unauthorized individuals.
  9. Computers are flexible:A computer can perform a variety of jobs as long as there is a well-defined procedure.They can be used to perform a number of organizational functions/ activities, which are meant for individual persons, hence reducing the number of employees & the costs.
  10. Have made communication easier.
  11. Computers produce better information:
  12. Computer output is usually tidy and error-free (accurate).
  13. Computers reduce the problems of data or information duplication:
  14. Computers can operate in risky environments, e.g. volcanic sites, dangerous chemical plants, where human life is threatened

DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS.

  1. Computers are very costly in terms of purchase & maintenance.
  2. Computers can only be used areas where there is source of power.
  3. Requires skilled manpower to operate, i.e., one has to have some knowledge so as to operate a computer.
  4. The records are usually kept in a form that is not visible or human-readable.  This makes it difficult to control the contents of the computer’s master file.
  5. A computer, like any other machine can break down.
  6. Information stored in computers can easily get lost due to power interruptions or machine breakdown.
  7. A computer doesn’t have its own intelligence, i.e., it cannot reason, but can only work as per the set of instructions issued. This phenomenon is described as Garbage In Garbage out (GIGO).It is, therefore ,upon the user to verify the accuracy of the data entered.
  8. Installation of computers causes retraining or retrenchment of staff/ employees.
  9. The computer technology is changing very fast such that the already bought computers could be made obsolete/ out dated in the next few years.
  10.  In addition, this rapid change in the computer technology makes computers & related facilities to become outdated very fast, hence posing a risk of capital loss.
  11. The emergence of computers has increased the rate of unemployment since they are now being used to perform the jobs, which were done by human beings.
  12. Computers have led to increase in computer crimes especially in Banks.  The computer criminals steal large amounts of funds belonging to various companies by transferring them out of their company accounts illegally.  In addition, they destroy vital data used in running the companies.
  13. Use of computers can lead to some health problems, especially if not properly used. Some of the health risks include eye problems, backaches and wrist injuries.