Apart from physical components, certain features and pattern of performance of a machine will determine whether it is a computer or not. The following are features that will be exhibited by a machine that can be classified as a computer or computerized machine.
1. It is electronic in nature: this means that data are represented in the form of electrical signals, operation is electronic and the basic components are also electronic.
2. It is fast in operation: it possesses high speed of processing data. Its speed of operation is in the order of Nano seconds (10-9– a billionth of a second)
3. It has high degree of accuracy: its processed result is very accurate and, therefore, reliable.
4. Consistency: this implies, when it is supplied with same set of input data, the same result will always be produced.
5. It works continuously: it possesses the ability to perform repetitive operations without getting bored or fatigued.
6. It has memory or storage facilities: this means it can store data, instruction or information and these can be retrieved when needed by the user.
7. It can be programmed: once initiated, it can operate on its own, with little or no human intervention under the control of stored sequences of instructions called program.
8. It is versatile: the above characteristics have made the computer to be very versatile in many applications such as communications technology, scientific researches, space management, weather forecasting, medicine, security systems, digital library procedures, language translations, classroom instructions, engineering designs, payroll and billing systems, sales analysis, inventories, office automation, and banking and other financial transactions, etc.
