COMPUTERS AND OPERATING SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
Man developed computers so that he could perform intricate operations such as calculation
and data processing or simply for entertainment. Today, computers are everywhere-in our offices,
homes, appliances, automobiles- the list is endless. Much of the world runs on computers, and
computers have profoundly changed our lives, mostly for the better. Let us discuss some of the
characteristics of a computer, which make them an essential part of every emerging technology
and such a desirable tool in human development.
Features of New Generation Personal Computers
and data processing or simply for entertainment. Today, computers are everywhere-in our offices,
homes, appliances, automobiles- the list is endless. Much of the world runs on computers, and
computers have profoundly changed our lives, mostly for the better. Let us discuss some of the
characteristics of a computer, which make them an essential part of every emerging technology
and such a desirable tool in human development.
Features of New Generation Personal Computers
Speed:
The computers process data at an extremely fast rate. In a few seconds, computers
can perform such a huge task that a normal human being may take days or even years to
complete. The speed of a computer is calculated in MHz (Megahertz) or Giga hertz (GHz).
Different computers have different speed. For example a Micro Computer can execute
millions of instructions per second over and over again without any mistake. As the power
of the computers increases, the speed also increases. For example, super computers can
operate at speeds measured in nanoseconds and even in picoseconds-one thousand to one
million times faster than microcomputers.
can perform such a huge task that a normal human being may take days or even years to
complete. The speed of a computer is calculated in MHz (Megahertz) or Giga hertz (GHz).
Different computers have different speed. For example a Micro Computer can execute
millions of instructions per second over and over again without any mistake. As the power
of the computers increases, the speed also increases. For example, super computers can
operate at speeds measured in nanoseconds and even in picoseconds-one thousand to one
million times faster than microcomputers.
Accuracy:
Besides the efficiency, the computers are also very accurate. The level of
accuracy depends on the instructions and the type of machines being used. Since we know
that the computer is capable of doing only what it is instructed to do, faulty instructions for
processing the data automatically lead to faulty results. This is known as GIGO, that is
garbage in garbage out. Errors may occur in the results, but due to increased efficiency of
error-detecting techniques, they can be minimized. Thus, the probability of errors in a
computer is negligible.
accuracy depends on the instructions and the type of machines being used. Since we know
that the computer is capable of doing only what it is instructed to do, faulty instructions for
processing the data automatically lead to faulty results. This is known as GIGO, that is
garbage in garbage out. Errors may occur in the results, but due to increased efficiency of
error-detecting techniques, they can be minimized. Thus, the probability of errors in a
computer is negligible.
Reliability:
Generally, reliability is the measurement of the performance of a computer,
which is measured against some predetermined standard for operation without any failure.
The major reason behind the reliability of the computers is that, at hardware level, it does
not require any human intervention between its processing operations. Moreover,
computers have the built in diagnostic capabilities, which help in continuous monitoring of
the system.
which is measured against some predetermined standard for operation without any failure.
The major reason behind the reliability of the computers is that, at hardware level, it does
not require any human intervention between its processing operations. Moreover,
computers have the built in diagnostic capabilities, which help in continuous monitoring of
the system.
- Storage capability:
Computers can store large amounts of data and it can recall the
required information almost instantaneously. The memory of the computer is relatively
small and it can hold only a certain amount of information, therefore, the data is stored on
storage devices such as magnetic tape or disks. Small sections of the data can be assessed
very quickly and bought into the storage devices, as and when required, for processing. In
order to explain the idea of storage capacity, we can take an example of CD-ROM and a
hard disk. A single CD-ROM can store up to 700 MB of data while a hard disk can have a
capacity of around 80 GB (1GB = 1024 MB).
required information almost instantaneously. The memory of the computer is relatively
small and it can hold only a certain amount of information, therefore, the data is stored on
storage devices such as magnetic tape or disks. Small sections of the data can be assessed
very quickly and bought into the storage devices, as and when required, for processing. In
order to explain the idea of storage capacity, we can take an example of CD-ROM and a
hard disk. A single CD-ROM can store up to 700 MB of data while a hard disk can have a
capacity of around 80 GB (1GB = 1024 MB).
Versatility:
Computers are quite versatile in nature. They can perform multiple tasks
simultaneously with equal ease. For example, at one moment it can be used to prepare a
letter, the other moment it can be used to play music and in between you can print a
document as well. All this work is possible by changing the program (sequence of
instructions for computers). In brief, we can say that a computer can perform various tasks
by reducing the task to a series of logical tests.
simultaneously with equal ease. For example, at one moment it can be used to prepare a
letter, the other moment it can be used to play music and in between you can print a
document as well. All this work is possible by changing the program (sequence of
instructions for computers). In brief, we can say that a computer can perform various tasks
by reducing the task to a series of logical tests.
- Diligence:
Computer, being a machine, does not suffer from the human traits of tiredness
and lack of concentration. If four million calculations have to be performed, then the
computer will perform the last four millionth calculations with the same accuracy and
speed as the first calculation.
Computers have certain limitations too. As a machine, a computer can only perform what is
programmed to do, nothing more nothing less. It can only process the data that is provided
to it and communicate the results. That is why in the field of computer science we use the
phrase ‘Garbage in, garbage out’ (GIGO).
and lack of concentration. If four million calculations have to be performed, then the
computer will perform the last four millionth calculations with the same accuracy and
speed as the first calculation.
Computers have certain limitations too. As a machine, a computer can only perform what is
programmed to do, nothing more nothing less. It can only process the data that is provided
to it and communicate the results. That is why in the field of computer science we use the
phrase ‘Garbage in, garbage out’ (GIGO).
Limitations of Computers
Computers possess some limitations that are strengths of human beings
Lack of decision making power
Zero I.Q ( Intelligent Quotient)
Peripherals
A computer can do amazing things, but they are really very simple machines made up of
software and hardware. Let us look at the computer’s hardware or the parts you can actually
touch. Hardware components of a computer consists of the system unit, the box that contains the
central electronic components of the computer, and peripheral devices, those devices such as
monitors and printers that are connected to the computer.
software and hardware. Let us look at the computer’s hardware or the parts you can actually
touch. Hardware components of a computer consists of the system unit, the box that contains the
central electronic components of the computer, and peripheral devices, those devices such as
monitors and printers that are connected to the computer.
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