2. CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER

The characteristics of computer are high speed of operations, accuracy, reliability, flexibility and economy coupled with
efficiency in storing and processing data.
• SPEED: The speed of a computer is virtually instantaneous. It is measured in terms of microseconds (1/10-6
second), nanoseconds (1/10-9 second) and picosecond (1/10-12 second). An average Personal Computer can
conduct 100 million instructions per second
• STORAGE: One of the prime characteristics of a computer is its ability to store information which it can access
very quickly.
• ACCURACY: Computers are very accurate. They seldom make mistakes, though they do occasionally break
down.
• VERSATILITY: For all practical purposes, computers can perform any task that can be reduced to a series of
logical steps.
• AUTOMATION: Once loaded with a program, No human intervention is required until the process is completed.
• DILIGENCE: A computer can work endlessly, without suffering from the human traits of tiredness, boredom and
lack of concentration.