Introduction to Computers

“Computing is not about computers anymore. It’s about living.”

- Nicholas Negroponte -

By considering the above quote you can realize how computers are important for our modern life. Basically, we can describe a computer as an electronic machine that can store and manipulate information. It will process the information according to the instructions given by the user and return the result to the user. 

The sets of instructions that humans give for computers are called programs or software. It means a computer can’t think itself. There must be a user to give instructions and the computer will perform according to that instructions. 

The basic functions of a computer are input, processing, output, and storage. Input is the data that is entered into the computer by using input devices. Processing is storing and processing data using CPU. The output is the result of the data processing and it is given out through output devices. Storage refers to devices that can keep the data when the computer is deactivated.

There are many reasons for using computers

·         Faster than humans

·         Never get tired or need rest

·         They can perform some jobs that peoples can’t do or dangerous for humans

·         Can store a large amount of data in a small space

·         Able to find information easily and quickly

·         Never lose or misplace information

·         Ability of multitasking

·         Higher accuracy

·         Versatility