The amount of research that has gone into developing the computer to function
Optimally has created a device that operates at near 100% level of accuracy. Almost all the errors that arise while it is operational, are a result of illogical programming or incorrect provision of data or information. A very small percentage of its errors are due to component malfunctions, which again may arise due to misuse and improper handling of the equipment.
AUTOMATIC
As stated earlier, the computer is quite capable of functioning automatically, once
the process has been initiated. It does not require a prompt from an operator at each stage of the process. Like a calculator it does not require a user continuously/interactively. Rather the computer chip has made many-2 other devices as automatic.
DILIGENCE
Man suffers from physical and mental fatigue, lack of concentration and laziness which do not permit him to carry on his task at the same level of speed and accuracy through the entire day. The computer, on the other hand, is capable of operating at exactly the
same level of speed and accuracy even if it has to carry out the most voluminous and complex operations for a long period of time.
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.
VERSATILITY
The wide use of computers in so many areas of man’s daily life is ample evidence
of its versatility. It can carry out processes ranging from simple mathematical calculations to highly complex and logical evaluations.
LOGICAL DECISIONS
Apart from computation a computer has a capability to take decisions, which imparts it some intelligence. These decisions called Logical Decisions depend upon certain conditions. By a logical decision we mean that computer is capable of deciding the path it is to choose, out of various alternatives available to it. For example, a computer can execute instructions such as, if a purchase is worth Rs. 2000 or above allow a discount in the bill of 15%, otherwise a discount of 10%. In this case, the computer has two alternatives and in order to select the correct alternative, it compares the purchase bill amount with Rs. 2000 and depending upon the result it computes a discount of 15% or 10%.
In short, a computer is capable of comparing data and depending upon the results of this comparison, it can take appropriate actions. It must be borne in mind that data to be compared need not necessarily be numerical, a computer can handle non-numerical data also.
CONNECTIVITY AND NETWORKING
The computers can be connected with each other and processing of data/information on a centralized computer through terminals is possible. Using the concept of networking we can contact with the computers located away at very long distances. In other words we can share information’s and resources at distances ranging from a few hundred meters to as far as overseas, if the systems are connected through networks.
LIMITATIONS OF A COMPUTER
Besides so many characteristics or capabilities of computers, here are listed below
Some limitations of computers.
i) Doesn’t have much intelligence or I.Q. and judgment.
ii) Heavily dependent on human beings.
iii) Need for special languages to perform. Time taken in planning, designing of system and writing of programs.
iv) Needs controlled environments.
v) Needs overall efficiency of all human beings involved in the system.
vi) Strict quality control for cards, floppies, tapes, papers etc. is required.