WHAT IS COMPUTER

 The word “computer” is comes from the word “TO COMPUTE” means to calculate.
 A computer is normally considered to be a calculation device which can performthe
arithmetic operations very speedily.
 A computer may be defined as a device which operates upon the data.
 Data can be in the form of numbers, letters, symbols, size etc. And it comes in various shapes
& sizes depending upon the type of computer application.
 A computer can store, process & retrieve data as and when we desired.
 A computer first it gets the Data, does Process on it and then produces Information.

PROCESS INFORMATION
DATA

DEFINATION OF COMPUTER:
Computer is an electronic device that takes input data from the user and processes these data under the
control of set of instructions (program) and gives the desired result as output and may saves output for
the future use. A computer along with additional hardware and software together is called a computer
system.

Functionalities of a Computer
If we look at it in a very broad sense, any digital computer carries out the following
five functions −

Step 1 − Takes data as input.

Step 2 − Stores the data/instructions in its memory and uses them as required.

Step 3 − Processes the data and converts it into useful information.

Step 4 − Generates the output.

Step 5 − Controls all the above four steps.

THE COMPONENTS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ARE:
1. INPUT DEVICES
2. CPU(central processing unit)
 CU(Control unit)
 ARITHMETIC & LOGIC UNIT
 Memory unit
3. OUTPUT DEVICES

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.

All the data received by the computer goes through the input unit. The input unit comprises
different devices like a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. In other words, each of these devices
acts as a mediator between the users and the computer.
The data that is to be processed is put through the input unit. The computer accepts the raw
data in binary form. It then processes the data and produces the desired output.
The 3 major functions of the input unit are-
 Take the data to be processed by the user.
 Convert the given data into machine-readable form.
 And then, transmit the converted data into the main memory of the computer. The
sole purpose is to connect the user and the computer. In addition, this creates easy
communication between them.
CPU – Central Processing Unit
Central Processing Unit or the CPU, is the brain of the computer. It works the same way a
human brain works. As the brain controls all human activities, similarly the CPU controls all
the tasks.
Moreover, the CPU conducts all the arithmetical and logical operations in the computer.
Now the CPU comprises of two units, namely – ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU
(Control Unit). Both of these units work in sync. The CPU processes the data as a whole.
Let us see what particular tasks are assigned to both units.

ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit

The Arithmetic Logic Unit is made of two terms, arithmetic and logic. There are two primary
functions that this unit performs.
1. Data is inserted through the input unit into the primary memory. Performs the basic
arithmetical operation on it. Like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It
performs all sorts of calculations required on the data. Then sends back data to the storage.
2. The unit is also responsible for performing logical operations like AND, OR, Equal to, Less
than, etc. In addition to this it conducts merging, sorting, and selection of the given data.
CU – Control Unit
The control unit as the name suggests is the controller of all the activities/tasks and
operations. All this is performed inside the computer.
The memory unit sends a set of instructions to the control unit. Then the control unit in turn converts
those instructions. After that these instructions are converted to control signals.

These control signals help in prioritizing and scheduling activities. Thus, the control unit coordinates
the tasks inside the computer in sync with the input and output units.

Memory Unit
All the data that has to be processed or has been processed is stored in the memory unit. The
memory unit acts as a hub of all the data. It transmits it to the required part of the computer
whenever necessary.
The memory unit works in sync with the CPU. This helps in faster accessing and processing
of the data. Thus, making tasks easier and quicker.

There are two types of computer memory-

1. Primary memory – This type of memory cannot store a vast amount of data. Therefore, it is
only used to store recent data. The data stored in this is temporary. It can get erased once the
power is switched off. Therefore, is also called temporary memory or main memory.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is an example of primary memory. This memory
is directly accessible by the CPU. It is used for reading and writing purposes. For data to be
processed, it has to be first transferred to the RAM and then to the CPU.

2. Secondary memory – As explained above, the primary memory stores temporary data. Thus
it cannot be accessed in the future. For permanent storage purposes, secondary memory is
used. It is also called permanent memory or auxiliary memory. The hard disk is an example of
secondary memory. Even in a power failure data does not get erased easily.
Output
There is nothing to be amazed by what the output unit is used for. All the information sent to
the computer once processed is received by the user through the output unit. Devices like
printers, monitors, projectors, etc. all come under the output unit.
The output unit displays the data either in the form of a soft copy or a hard copy. The printer
is for the hard copy. The monitor is for the display. The output unit accepts the data in binary
form from the computer. It then converts it into a readable form for the user.
Some of the popular components of output devices are Speakers, Headphones, Screen
(Monitors), Printers, Braille embossers, projectors, televisions, etc.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
Some important characteristics of the computer are as follow:

 Automatic:

 Computers are automatic machines because it works by itself without human

intervention.
 Once it started on a job they carry on until the job is finished.
 Computer cannot start themselves.
 They can works from the instructions which are stored inside the system inthe form of
programs which specify how a particular job is to be done.

 Accuracy:

 The accuracy of a computer is very high.

 The degree of accuracy of a particular computer depends upon its design.
 Errors can occur by the computer. But these are due to human weakness, due to
incorrect data, but not due to the technological weakness.

 Speed:

 Computer is a very fact device. It can perform the amount of work in fewseconds for
which a human can take an entire year.
 While talking about computer speed we do not talk in terms of seconds and
milliseconds but in microseconds.
 A powerful computer is capable of performing several billion (109) simplearithmetic
operations per second.

 Diligence:

 Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness & lack of
concentration.
 It can continuously work for hours without creating any error & without grumbling.
 If you give ten million calculations to performed, it will perform with exactly the
same accuracy & speed as the first one.
 Versatility:

 It is one of the most wonderful features about the computer.

 One moment it is preparing the results of a particular examination, the next moment it
is busy with preparing electricity bills and in between it may be helping an office
secretary to trace an important letter in seconds.

 Power of remembering:

 Computer can store and recall any amount of data because of its high storage capacity
of its storage devices.
 Every piece of information can be retained as long as desired by the user and can be
recalled as and when required.
 Even after several years, if the information recalled, it will be as accurate as on the
day when it was filled to the computers.

 No I.Q

 A computer is not a magical device; it processes no intelligence of its own.

 Its I.Q. is zero.
 It has to be told what to do & in what sequence.
 It cannot take its own decision.

 No Fallings:

 A Computer has no feelings because they are machines.

 Based on our feelings, task, knowledge and experience we often make certain
judgments in our day today life.
 But Computer goes exactly the way which we have given the instructions.

Basic Applications of Computers

Computers are used in every field of life, such as homes, businesses, educational institutions,
research organizations, the medical field, government offices, entertainment, etc. Today we
can not imagine growing our technology without computers. The various field where the
computer is very essential are:

Science
Today computer is the primary work tool in the field of science. It is the best-suited machine
for collecting, analyzing, classifying, and storing data. It becomes the most essential medium
to spread knowledge internally and internationally. It allows scientists from different
locations to work together and share ideas on the same project.

Defence System
A computer performs a vital to control defense system. Computers are used to track airplanes,
missiles, tanks, and different kinds of weapons. Once the radar system tracks a missile
and artificial intelligence is programmed to target a missile and destroy it before it comes on
the surface. It also used for GPS tracking, controlling defense vehicles, records of all
members of the military.

Medical
The computer plays a very important role in medical science such as record patients’
information monitoring heart rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure. To conduct various
surgeries junior doctors get the help of another professional doctor by web conferencing.
Research is also spread with the help of computers in the health sector.

Education
Today learning becomes easy because of computers. Anyone employed or student can learn
any stage of life with the help of a computer. Computers are very crucial for online classes,
download study material on the internet. Computers are also used to track student attendance
and learning strategies. Coaching and institutes increased their areas by audio-visual aids
using computers.

Banking
A computer performs a crucial role in banking sectors, by storing several account holder
details on a bank server. All transactions such as deposits and withdrawals perform by a
computer. A banking company can easily monitor all ATMs and passbook printing
machines.

Government Sectors
Government can easily monitor government sectors such as road services, railway,
development, and other rising funds. The information of every citizen is stored on the server
through the computer.

Entertainment
Today most people are so busy and they do not easily get time to fresh their mind. We can
play various interesting video games using a computer. We can watch movies, TV shows,
and reality shows on the computer. A computer is also used to create sarcastic memes and
make us happy.

GENERATION OF COMPUTERS The history of computer development is in reference to different

generation of computing devices. The first generation computers appeared in mid-1940s. The
present day computer, however, has undergone rapid changes for the last seven decades. This
period, during which the evolution of computer took place, can be divided into five distinct phases
known as Generations of Computers that are being presented in the table given below