What Are Computer Characteristics: 10 Computer Characteristics Every Child Should Know

Written By21k school Team
Approved By Shruti M
Updated on09 May, 2023
Min Reading4 min read

One of the most important invention that changed the way we communicate and process data is the computer. From simple tasks like arithmetic calculation to staying connected globally, the benefits of having a computer are endless.

A computer is an electronic device capable of calculating and processing a tremendous amount of data in a short time. It does what most humans cannot and does it quickly and efficiently. But, unlike us, a computer cannot process everything as we do. Computers don’t understand natural language processing as we do. They have their language called Machine Language, also known as Binary Language.

For computers to use Binary language and process a large amount of data, they need various types of hardware and software combinations. So, a computer is, basically, a combination of this hardware and software. But what makes a laptop suitable? Well, that is defined by the characteristics of a computer. What do you mean by the characteristics of a computer? The characteristics of a computer can be described as the features or qualities of the computer.

What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device capable of calculating and processing a tremendous amount of data in a short time. It does what most humans cannot and does it quickly and efficiently. But, unlike us, a computer cannot process everything as we do.

Computers don’t understand natural language processing as we do. They have their language called Machine Language, also known as Binary Language. For computers to use Binary language and process a large amount of data, they need various types of hardware and software combinations.

So, a computer is, basically, a combination of this hardware and software. A laptop or a computer is made suitable by the characteristics of a computer.

The characteristics of a computer can be described as the features or qualities of the computer such as Speed, Accuracy, Diligence, Reliability, Memory, Logical, Versatility, Automation, Consistency and Memory Power.

10 Major Computer Characteristics

What are these characteristics of a computer? And how many computer characteristics are there? Let’s discuss the ten computer characteristics that every child should know.

Speed

The speed best describes the number of operations a computer can perform in one second. A computer is incredibly fast, but with ongoing technological advancement, what was superfast in the year 1997 may seem to possess a tortoise-like speed compared to modern-day computers, and this speed of computers will keep getting faster and faster steadily.

Accuracy

So, you have a fast computer, but this speed alone will not get the task done. A computer will have to be accurate, and it normally is. Under normal circumstances, a computer can offer up to 100% error-free operations, and any errors found are usually the result of human intervention. But there have been instances when a computer did make some errors, but they were rare cases, and the chances of mistakes happening is next to none.

Diligence

We get tired and may get bored, but a computer doesn’t. Computers don’t get bored or tired or lose concentration. It can work continuously for works without breaking a sweat. It can run millions of operations day in and day out and still produce perfect results.

Reliability

Computers are highly reliable and don’t make any errors, but a computer cannot be held responsible for any human errors. It will process the data accurately if you can provide it correctly. Feed the wrong data to the computer, and the results processed by it will also be inaccurate.

Memory

There are various types of computers, but the one memory that the computers frequently use is RAM, an acronym for Random Access Memory. This type of memory is extremely fast with colossal bandwidth, which can feed the computer processor millions and billions of data to process.

Logical

The logical characteristic of a computer allows the computer to solve problems related to reasoning, thinking, and learning. It’s now better defined as artificial intelligence, or AI for short.

Versatility

Computers are said to be one of the most versatile machines of all time, thanks to their incredible ability to adjust and perform any necessary task. For example, it can perform word processing in one application and instantly switch to another for different requirements.

Automation

Automation is the ability to perform a task without requiring human interactions. A modern-day computer can indeed perform many tasks all by itself. A computer can even perform multiple operations from multiple applications on a timely basis, provided that you set the computer to use specific applications at a particular time. Once the automation is set up, the computer will perform all the functions as described. But this automation may break before it completes the last task in case of a programming or application error.

Consistency

Suppose you make a set of calculations, and the result displayed will be the same result you saw a year before when you made the same calculations. Any action performed by a computer will always maintain consistency.

Memory Power

Unlike humans, a computer doesn’t forget. A laptop can remember anything that you want it to remember. Data stored in a computer will still be in its memory in its original form even after 20 to 30 years.

Wrapping Up

The combined result of these characteristics defines how great a computer is and how well it will perform. For example, how many calculations or the amount of data a computer can process will depend on these characteristics.

FAQs

The fundamental components of a computer that every child should be aware of are like- 

  • CPU (Central Processing Unit) 
  • Memore (RAM)
  • Storage (Hard drive or SSD)
  • Input Devices (Keyboard, mouse)
  • Output Devices (Monitor, Printer)
  • The Operating system.

The CPU is said to be the brain of the computer. It is responsible for implementing all the instructions from programs and controlling other components of the system to perform tasks.

RAM is meant to temporarily hold data for quick access, making it easy for the computer to run programs faster whereas storage (SSDs or hard drives) holds long-term data such as files and software. It also works when the computer is off.

Input Devices such as keyboards and mouse allow users to input data within the computer. On the other hand, output devices like printers and monitors give results or output from the computer.

The operating system is considered as the crucial part of the computer functionality as it manages all hardware and software resources. It offers an interface for users to interact with computers and run applications.

Software applications let the computers perform specific tasks like from playing games to word processing. It improves computer functionality based on user needs.

Networking helps computer to communicate and share resources such files and internet over a connection through local area network (LAN) or the internet (WAN)

GUI gives visual elements like icons and menus, making it easy for the user to navigate computers and use in comparison to text-based interface, which needs typing commands.

Data security and privacy make sure that sensitive and personal data which is in the computer remains protected from any kind of unauthorised access, very important for maintaining trust and saving identities.

In online education, if users/students know about how CPU, RAM, and storage work it will make it easy for them to do multitasking and video streaming. In cybersecurity, in order to safeguard data breaches there is a very need to understand data security.

21k school Team

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