WHAT IS A COMPUTERComputer is a machine with an intricate network of electronic circuit that operates switches or magnetizes-tiny metal cores. The switches, like the cores, are capable of being in one of two possible states, that is, on or off : magnetizes. The machine is capable of storing and manipulating number, letter and character. Basic idea of computer is that we can make the machine do what we want by in putting signal that turn certain switch on and turn other off, or that magnetizes or do not magnetizes the cores.

The basic job of computer is the processing of information. For this reason, computers can be defined as devices, which accept information in the form of instructions called a program and character, called data, perform mathematical and / or logical operation on the information, and that supply result of these operations. The programme, or part of it, which tells the computer what to do on the data. Which wide the information needed to solve the problem, are kept inside the computer in place called memory.

Computer are thought to have many remarkable powers. However, most computers, whether large or small, have three basic capabilities. First, computer has circuits for priming arithmetic operation, such as : additions, substraction, division, multiplication and exposition. Second, computers have a mean of communicating with the users. After all, if we couldn’t feed information in and get result back, these wouldn’t be of much use. However, certain computer ( commonly mini computers and microcomputer) are used to control directly things such as robots, aircraf navigation systems, medical instruments, etc.

Some of the common methods of inputting information are to use punch cards, magnetic tape, disk and terminals. The computer’s input devices (which might be a card reader, a tape drive, depending in the medium used in inputting information) read the information into the computer. For outputting information, two common devices used printer, which print the new information on paper, or CRT display screen, which shows the result on TV like screen.

Third, computers have circuits, which can make decisions. The kind of decisions, which computer can make are not of the type, ‘Who would win a war between two countries ?’ or ‘Who is the riches person in the world ?’. Unfortunately, the computer can only decide three things namely : Is one number less than another ? are two number equal / And, is one number greater than another ?

A computer can solve a series problems and make hundreds, even thousands, of logical decisions without becoming tired or bored. It can find the solution to problem in a fraction of the time human beings to do the job. A computer can replace people in dull, routine task, but it has no originality; it works according to the instruction given to it and can not exercise any value judgement. There is time when a computer seems to operate like a mechanical ‘brain’, but its achievements are limited by the human beings. A computer cannot do anything unless a person tells it what to do and gives it the appropriate information; but because electric pulse can move at the speed of light, a computer can carry out vast numbers of arithmetic – logical operation almost instantaneously, a person can do everything a computer can do, but in many cases that person would be deal long before the job was finished.

Answer the question
1. What is the basic idea of a computer ? 2. What are the three basic capabilities of computer ?
3. What kind of computers is used to control aircraf navigation systems ?
4. What is the function of printer and CRT display screen ?
5. What is the basic job of a computer ?​