What is a computer and its four basic components?

(The word "Computer" comes from Latin, meaning "to compute."

A computer is a machine that follows instructions to do tasks and get results quickly.)
It's like an electronic tool that uses its own memory to operate.
Computers take in data, work on it, produce results, and save them (Input, Process, Output,
Storage - IPOS).
Four basic components.

• Input devices
• Output devices
• Memory/ Storage devices/ Storage Unit
• CPU/ Processing Unit

Characteristics of Computer:
Automatic:
• Given a job. Computers can work on it automatically without human intervention.

Speed:
• Computers can perform data processing jobs very fast.
• It is usually measured in Microseconds, Nanoseconds and picoseconds.

Accuracy:
• The accuracy of a computer is very high, and the degree of its accuracy depends upon its
design.
• Computer errors occur when we input incorrect data or unreliable programs referred to
as Garbage in garbage out (GIGO).

Diligence:
• The computer is free from tiredness and lack of concentration.
• It can continuously work for hours without creating any errors.

Versatility:
• A computer is capable of performing almost any task, if the task can be reduced to an
infinite series of logical steps.
Power of Remebering:
• Computers can store and recall any amount of information because of its second
storage capabilities.

Memory:
• Stores huge amounts of data, from GBs to hundreds of TBs.

Types of computers:
Embedded computer:
• An embedded computer is like a tiny brain inside another machine.
• It is a special computer that does one job and is part of a bigger machine.
Example:

• The computer in an ATM.

Personal Computer:
• A personal computer (PC) is also called a desktop computer.
• It's a small computer for regular people to use.
• You don't need to be a computer expert to use it.
• It has a screen, a keyboard, a mouse, and more.

Examples:

• Tower model
• Desktop model
• Laptop and Notebook
• Tablet
• Smartphone
• Hybrid computer

Wearable computers:
• Wearable computers are devices you can wear on your body.
• They can remind you of meetings and provide quick access to important data.
• Reporters, geologists, researchers, and field workers use them for taking notes.
Examples:

• SmartWatches.
• GPS trackers.

Server Computer
• Computer devices that run server software that respond to requests made by client
computers are known as server computers.
• They are more powerful than regular desktop computers.
• Servers can handle requests from hundreds or even thousands of clients.
• A server is often used to send web files to clients when they ask for them.
Examples:

• Internet servers, Cloud servers, and Database servers.

Classification of Computer:
Analog Computers:
• It accepts analog input and provides analog output information.
• It represents physical quantities like acceleration, temperature, distance or voltages in
mechanical or electrical circuits and does not need any storage device.
Examples:

• Thermometer, Speedometer and Analog clock.

Digital Computers:
• Accepts digital input, which means it takes in information represented as numbers (0s
and 1s).
• Processes this information using the binary system (0 and 1).
• Performs various tasks, such as mathematical calculations and data analysis.

Examples

• Personal computers (laptops and desktops).

Hybrid Computer:
• Combines both analog and digital features.
• Offers a balance of speed and accuracy.
 • Measures physical and digital data.

Examples:

• Hospital equipment measuring heartbeats.

Applications of Computers:
The computer has evolved as a means of solving various problems in human society.
From the earliest form of computer to modern day supercomputer, it has affected society in
several ways. Computer is in use in various fields that include:

• Management
• Banking
• Industry
• Engineering
• Satellite
• Astronomy
• Travelling
• Traffic control
• Medicine
• Research

Social Impact of Computer Age

Positive Impacts:
• Very Fast and efficient data processing in small time.
• Large storage within a small place.
• Multi-tasking and multi-processing.
• Easy access to data.
• Security and privacy to sensitive data.
• Results with no or less errors.

Negative Impacts:
• Highly expensive hardware and software.
• Highly skillful individuals required to operate a system.
• Data piracy.
• Rise in unemployment.
• Damage to storage devices causes huge data loss.
• Several threats to data security.
• Rapidly changing technology.