Page 14 - CA 165 ver 1.0 Class 9
P. 14

DATA                                                      INFORMATION

                                 INPUT                         PROCESS                        OUTPUT

                                   2,3,+                          2 + 3                            5



                  Input is the data that is fed to the computer by the user. Some examples of input are numbers for
                  calculation, marks of students of a class, etc.
                  Processing refers to the series of actions by which the computer converts raw data into meaningful result.
                  Processing of data is done in the CPU.

                  Output is the final result produced, which is also termed as information. Some examples of output are
                  graphs, mark sheets, reports, animated movies, etc.
                  Data is a collection of raw facts and figures which are fed to the computer in the form of Input. Process
                  is  the series  of actions performed on the data to convert it into meaningful result  as per the given
                  instructions. Information is the result produced by the computer in the form of output.


                    CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER
                  A computer is a wonderful electronic machine and it has many significant features which make it a multi-
                  purpose device. The special characteristics that make it such a popular and useful machine are:


                  Speed: A computer works at a very high speed. It can execute millions of instructions
                  in a second. Its speed is measured in Hertz i.e., Hz (KHz, MHz, GHz, etc.). A modern
                  computer can perform calculations in ‘Nano Second’ or ‘Pico Second’.


                                          Unit of Time                          In Seconds


                                1 Milliseconds (1 ms)              0.001 or 10 Seconds
                                                                              -3
                                1 Microseconds (1 µs)              0.000001 or 10  Seconds
                                                                                  -6
                                1 Nanoseconds (1 ns)               0.000000001 or 10  Seconds
                                                                                     -9
                                1 Picoseconds (1 ps)               0.000000000001 or 10  Seconds
                                                                                         -12


                  Accuracy: A computer  performs its tasks accurately. It performs calculations
                  without  making  mistakes and  produces  information  in  accordance  to  the  data
                  entered.
                  Reliability: A computer is a reliable device, it does not fail to produce accurate
                  results. It works exactly as per the given instructions. It can even work in severe
                  conditions, where human beings cannot work.

                                         Versatility: A computer is versatile in nature i.e., it can work on various kinds of
                                         inputs and can produce multiple kinds of outputs like sounds, graphics, texts,
                                         animations, etc. It is a single machine capable of performing hundreds of different
                                         tasks.


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