>> A computer is an electronic device that processes data, converting it into information that is

useful to people.
>> There are two basic types of computers: analog and digital. The computers commonly used
today are all digital computers.
>> Computers designed for use by a single person include desktop computers, work
stations, notebook computers, tablet computers, handheld computers, and smart
phones.
>> The terms personal computer (PC) and microcomputer can be used when referring to any
computer meant for use by a single person.
>> The desktop computer is the most common type of personal computer. This computer is
designed to sit on top of a desk or table, and comes in two basic styles
>> A workstation is a specialized, single-user computer that typically has more power
and features than a standard desktop PC.
>> Notebook computers are full-featured PCs that can easily be carried around.
>> A tablet PC is another type of portable PC, but it can accept handwritten input when the
user touches the screen with a special pen.
>> Handheld personal computers are computing devices that fit in your hand; the personal
digital assistant (PDA) is an example of a handheld computer.
>> Smart phones are digital cellular phones that have features found in personal computers,
such as Web browsers, e-mail capability, and more.
>> Some types of computers-such as network servers, mainframes, minicomputers,
and supercomputers-are commonly used by organizations and support the computing needs of
many users.
>> A network server is a powerful personal computer that is used as the central computer in
an organization's network.
>> Mainframes are powerful, special purpose computers that can support the needs of
hundreds of thousands of users.
>> Minicomputers support dozens or hundreds of users at one time.
>> Supercomputers are the largest and most powerful computers made.
>> Many families have at least one computer and an Internet connection in their
home and use their PC for tasks such as communication, work, schoolwork, and per
sonal finances,
>> Computer technology is playing an ever-growing role in schools, where students are being
taught computer skills at younger ages and asked to incorporate computers into their daily
work assignments.
>> Computers enable small businesses to operate more efficiently by allowing workers to do a
wider variety of tasks.
>> In industries of all kinds, computers play vital roles in everything from personnel
management, to product design and manufacturing, to shipping.
>> Governments not only use a great deal of computer technology, but also contribute
to its development.
>> Computers are involved in nearly every aspect of the health care field, from man
aging schedules and handling billing, to making patient diagnoses and performing complex
surgery.

>> A complete computer system includes hardware, software, data, and users.
>> Hardware consists of electronic devices, the parts you can touch.
>> Software (programs) consists of instructions that control the computer.
>> Data can be text, numbers, sounds, and images that the computer manipulates.
>> People who operate computers are called users.
>> To manipulate data, the computer follows a process called the information processing cycle,
which includes data input, processing, output, and storage.
>> A computer's hardware devices fall into four categories:
processing memory, input and output , and storage.
>> The processing function is divided between the processor and memory.
>> The processor, or CPU, carries out instructions from the user and software.
>> Random access memory (RAM) holds data and program instructions as the CPU
works with them.
>> The most common units of measure for memory are the byte, kilobyte, megabyte,
gigabyte, and terabyte.
>> Read-only memory (ROM) is another important type of memory, which holds instructions
that help the computer start up and information about its hardware.
>> The role of input devices is to accept instructions and data from the user or another
computer.
>> Output devices present processed data to the user or to another computer.
>> Communications devices perform both input and output functions, allowing computers to
share information.
>> Storage devices hold data and programs permanently, even when the computer is
turned off.
>> The two primary categories of storage devices are magnetic storage and optical
storage.
>> The two primary categories of software are system software and application soft
Ware.
>> The operating system tells the computer how to interact with the user and how to
use the hardware devices attached to the computer.
>> Application software tells the computer how to accomplish tasks the user requires.
>> A user is an essential part of a complete personal computer system. Generally, the
user must perform a wide range of tasks, such as setting up the system, installing software,
managing files, and other operations that the computer cannot do by itself.
>> Some computers are designed to function independently, without a user, but these
systems are not personal computers.