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Definition of Computer: 1. What Is A Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to perform mathematical calculations and process data. It works by accepting input, processing it according to stored instructions, and providing output. The main components of a computer are the input and output units, central processing unit (CPU), and storage. The CPU contains an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit that work together to perform calculations and control the flow of data and instructions. Common types of computer storage include magnetic hard drives and optical discs like CDs and DVDs.

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149 views6 pages

Definition of Computer: 1. What Is A Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to perform mathematical calculations and process data. It works by accepting input, processing it according to stored instructions, and providing output. The main components of a computer are the input and output units, central processing unit (CPU), and storage. The CPU contains an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit that work together to perform calculations and control the flow of data and instructions. Common types of computer storage include magnetic hard drives and optical discs like CDs and DVDs.

Uploaded by

Faisal Ghanchi
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1. What is a Computer?

A Computer is an electronic machine that can solve different


problems, process data, store & retrieve data and perform
calculations faster and efficiently than humans.

2.Meaning of the word "Computer"


Computer is derived from a Latin word computare which means to to
calculate, to count, to sum up or to think together. So, more precisely
the word computer means a "device that performs computation".

3. Definition of Computer
A Computer is programmed device with a set of instructions to
perform specific tasks and generate results at a very high speed.

Input (Data):

Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the
collection of letters, numbers, images etc.

Input device examples


Keyboard
Mouse
Microphone
Webcam
Touchpad
Graphics Tablet
Scanner
Process:
Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of
the computer system.

Output:

Examples of output on a computer

Digitized speech
Hard copy
Soft copy

Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also
called as Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the future use.

Computer Classification: By Size and Power


Computers differ based on their data processing abilities. They are classified according
to purpose, data handling and functionality.
According to functionality, computers are classified as:

Analog Computer: A computer that represents numbers by some continuously


variable physical quantity, whose variations mimic the properties of some system being
modeled.
Personal computer: A personal computer is a computer small and low cost. The
term "personal computer" is used to describe desktop computers(desktops).
Workstation: A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context,
workstation is just a generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a
"server" or "mainframe."
Minicomputer: A minicomputer isn't very mini. At least, not in the way most of us
think of mini. You know how big your personal computer is and its related family.
Mainframe: It refers to the kind of large computer that runs an entire corporation.
Supercomputer: Itis the biggest, fastest, and most expensive computers on earth.
Microcomputer: Your personal compuster is a microcomputer.
Types of Operating Systems
Following are some of the most widely used types of Operating system.

1. Simple Batch System


2. Multiprogramming Batch System
3. Multiprocessor System
4. Desktop System
5. Distributed Operating System
6. Clustered System
7. Realtime Operating System
8. Handheld System

Data processing functions

Validation Ensuring that supplied data is correct and relevant.


Sorting "arranging items in some sequence and/or in different sets."
Summarization reducing detail data to its main points.
Aggregation combining multiple pieces of data.
Analysis the "collection, organizssation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data."
Reporting list detail or summary data or computed information.
Classification separates data into various categories.

Computer - Components
All types of computers follow the same basic logical structure and perform
the following five basic operations for converting raw input data into
information useful to their users.

S.No. Operation Description

The process of entering data and


1 Take Input
instructions into the computer system.
Saving data and instructions so that they
2 Store Data are available for processing as and when
required.

Performing arithmetic, and logical


Processing
3 operations on data in order to convert
Data
them into useful information.

The process of producing useful


Output
4 information or results for the user, such as
Information
a printed report or visual display.

Control the Directs the manner and sequence in which


5
workflow all of the above operations are performed.

Input Unit
This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into the
computer. This unit creates a link between the user and the computer. The
input devices translate the information into a form understandable by the
computer.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of
data processing operations. It stores data, intermediate results, and
instructions (program). It controls the operation of all parts of the
computer.

CPU itself has the following three components

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Memory Unit

Control Unit

Output Unit
The output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the
information from the computer. This unit is a link between the computer
and the users. Output devices translate the computer's output into a form
understandable by the users.

Examples of computer storage

Magnetic storage devices


Today, magnetic storage is one of the most common types of storage used
with computers and is the technology that many computer hard drives use.
Floppy diskette
Hard drive
Magnetic strip
SuperDisk
Tape cassette
Zip diskette
Optical storage devices
Another common storage is optical storage, which uses lasers and lights as
its method of reading and writing data.
Blu-ray disc
CD-ROM disc
CD-R and CD-RW disc
DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW disc
Central processing unit
A central processing unit (CPU) is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries
out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical,
control and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions. The computer
industry has used the term "central processing unit" at least since the early
1960s.[1] Traditionally, the term "CPU" refers to a processor,

What Is an ALU?
An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a digital circuit used to perform arithmetic and logic
operations. It represents the fundamental building block of the central processing unit
(CPU) of a computer. Modern CPUs contain very powerful and complex ALUs. In addition to
ALUs, modern CPUs contain a control unit (CU).

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