A Computer is an electronic machine intended to process data under program control to generate information accurately and speedly.
(i) the computer transform data into information that is data converted into information with a definite meaning of purpose . this act of transformation is call data processing. it passes through three states that is
- input stage
- processing stage
- output stage
(ii) the use of transformation of data into information should be executed under a program control. A programme is a computer routine, that is set of instructions arranged in proper sequence to cause the computer to perform the desired process. If the programme is not controlled or not free from error, the information is found to be erratic. this is the concept of GIGO (Garbage in Garbage Out )
data processing system can be broadly classified into categories that is a punched card data processing system and an electronic data processing system (popularly known as EDP) The former is a set of mechanical services such as punchers, storers, collector , reproducer calculators and tabulators, punched card machine electromechanical. the later is a set of input /output device connected to a central Processing Unit. it is entirely electronic capable of performing all directed function without that intervention of the operator such as storing, selecting calculating and printing. punched card also called unit record equipment.
