Introduction to computer science dessalegn Mequanint Yehuala Foreword

Key Terms
Computer: is an electronic device which accepts
input, processes the input and produces output
of a certain kind.
Computer Science: the study of computers
and computational systems.
Hardware: is the physical components of a
computer system.
Software: is a general term for the various
programs used to operate a computer system.
Register: small memory units used to store
intermediary results.
Networking: the interconnection of two or
more computers.
Internet: the network of networks.

---

---

Introduction To Computer Science
22
Learning Activity: What is a Computer? Characteristics of 
Computers, Types of Computers
1. What is a Computer?
A Computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs computations, and makes
logical decisions according to instructions that have been given to it; then produces
meaningful information in a form that is useful to humans. The name computer is derived from
a Latin word Computer, which has a meaning of, “to compute”.
Characteristics of Computers
The characteristics of a computer show the capability and the potential of the computer for
processing data. This saves time, space, money, labors etc. And they answer the questions like
why computers are used and why have they become so popular? The following are items that
characterize a computer[1]:
•
SPEED: 
In general, no human being or any other device can compete to solve
complex computation, faster than computer.
•
ACCURACY: 
Since the Computer is programmed, so whatever input we give it,
it gives result with high degree of accuracy. In other words, it does computation
with high precision.
•