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Chapter-2, What Is Computer

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35 views3 pages

Chapter-2, What Is Computer

Uploaded by

Raj Srivastav RJ
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WHAT IS A COMPUTER?

Computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. Data can
be anything like marks obtained by you in various subjects. It can also be name,
age, sex, weight, height, etc. of all the students in a class.

Computer can also be defined in terms of functions it can perform.

A computer can

i) accept data,

ii) store data,

iii) process data as desired

iv) retrieve the stored data as and when required and

v) print the result in desired format.

The major characteristics of a computer are high speed, accuracy, diligence,


versatility and storage.

Computer Organisation

The computer performs basically five major operations of functions irrespective of


their size and make. These are

1) it accepts data or instruction by way of input,

2) it stores data,

3) it can process data as required by the user,

4) it gives results in the form of output

5) it controls all operations inside a computer.

We discuss below each of these operations.


1. Input: this is the process of entering data and programs into the computer
system.

Four Functions about computer are:

accepts data Input

processes data Processing

produces output Output

stores results Storage

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

3. Process:
Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal
process of the computer system.

4. Output:
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 computer is a microcomputer.

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