Written by A computer is an electronic machine, which accepts data, processes it and generates output in the required format.
It is an electronic device that can process inputted data according to a set of instructions, called a program.
A computer may also refer to any device that can accept, process, store and retrieve data.
It is any device that can be instructed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically via programming.
Computers are usually instructed to perform various operations and tasks via computer programs.
These computer programs allow computers to be used for different a wide range of tasks.
For example, we can use computers to type documents, edit files, send emails, browse the internet, do database management, do accounting purposes, do spreadsheet management, create presentations, play games and so on.
And with the emergence of artificial intelligence, the potential of computers to carry out human tasks is increasing day by day.
Characteristics of a Computer
1. Speed: This is the foremost characteristic of a computer.
Being a machine, a computer can process data very fast and within a few seconds.
Calculations that would have taken humans hours to complete are performed by the computer in a few seconds.
A computer can perform tasks much faster than a human could.
Indeed, It is because of the speed of a computer and its ability to process data quickly that is why it is now being used in most business operations.
2. Accuracy: The computer is also accurate in the sense that it produces the correct output provided it is given the correct input
A computer is based on Garbage in Garbage out (GIGO), which means if you give the computer the right input, it will produce the right output and vice versa.
In essence, the accuracy of a computer is the ability of a computer to perform calculations and data processing with a high degree of precision.
If a computer is not accurate, it would not be reliable for business operations and other important tasks.
Indeed, the accuracy of a computer ensures that it can be used for large-scale business operations.
3. Storage capability: This is increasingly becoming one of the most important characteristics of computers, most especially in this era of cloud computing.
A computer can store large volumes of data, information, files, videos, and images.
The beautiful thing about computer storage is that data stored in the computer can easily be retrieved at any time and at anywhere.
Computer storage can be divided into two: primary storage and secondary storage.
The primary storage of a company, also known as memory allows a computer to temporarily store data that it is currently processing whereas secondary storage allows the computer to store data for a long time.
Data stored in the primary storage of the computer is lost when the computer is switched off whereas data stored in the secondary storage is retained when the computer is switched off.
4. Versatility: This is the ability of a computer to perform a variety of tasks, ranging from calculations to image analysis, and data analysis.
The computer can perform simple tasks such as calculations, logical operations etc. For example, A computer can add two numbers, minus two numbers etc.
The computer can also perform complex tasks such as generating answers to users’ queries, analyzing data etc.
5. Diligence: The computer can perform operations for a long period of time without experiencing the physical or mental fatigue that a human would.
Even when it is used for a longer period of time, the computer does not get tired or fatigued.
A computer is able to perform long and complex calculations and tasks with the same speed and accuracy without getting tired.
Unlike humans which require breaks after working for a long period, the computer does not require breaks or rest periods.
A computer is a machine designed to work tirelessly. As a result, a computer is a diligence machine.
6. Automatic: This refers to the ability of a computer to perform tasks automatically without human intervention.
Due to the fact that businesses are now looking for ways to automate their tasks, the automation capability of companies is becoming more and more important.
The computer simply needs to be given input and programmed to perform the desired tasks, and it will carry them out automatically.
Once it gets the input and required program, it will perform a job finished, without any form of human intervention.
So, as an automatic machine, the company only has to be instructed for it to carry out a large volume of tasks automatically.
7. No feelings: The computer had no feelings whatsoever.
The computer is a machine, and therefore, lacks human feelings.
Unlike a human heart and soul, a computer does not have the ability to make decisions based on emotions or feelings, but only based on the input and instructions it receives.
8. Consistency: The computer is also consistent in the sense that it will produce the same result every time if it is given the same input.
For example, if you give your computer the task of adding up the numbers 4 and 6, it will consistently produce the output of 10, regardless of how many times you ask it to perform the calculation.
This is because the computer follows a set of rules and algorithms when performing calculations, and these rules do not change based on time or circumstances.
As a result, a computer is a consistent machine.
9. No I.Q (Intelligence quotient): The computer lacks intelligence in that it has no intelligence on its own.
A computer does not have the ability to think, reason, and make decisions on its own, without any form of human intervention.
A computer requires human instructions before it can perform an operation.
It is designed to carry out specific tasks based on the input and instructions it receives from a human.
Conclusion
To emphasize, the nine characteristics of a computer are speed, accuracy, storage capability, versatility, diligence, automatic, no feelings, consistency and no intelligence quotient.
