Characteristics of Computers

A computer is an intelligent amplifier that performs the above-mentioned operations in a much taster, accurate and efficient way. Thus, it gives us ample time to use it in matters involving creativity & judgment. The characteristics possessed by computers can be listed as follows:

Speed
 A computer can add and subtract numbers, compare letters to determine alphabetic sequence, move and copy numbers and letters. As such, there is nothing profound in these operations. What is significant is the speed with which computers carry out these operations. This speed varies from a few microseconds (millionth of second) to Nano (billionth of second). For instance, People would need to do a lot of waiting in queues for grocery payments, for making telephone calls, for making travel reservations, etc. but with the help of computers the processing can be done in a fraction of a second. The speed of a computer at performing a single operation can be measured in terms of:

a) Milliseconds            - One thousandth of a second (1/1000)

b) Microsecond           - One millionth of a second (1/1000000)

c) Nanosecond            - One billionth of a second (1/1000000000). The speed at which a computer performs logical operations is measured in nanoseconds.

d) Picoseconds            - One trillionth of a second(1/1000000000000).

Accuracy
You may work for years before experiencing a system error, such as an updating of the wrong record or and incorrect addition. Errors do occur in computer-based information but precious few can be directly attributed to the computer systems. The vast majority of these errors can be traced to a program logic error, a procedural error, or erroneous data. These are human errors. Hardware errors are usually detected and corrected by the computer system itself.

Computers are very accurate. They can perform their hundreds of thousands of operations with great accuracy. They can run error less for days at a time.

Reliability
Computer output is generally very reliable, subject to the condition that the input data entering the computer should be correct and the program of instructions should be reliable and correct. Incorrect input data and unreliable programs give us computer errors and wrong results. Hence, the phrase GARBAGE IN-GARBAGE OUT (GIGO).

Storage Capability

Computer systems have total and instant recall of data and an almost unlimited capacity to store these data. A typical mainframe computer system will have many billions of characters, and perhaps thousands of graphic images, stored and available for-instant recall. When properly used, a computer can improve the efficiency of an organization. It provides a fast, accurate, and reliable device with which to process data. Similarly, computers enable companies to provide customers with instantaneous services, such as airline flight availability and charge account status. The result is that these companies can offer far more customer services than would be possible without computer. Because various computer media can store millions of characters of data in a condensed form. There is tremendous savings in the storage area required to maintain the vital records necessary in a business environment. The storing capacity of a computer is measured in terms of bytes, kilobytes and gigabytes.

Bit	Byte	Kilobyte	Megabyte	Gigabyte
8	1	-	-	-
8,192	1,024	1	-	-
8,388,608	1,048,576	1,024	1	-
8,589,934,592	1,073,741,824	1,048,576	1,024	1

Automation

Computers are quite capable of functioning automatically, once the process is given to the computer. They do not require any instruction from the operator at any stage of the
process. Computers can be programmed to perform a series of complex tasks involving
multiple programs. Computers will execute the programs in the correct sequence, provided they are programmed correctly.

Diligence

Human beings suffer from physical and mental fatigue. They cannot perform the same
task over and over again with the same speed, accuracy and enthusiasm as in the first
time. This will affect the performance. Being a machine, a computer does not suffer from such weaknesses. The computer is capable of performing task repeatedly at the same level of speed and accuracy even if it has to carry complex operation for a long period of time.

Versatile

Computers are versatile (can do many types of jobs). It can carry out processes ranging
from simple mathematical calculations to highly complex and logical evaluations for any extended period of time. Computers can communicate with other computers and can
receive and send data in various forms such as text, video, etc. This ability of computer
to communicate to one another has led to the development of computer networks. Internet, and so on. All this is possible because of computers and other related technologies.

Scientific Approach

The entire approach to solving problems is highly scientific, objective and sequentially
carried out, leaving no room for emotional and subjective evaluations made by man,
which are sources of potential errors and unjustified results.

Intangible Benefits

There arc many companies that utilize computers for intangible benefits such as flexibility, ability to accommodate growth and the psychological factor that may give them a competitive edge in attracting consumers to buy their products or services.

Reduced Cost

With the ever increasing advances being made in the state of the art. me cost of computer equipments has dropped drastically over the years. Hardware costs have been decreasing at an estimated annual rate of 25%. Thus. Companies that at one time could not justify the cost of acquiring their own computer system may now find it not only feasible to acquire a system. But cost effective as well.