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1. What is a computer? 2. What are the two possible states of the switches? 3. What are the main functions of a computer? 4. In what way can we make the computer do what we want? 5. What is the basic task of a computer? 6. In what form does a computer accept information? 7. What is a program? 8. What are data? 9. What is memory? 10. What three basic capabilities have computers? 11. What are the ways of inputting informa¬tion into the computer? 12. What is the function of an input device? 13. What devices are used for outputting information? 14. What decisions can the computer make? 15. What are the computer's achievements limited by?

A computer is a machine with an intricate network of elec¬tronic circuits that operate switches or magnetize tiny metal cores. The switches, like the cores, are capable of being in one or two possible states, that is, on or off; magnetized or demag¬netized. The machine is capable of storing and manipulating numbers, letters, and characters (symbols).

The basic idea of a computer is that we can make the ma-chine do what we want by inputting signals that turn certain switches on and turn others off, or magnetize or do not magne¬tize the cores.
The basic job of computers is processing of information. For this reason computers can be defined as devices which accept information in the form of instructions, called a program, and characters, called data, perform mathematical and / or logical operations on the information, and then supply results of these operations. The program, or part of it, which tells the comput¬ers what to do and the data, which provide the information needed to solve the problem, are kept inside the computer in a place called memory.
It is considered that computers have many remarkable pow¬ers. However most computers, whether large or small, have three basic capabilities.
First, computers have circuits for performing arithmetic op¬erations, such as: addition, subtraction, division, multiplication and exponentiation.
Second, computers have a means of communicating with the user. After all, if we couldn't feed information in and get results back, these machines wouldn't be of much use. Some of the most common methods of inputting information are to use ter¬minals, diskettes, disks and magnetic tapes. The computer's input device (a disk drive or tape drive) reads the information into the computer. For outputting information two common devices used are: a printer, printing the new information on paper, and a cathode-ray-tube display, which shows the results on a TV-like screen.
Third, computers have circuits which can make decisions. The kinds of decisions which computer circuits can make are not of the type: "Who would win the war between two coun¬tries?" or "Who is the richest person in the world?" Unfortu¬nately, the computer can only decide three things, namely: Is one number less than another? Are two numbers equal? and, Is one number greater than another?
A computer can solve a series of problems and make thou¬sands of logical decisions without becoming tired. It can find the solution to a problem in a fraction of the time it takes a human being to do the job.

A computer can replace people in dull, routine tasks, but it works according to the instructions given to it. There are times when a computer seems to operate like a mechanical 'brain', but its achievements are limited by the minds of human beings. A computer cannot do anything unless a person tells it what to do and gives it the necessary information; but because electric pulses can move at the speed of light, a computer can carry out great numbers of arithmetic-logical operations almost instan¬taneously. A person can do the same, but in many cases that person would be dead long before the job was finished.

What is a computer?
A computer is a machine equipped with an intricate network of electronic circuits, designed to operate switches or magnetize tiny metal cores. These switches or cores can exist in two possible states—either "on" or "off"—and they allow the computer to store and manipulate numbers, letters, and symbols (characters).

What are the two possible states of the switches?
The two possible states of the switches are "on" or "off." Similarly, the tiny metal cores within the computer can either be magnetized or demagnetized, which is another way of representing the binary states used in computing.

What are the main functions of a computer?
The main functions of a computer include accepting information in the form of instructions (known as a program) and data, performing mathematical and logical operations on this information, and outputting the results.

In what way can we make the computer do what we want?
We can control the computer’s operations by inputting specific signals that turn certain switches on or off or by magnetizing or demagnetizing cores. This configuration determines how the computer performs tasks according to the instructions provided.

What is the basic task of a computer?
The basic task of a computer is processing information. This involves taking in data and instructions, performing operations on this information, and then providing the results.

In what form does a computer accept information?
A computer accepts information in the form of instructions, known as a program, and data, which are the actual inputs required to carry out tasks and solve problems.

What is a program?
A program is a set of instructions given to the computer, telling it what actions to perform. It serves as a guide for the computer’s operations, allowing it to process data according to the programmed commands.

What are data?
Data are the pieces of information provided to the computer that it uses, in combination with the program, to perform calculations, solve problems, and generate results.

What is memory?
Memory is the component of the computer where both the program (instructions) and data (information needed for processing) are stored, making them available for the computer to access as it performs tasks.

What three basic capabilities have computers?
Computers have three basic capabilities: performing arithmetic operations (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation), communicating with the user (input and output of information), and making basic decisions (within limited parameters).

What are the ways of inputting information into the computer?
Information can be inputted into a computer using terminals, diskettes, disks, and magnetic tapes. These devices provide methods for feeding data into the computer for processing.

What is the function of an input device?
An input device, such as a disk drive or tape drive, reads information into the computer, allowing the user to provide data and instructions that the computer can then process.

What devices are used for outputting information?
Common devices used for outputting information include printers (which provide a hard copy of the results) and cathode-ray-tube displays (which show the results on a screen similar to a television).

What decisions can the computer make?
Computers are capable of making simple decisions based on programmed criteria. These decisions are limited to basic logical evaluations rather than complex decisions, like determining the outcome of a hypothetical situation or identifying the wealthiest person in the world.

What are the computer's achievements limited by?
The capabilities and achievements of computers are limited by their programming and design, meaning they can only perform operations within the scope of the instructions provided to them and cannot independently reason or make complex, human-like decisions.