Characteristics of Computer

         Computer is now a days can perform various tasks and with the rapid changing of technology which enhance the features and characteristics of computer. There are various characteristics of computer, the major characteristics of computer are

• Electronic
• Speed
• Storage
• Accuracy and Reliability
• Automatic/ Automation
• Versatility
• Diligence
• Word Length

Electronic

As we know computer is an electronic device and runs with the electricity. Most of computer's parts are electronic devices which are made of semiconductors chips. Computer are operated with the help of electricity and can perform logical and arithmetic calculation as need. 

Speed

A computer can perform many operation concurrently with the much faster speed than the human with out any error. The time used by the computer is perform an operation is called the processing speed. The speed of computer is calculated in MHz (Megahertz) that is one million instructions per second.The speed of computer for performing a single operation can be measured in terms of Milliseconds, Microseconds, Nanoseconds and Picoseconds.

1/1000 or (10-3) sec.......................................................... 1 Millisecond (ms)

1/1000000 or (10-6) sec.................................................... 1 Microsecond (μs)

1/1000000000 or (10-9) sec.............................................. 1 Nanosecond (ns)

1/100000000000 or (10-12) sec........................................ 1 Picosecond (ps)

1/100000000000000 or (10-15) sec.................................. 1 Femtosecond (fm)

Storage

A computer can store a large amount of data permanently. Computer can store any type of data in a computer such as Text, Graphic, Picture, Audio and Video files and many more easily. Now a days because of enhancement in technology storage capacity of computer is increasing rapidly. The storing capacity is measured in terms of Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes and Terabytes.

4 bits.................................................................................... 1 Nibble

8 bits.................................................................................... 1 Byte

1024 Bytes........................................................................... 1 Kilobytes (KB)

1024 Kilobytes..................................................................,.. 1 Megabyte (MB)

1024 Megabytes................................................................... 1 Gigabyte (GB)

1024 Gigabytes..................................................................... 1 Terabytes (TB)

Accuracy and Reliability

Computers can process large amount of data and generate error free or almost 100% error free result. Computer can perform all the calculations and comparisons accurately. Sometimes, error may occur due to fault in the machine or due to mistakes in the programs. if the input data are not correct, this may also lead to incorrect output which is also known as Garbage in Garbage out (GIGO).

Automatic/ Automation

Computers are automatic machines. Everything that is given to computer are processed and done by computer automatically according to the instruction provided. 

Versatility 

A computer can perform various types of tasks related to different application areas. Computer has a wide range of application areas i.e., computer can do many types of jobs. It can perform operations ranging from simple mathematical calculation to highly complex and logical evaluations for any extended period of time. Some of the application areas of computer are Education, Science and Technology, Business, Medicine, Astronomy etc.

Diligence (meaning: careful and persistent work or effort) 

A computer can perform repetitive tasks without being bored, tired and losing concentration. It can continuously work for several hours without human intervention after the data and programs are fed to it. There is no ageing effect on computer i.e. efficiency does not decrease over the years of use.