Introduction to computer

A computer is an electronic machine that processes raw data to give

information as output. An electronic device that accepts data as input,
and transforms it under the influence of a set of special instructions
called Programs, to produce the desired output (referred to as
Information).
Type’s 0f computer
Mainframe computer is a computer used primarily by large organizations for critical applications
like bulk data processing for tasks such as censuses, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise
resource planning, and large-scale transaction processing.

Supercomputer is a computer with a high level of performance as compared to a general-

purpose computer. The performance of a supercomputer is commonly measured in floating-point
operations per second instead of million instructions per second.

Workstation is a special computer designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended

primarily to be used by a single user, they are commonly connected to a local area network and run
multi-user operating systems.
Personal computer is a multi-purpose microcomputer whose size, capabilities, and price make it
feasible for individual use. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user,
rather than by a computer expert or technician.

Minicomputer or colloquially mini, is a type of smaller general-purpose computer developed in

the mid-1960s and sold at a much lower price than mainframe and mid-size computers from IBM
and its direct competitor

Important of computer skill

1. Efficiency: With computer skills, you can perform tasks faster and more efficiently. For
example, you can use a computer to create and edit documents, send emails, and conduct
online research. It can help you to save time and increase productivity.
2. Communication: Computers and digital devices have revolutionized communication, making
it easier to stay connected. With computer skills, you can communicate through email, social
media, video conferencing, and other digital platforms.

3. Career Advancement: Many jobs require computer skills, and having strong computer skills
can help you to advance your career. With the ability to use software programs, conduct
research, and analyze data, you can stand out from other candidates and increase your chances
of landing a job or promotion.

4. Access to Information: With computer skills, you can access vast amounts of information
through the internet. Search engines and other tools can find information on any topic
anywhere.

5. Creativity: Computers and digital devices can be used for creative pursuits such as graphic
design, video editing, and music production. You can unleash your creativity and express
yourself in new and exciting ways with computer skills.

Components that made up a computer

Definitions

A computer system consists of two major elements: hardware and software. Computer
hardware is the collection of all the parts you can physically touch. Computer software, on the
other hand, is not something you can touch. Software is a set of instructions for a computer to
perform specific operations. You need both hardware and software for a computer system to
work.

Computer hardware

Central processing unit central processing unit —also called a central processor or main
processor—is the most important processor in a given computer. Its electronic circuitry executes
instructions of a computer program, such as arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output operations

Computer memory computing, memory is a device or system that is used to store information
for immediate use in a computer or related computer hardware and digital electronic devices. T
Motherboard is the main printed circuit board in general-purpose computers and other expandable
systems. It holds and allows communication between many of the crucial electronic components of a
system, such as the central processing unit and memory, and provides connectors for other
peripherals

Mouse is a hand-held pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. This
motion is typically translated into the motion of a pointer on a display, which allows a smooth control
of the graphical user interface of a compute

Computer keyboard is a peripheral input device modeled after the typewriter keyboard which uses
an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches.

Graphics card is a computer expansion card that generates a feed of graphics output to a display
device such as a monitor. Graphics cards are sometimes called discrete or dedicated graphics cards
to emphasize their distinction to integrated graphics processor on the motherboard or the CPU

Sound card is an internal expansion card that provides input and output of audio signals to and
from a computer under the control of computer programs. The term sound card is also applied to
external audio interfaces used for professional audio applications.

Computer case is the enclosure that contains most of the hardware of a personal computer

GPU

A graphics processing unit is a specialized electronic circuit designed to manipulate and alter
memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display
device. GPUs are used in embedded systems, mobile phones, personal computers, workstations,
and game consoles

Computer power supply unit converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the
internal components of a computer. Modern personal computers universally use switched-mode
power supplies. Some power supplies have a manual switch for selecting input voltage, while others
automatically adapt to the mains voltage
 Expansion card is a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an electrical connector, or
expansion slot on a computer's motherboard to add functionality to a computer system

Computer software

Contents
 Difference Between Computer Hardware and Software
 Types of Computer Software
 Application Software
 Programming Software
 Functions of computer software
 Examples of Computer Software
 Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Software
 Types And Examples of Computer Hardware
 Functions of Computer Hardware
 Comparison Between Hardware and Software
o The invention of software and Hardware
 Availability of Software’s In Different Forms
o What is the most important software in Computer?
o What are the needs for Software?
System Software

The system software is a collection of programs designed to operate the computer

and control it.

System software performs the basic functions to start and operate the hardware
components of the computer system.

They instruct the computer on how to operate its peripherals. In other words,
system software deals with running the computer system or making it work.

There are two types of system software.

 Operating system- An operating system or OS is a software program

that deals with the functioning of the computer and its peripherals. It is the
core software component of your computer. It is an interface between your
computer and outside the world.
 Utility Software- Utility programs are mainly intended as a helping aid
and is provided by the computer manufacturer. These programs are also
known as service programs. Such programs are available for call up by the
operating system. It performs a specific task, usually related to managing a
 computer, its devices, or programs. It helps to manage the computer
hardware and application software.

Application Software
The program that performs specific tasks for the users are known as application
software or applications, Application Software has varied functional usages-

 Application Software is a productivity business tool.

 They assist in graphic communication tools.
 It supports household activities and personal and educational programs.
 It facilitates communication tools.
Application software is the main type of computer software. This software is used
to edit text, graphics, and utilizes the capabilities of a computer for the
completion of tasks.

Programming Software
This is commonly known and popularly used computer software. This software
comes in the form of tools that helps all the programmer in writing programs for
computers.

This is the sets of logical instructions that make a computer system perform
certain tasks.

This is the tools that help programmers in instructing a computer system

including a text editor, compilers, and interpreters.

Compilers translate source code written in programming languages into a

language that a computer understands.

Compilers generate objects which are combined and changed into executable
programs through linkers.

Debuggers are used to check code for bugs and debug it. This source code is
partially or fully simulated for the debugging tool to run on it and remove bugs if
any.

Interpreters execute programs, They execute the source code or a precompiled

code and translate source code into an intermediate language before execution.
Functions of computer software
The main role of computer software is used to operate and manage the hardware
resources of a computer. Some of the basic functions of the software are;

 The software can make the computer to compare data, make logical
decisions, do mathematical calculations, store and retrieve data and
instructions from primary or secondary, and carry-out sequences of tasks.
 The software enables computer users to obtain what they need from the
computer.
 Softwares make the computer to work towards giving the outputs in the
manner the user wants it, such as output on a screen, printouts, sounds,
sending emails, etc.
 Some software is used to translate the program written in different or
secondary languages into machine languages. These software are called
‘compilers’ or ‘interpreters’.
 Compilers are the collection of large programs. It changes the high-level
language into machine language.
 Interpreters are the programs that are never compiled but their
instructions are taken one by one.

Examples of Computer Software

What are the 4 types of software?

 Operating software- DOS, UNIX, Microsoft Windows OS, Apple IOS

and Apple macOS, Google Android OS, and Linux Operating software are
examples of leading Operating software in the World.
 Utility Software- File manager, disk cleaner, uninstaller, screen saver,
file compression, virus scanner, and disk defragment are examples of
utility software.
 Application Software- Word processing software, spreadsheet,
database, presentation graphics, accounting software, computer-aided
design (CAD) software, video, and audio editing software, and many more
these types of software are examples of application software.
 Programming Software- JAVA, PHP, Notepad++, Visual Studio,
Flosum, and UltraEdit are some examples of programming software.
Advantages and Disadvantages of
Computer Software
There are too many software are available in the market for our ease, also in all
sectors like Education, healthcare, home, finance, restaurant, railways,
government, airlines and etc.

Advantages

 Software Increase Productivity

 Analysis made easy
 More accurate than the manual workforce
 Less workload on the Human workforce
 Increase consumer experience
 Easy data handling
 Calculation of large numbers made Easy
 It reduces the cost of manual labor
Softwares are introduced to reduce the manual workforce. All software is made
for their specific use. Benefits introduced by the software may be different for
some sectors, it only depends on the type of work.

There are some disadvantages takes place in the market by using the computer
software.

 Softwares are expensive and need monthly updates.

 Before being an expert you have to learn it and this takes 6-12 months for
being the perfect touch on that software.
 High-end software need high performing Laptops or computers
 It also introduced some problems that are harmful to the computer and the
data stored in it. (Computer Virus)
 The data stored in computer software is likely to be theft easily
by Hacking.
As always there are two sides of every coin, same as Computers software have
also some advantages and disadvantages.

In this article about Computer hardware and software, we covered Software, and
next, you are going to read about Hardware, Types, Functions, examples,
advantages, and disadvantages.

Also Read: Importance of computer

Types And Examples of Computer
Hardware
Let’s Understand-Explain hardware and software with examples

As mentioned above hardware are the physical and touchable parts of a computer
system.

Input Device- Any instruction or data entered into the computer is known as
the input, same as the devices we used to input data in computer are called Input
devices. Too many techniques are used to enter data into any computer system.

 Examples of Input devices- Mouse, keyboards, scanners, joystick,

digital web camera, touch screen, light pen and, etc, are a few examples of
input device.
Output Device– When the data has been processed into a useful form is called
output, the same as the devices are used to process the data from the computer
are called Output devices.

 Examples of Output devices– Display devices, printers, plotters,

speakers, headphones, etc.
Storage Devices- The devices used by a computer user to store any type of
digital data are called storage devices. Most of the time you don’t have to
purchase a storage device while purchasing a laptop or computer because the
manufacturers already attached an HDD or SSD with the CPU of your system.

 Examples of Storage devices- HDD (hard disk drive), optical discs,

flash drive, memory card, Cloud storage, pen drive, etc.
Internal Components- Internal components are those devices that are present
in the central processing unit.

 Examples are– Control unit, memory unit, and Arithmetic logic unit.
Functions of Computer Hardware
There are some functions of some hardware devices you should definitely know
about them.

 Monitor (display device)- This computer hardware is used to show the

data that you have entered into the system
 CPU- the CPU is called the brain of computers, and the brain controls all
the system units attached to the computer.
 Mouse- The mouse is a pointing device used to select the options
displayed on the monitor.
 Keyboard- The keyboard is used to enter the data in form of text.
Comparison between Hardware and
Software
Computer Hardware

1. Hardware has 4 types

 Input device
 Output device
 Storage device
 Internal components
2. Hardware is physical, so it can be touched and easily replaced by others after
damage.

3. Not infected by any kind of virus.

4. Manufactured in companies.

5. You can not carry this in your pocket.

6. Examples are- CPU, LCD, Keyboard, Hard disks, etc.

Computer Software

1. The software has 3 types

 System software
 Application software
 Programming Software
2. Software is a program and not physically available but you can be seen easily.

3. You have to protect this from virus attacks.

4. Made by software developers.

5. You can easily carry this in your pocket.

6. Examples are- Operating software, anti-virus software, etc.

The invention of software and Hardware

Computer software- The theory of computer software is introduced by Alan
turning in 1935 after that Charles Babbage the “Father of Computer”
introduced the first programmable computer to the world in the 19th
century. Wikipedia

Computer Hardware- In the beginning, the inventors introduced hardware

like, vacuum tubes, transistors, IC (integrated circuits), etc. these are the first
hardware of computers.

There is no use of mice and keyboards at the time of 1960.

Availability of Software’s In Different Forms

 Packaged software: This is copyrighted retail software that is available
in retail stores or through the official websites of a company.
 Custom software: If you can’t find the software you want, software
development companies can custom design software for you.
 Web application: A web application is a site that allows users to access
and use the software for their personal or organizational work. Examples-
email, etc.
 Open-source software: This is provided for use, modification, and
redistribution. These software are downloaded from the internet at no cost.
Example- Google play store apps, etc.
 Shareware: This is copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost
only for trial use, you have to pay after the trial period is over. example-
Microsoft office (if you download Ms-office from the Microsoft website
they give a one-month free trial after that you have to pay for it yearly or
monthly).
 Freeware: Freeware is the software that is available to use for free of cost
without any limitations. Example- Some of the Google software is freeware.
 Public-domain software: This is for public use and has no copyright
restrictions. Example- Linux.
Also Read: Characteristics of computer

Also Read: Introduction to computer generations

Also Read: Types of Operating System

This is full information about computer hardware and software. If you think
something is missing then comment below.
 What is the most important software in Computer?
Operating software is the software that helps you to enter into the system and do
your work.

Central processing unit the component of a computer system that controls

the interpretation and execution of instructions. The CPU of a PC consists of a single
microprocessor, while the CPU of a more powerful mainframe consists of multiple processing
devices, and in some cases, hundreds of them.

Functions of CPU in computer:

Functions of CPU
 Fetching instructions. The CPU retrieves instructions from memory. ...
 Decoding instructions. ...
 Executing instructions. ...
 Controlling the flow of instructions. ...
 Managing input/output operations. ...
 Managing interrupts. ...
 Performing arithmetic and logical operations. ...
 Allocating and managing memory.