Basic Computer Skill
Introduction
• Basic introduction of Computer.
• Importance of Computer in Medical field.
• Introduction to computer ergonomics, Health problems caused by computer and
precautions.
Computer System
• Components of Computer system
• Basic hardware components of computer system (Input devices, Processing
Hardware, Storage Devices, Output Devices)
• Computer Software (System, Application & Utility)
• Memory Unit (Primary Memory & Secondary Memory)
• Port (Parallel port, serial port, PS/2 Port, USB port ect)
Concept of Internet
Office automation Package
Introduction to Computer
Introduction
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its
own memory that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules,
produce information (output), and store the information for future use.
The word ‘Computer’ is derived from Latin word ‘Computare’ which means to calculate.
The world ‘Calculate’ means to find the value of some operation on numeric or non-numeric
from. So, computer is a calculating device. Nowadays, computer is considered as the most
powerful device that the man has ever made. It has made great changes on our everyday life
and the world has changed into a global village due to the computer and information
technology.
Definition
According to Oxford dictionery-: “Computer is an automatic electronic apparatus of making
calculations or controlling operations that are expressible in numerical or logical terms.”
Thus, a computer is an electronic device which takes input from user, processes it and gives
the desired outpur. It is a multipurpose, programmalbe, electronic data processing device that
is capable of accepting input, processing it and producing outpur at high speed. It works
using the principle of IPO (Inpute-Process-Outpur).
Computer cannot do any work without instructions from the user. It executes instructions as
specified by the user and does not take its own decisions.
A computer has mainly four functions
1. Input : Accept Data
2. Process : Processing Data
3. Output : Produce information
4. Storage : Store data for the future
Features (Characteristics) of Computer
Speed, Accuracy, Automation, Diligence, Reliability, Versatility and Storage capability are
some of the key characteristics of a computer. A brief overview of these characteristics are...
• Speed: The computer can process data very fast, at the rate of millions of instructions per
second. Some calculations that would have taken hours and days to complete otherwise,
can be completed in a few seconds using the computer. For example, calculation and
generation of salary slips of thousands of employees of an organization, weather
forecasting that requires analysis of a large amount of data related to temperature, pressure
and humidity of various places, etc.
• Accuracy: Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to
data inconsistency or inaccuracy.
• Automation: Computer permorms all the tasks automatically ie it performs tasks without
manual intervention.
• Diligence: When used for a longer period of time, the computer does not get tired or
fatigued. It can perform long and complex calculations with the same speed and accuracy
from the start till the end.
• Reliability: A computer is reliable. The outpur results never differ unless the input varies.
The outpur is totally depend on the input.
• Versatility: Computer is versatile in nature. It can perform different types of tasks with the
same ease. At one moment you can use the computer to prepare a letter document and in
the next moment you may play music or print a document. Computers have several
limitations too. Computer can only perform tasks that it has been programmed to do.
• Storage Capability: Large volumes of data and information can be stored in the computer
and also retrieved whenever required. A limited amount of data can be stored, temporarily,
in the primary memory. Secondary storage devices like floppy disk and compact disk can
store a large amount of data permanently.
Limitations of Computer
Some limitationns of computer are as follows
• Lack of intelligence: Computers can't think for themselves, learn from experience, or
make decisions like human. They can only perform tasks that are programmed into them.
• Reliance on Users: Computers require users to program them and provide instructions. It
can not perform any task by itself.
• Power source: Computers need a power source to function. It can not be run without
battery or electricity.