A computer is a programmable machine that

receives input, stores and manipulates data,

and provides output in a useful format.
 A computer is a tool or an instrument that
can perform the computations fast and
accurately using the precise instructions
given to it by a human user.
 Commonly Operating Machine Purposely
Used For Training Education & Research.
 Speed
 Automation
 Versatility or Multipurpose
 Accuracy
 Diligence
 Memory & Storage
 Programmability
As computer is an electronic device. It’s internal
speed is virtually instantaneous. They can
process millions of instructions per second.
The unit of measuring computation time is-
Microsec (millionths of a second)
Nannosec (thousand-millionths of a sec)
Picosec (Million-Millionths of a sec)
For doing every work, computer requires or
needs a human user. Once a program is in the
computer’s memory, the individual
instructions are then transferred, one after
the other to the control unit for execution. It
simply means that computers are not
intelligent as human beings. They always
need to be programmed by a human being.
Computers are capable of performing almost
any task. Computers can do a variety of jobs
depending upon the instructions fed to them
and their hardware characteristics. Modern
computers can be used in railways, air
reservations systems, process controls,
nuclear reactors, manufacturing plants,
scientific laboratories, hospitals and hotels
etc.
The accuracy of computers is consistently high.
The circuits in a computer have no
mechanical parts to wear and malfunction.
Almost without exception, the errors in
computer are due to human rather than to
technological weaknesses. This is due to the
fact that human being gives the basic
instructions to the computer for carrying out
various operations. But, modern computers
have a special error detecting and error
correcting features, due to which they have
become highly accurate.
Being a machine, a computer does not suffer
from the human traits of tiredness and lack
of concentration.
Diligence is the property by virtue of which a
computer can work continuously without
getting tired & without loosing
concentration. e.g. If five million
calculations have to be performed, it will
perform the 5 millionth calculation with
the same accuracy & speed as the first.
Memory is that area in computer where the
storage of data takes place. A computer can
store unlimited data. The stored data can be
retrieved back easily in fraction of seconds.
For example, in a company or an organization
the details of employees are given such as
name, address, basic salary, unique code
number etc., that may be required by
accounts department as well as personnel
department. In case, an employee resigns or
is promoted, then the updation of the
information is required only once and at one
place.
 Cannot think.
 Cannot learn by experience.
 Cannot take independent decisions i.e.
requires human intervention to do each and
every step.
Today, if a hotel's computer system suddenly
went down, chaos would erupt. Software
programs ensure that front desk,
housekeeping, restaurant and management
staff will perform their roles smoothly. They
are also a means for communication between
all departments. Most of all, hotel personnel
are able to serve customers more promptly
by using computers.
Front desk staff use computer software programs
to make reservations. Using the program, they
determine which rooms and rates are available
for a specific night or range of nights. Front desk
representatives also use the software to check-in
and check-out guests and to print off bills.
Additionally they may check the computer to see
if a room has been cleaned before checking in a
guest. Finally, front desk staff enter guest names
and mailing addresses into a database to use for
future reservations or to send out information.
Housekeepers use the same software as front
desk staff to verify which rooms are checking
out and staying over each day. That way,
they know which rooms to completely clean
and which ones to simply tidy. Housekeepers
use the software to communicate to the
front desk, letting them know which rooms
are clean and available for check-ins.
Hotels that have a restaurant may employ a
computerized point-of-sale (POS) system.
Waiters enter food and drink orders into the
POS system, which prints chits for the
kitchen and bar staff, so they know what to
prepare. Waiters also print off bills using the
POS system. Additionally, the food and
beverage manager may use a computer to
prepare and print new menu inserts. For
hotels that cater to conferences and
weddings, they may use a computerized
banquet booking system.
Lodging managers and/or night auditors use
computer software for daily and overall
accounting purposes. This includes reviewing the
day's check-ins and check-outs, payments
received and owing and comps given out, to
make sure all is in order. Lodging managers also
use computers for keeping track of inventory and
ordering supplies, to verify conference schedules
and to create reports for the higher-ups. Finally,
managers work with information technology
professionals to make sure computer programs
for staff and for guests, if applicable, are
running smoothly.