Computer Fundamentals

PRELIM

COMPUTER
What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that can be programmed to accept data (input), process it into useful information (output), and store it in a storage device for future use

Characteristics of a Computer
•It’s a machine.
•It is electronic.
•It is automatic.
•It can manipulate data.
•It has memory
•It has logical function

Capabilities of a Computer
• Speed
• Accuracy
• Repetitiveness
• Storage
• Programmable

Limitations of a Computer
•

Cannot operate without a set of

instructions.
• Cannot derive from objects.
• Can detect errors but cannot correct them. • Computer are subjects to occasional breakdowns. • Cannot run without electric power.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
ACCORDING TO PURPOSE
(General and Specific)

General-purpose computers- capable of dealing a variety of different problems.

with

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Special-purpose computers
- designed to perform specific task, with limited capabilities, and the program of instructions is built into the machine

Program is a sequence of instructions that determine the operations to be carried out by the machine

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
ACCORDING TO DATA HANDLED
(Analog, Digital, Hybrid)

Analog computer – used for scientific, engineering and process-control purposesoperations that result to approximate values.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Digital computer – used for business applications, and also scientific operations, and are ideal when
100% accuracy is desired, thus resulting to data that are exact in values.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Hybrid computer – incorporate in a single machine the capabilities of the analog and digital computers. They are used in space vehicle simulations and training of astronauts. CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
ACCORDING CAPACITY
(Microcomputers, Minicomputers,
Mainframes, & Supercomputers)

Microcomputers -

Small computers which are portable

that use microprocessor. Ex: Desktops, Laptop, Notebooks,
PocketPC and Pen