Computer+Basics

= **Computer Basics ** =

There are different kinds of computers for different purposes. They are just as varied in size, expense, and ability as our more familiar 4-wheeled vehicles are.

= **What is a computer? ** =

A computer is an electronic device that executes the instructions in a program. A computer has four functions:
 * a. accepts data || === Input === ||
 * b. processes data || === Processing === ||
 * c. produces output || === Output === ||
 * d. stores results || === Storage === ||

= = = **What makes a computer powerful? ** =

= =
 * [[image:http://teachmecomputers.tripod.com/speed.jpg width="150" height="143" align="center" caption="speeding computer"]] || = **Speed** = || =A computer can do billions of actions per second.= ||
 * [[image:http://teachmecomputers.tripod.com/rel.jpg width="150" height="121" align="center" caption="SuperComputer"]] || = **Reliability** = || =Failures are usually due to human error, one way or another. //(Blush for us all!)//= ||
 * [[image:http://teachmecomputers.tripod.com/sto.jpg width="150" height="123" align="center" caption="Desk Piled with files"]] || = **Storage** = || =A computer can keep= ||