What is a computer? by Arakkal. M. Sebastian
What is a computer?
Prepared by Arakkal. M. Sebastian
http://www.arakkalnet.com
The computer is an electrical appliance. Electrical appliances are built to perform certain functions. When you switch an appliance on or off, you control when the appliance performs its functions.
The main difference between a computer and what you might consider other household appliances is its flexibility.
A computer can be programmed to run a host of applications, such as accounting, communication, databases, spreadsheets, word processing's, desktop publishing, drafting, graphic art, and entertainment.
A computer can also be described as any machine that performs thee basic steps: Input, process, and Output.
Input is the step of getting the information, or data, into the PC from an external source. This involves using a structured input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, modem, or scanner.
Process is the actual work the PC performs to produce output. It modifies the data in a program.
Output is the result of a program's execution. Examples of sources of output include a monitor and printer.
For example, if you want to create a letter using a computer, you input, or type the actual words into a word-processing program. You then process the document by spell checking it. While you are working, the computer displays what you are typing and the changes you make on the monitor, allowing you to view the output. If you decide you want a printout, then the input, process, output steps are repeated.
Selecting the printing commands is input, the computer executing the commands is the process, and the printer producing the hard copy is the output.
All computers, whether they are mainframes, minicomputers, or PCs employ this three-step method. Failure to mention a particular type, brand, or company is not to deny its importance or contribution, but to limit the scope of this manual. The discussion here focuses exclusively on the IBM-compatible line of computers.
About Author:
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