Tuesday, September 24, 2024 3:54 AM
Computer Introduction:
→ The word computer derived from Latin word "Computare" which means to calculate, to count or to sum up.
→ A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts raw data as input and processes it with a set
of instructions (a program) to produce the result as output.
→ A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data from the user, processes the data by performing
calculations and operations on it and generates the desired output as a result.
→ Generally, Computer is the combination of Hardware and Software which converts data into information.
→ Computer operates on set of instructions only, they cannot think as human being.
Base Hardware Software
Introduction Hardware is the physical part of the Software is the set of program that tells a computer
computer which we can see, touch and feel. exactly what to do.
Development It is manufactured. It is developed and engineered.
Affect It is affected by the external environment It is not affected by the external environment
Virus affect It is not affected by the virus It is affected by the virus.
Transfer It cannot be transferred from one place to It can be transferred via a network means.
another electrically through the network.
Dependency Hardware cannot perform any task without The software cannot be executed without
software. hardware.
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Transfer It cannot be transferred from one place to It can be transferred via a network means.
another electrically through the network.
Dependency Hardware cannot perform any task without The software cannot be executed without
software. hardware.
Replacement If the hardware is damaged, it is replaced If the software is damaged, its backup copy can be
with a new one. reinstalled.
Example CPU, Keyboard, Monitor etc. Operating system, MS word, DBMS etc.
Characteristics/Features of Computer
I. Speed
The computer can process data very fast at the rate of millions of instructions per second.
Its speed is measured in Mega Hertz (MHz) and Giga Hertz (GHz).
Hertz: - The standard unit for measuring the frequency (=the rate of repetition) of wave. One hertz equals to one
repetition per second.
1000Hz=1 KHz= Thousands of Hertz
1000KHz=1 MHz= Million of Hertz
1000MHz= 1 GHz= Billion of Hertz
II. Storage Capacity
Computers are Capable to store huge amount of data which depends on the capacity of Hard disk.
Storage Unit:-
→ 0 or 1 = 1 bit [0(off), 1(on)]
→ 4 bit = 1 Nibble
→ 8 bit= 1 byte
→ 1 byte= 1 Character
→ 2 byte= 1 word(16bit)
→ 1024 byte= 1 kilobyte(KB)
→ 1024 KB= 1 Megabyte(MB)
→ 1024 MB= 1 Gigabyte(GB)
→ 1024 GB= 1 Terabyte(TB)
III. Accuracy
→ Computer provides a high degree of accuracy.
→ If it makes any mistaken that due to wrong instructions or input supplied by the user.
→ GIGO – is related to the accuracy of the computer.
IV. Automatic
→ Computer can perform its output activities automatically without human intervention.
V. Diligence
→ Diligence means the capability to perform something continuously with the same accuracy.
→ The computer does not feel tired and lack of concentration and can work for hour's withouting creating any errors.
VI. Versatility
→ Computers can do different types of work simultaneously.
→ They can perform multiple tasks at a same time.
VII. Plug and Play
→ Computer's has the ability to automatically configure a new hardware and software component.
VIII. No Lazy
IX. NO I.Q. and Feelings
Types of Computer
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Generation of Computer
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Function of computer
i) Input
→ Input is the data entered in to a computer from the input devices.
→ E.g. keyboard, mouse, scanner etc.
ii) Process
→ The task of performing the operations like logical and arithmetic operations is called processing.
→ The CPU (Central Processing Unit) will perform all types of calculations based on the instructions given.
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iii) Output
→ The process of producing the useful information for the user after processing input data is called output.
→ E.g. Printer, Monitor, Projector etc.
iv) Storage
→ The process of storing instructions and data permanently is called storage. This stored data can be retrieved
whenever needed.
→ E.g. Hard disk, Magnetic Tape etc.
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Difference between Primary Memory and Secondary Memory
Memory Storage
Holds the data and the instructions that the computer Holds all the data and the instructions that the computer has
is working on right now. access to when it needs them.
Temporary nature Permanent nature
Data is directly accessed by the processor. Data cannot be accessed directly by the processor.
Both volatile and non-volatile nature. Non-volatile nature only.
Faster than secondary memory Slower than primary memory.
Semiconductors chips are used to store information. Magnetic disk, Optical disk are used to store information.
Limited storage capacity Store bulk amount of data in a single unit.
More expensive than secondary memory. Less expensive than primary memory.
E.g. RAM, ROM E.g. Hard disk, Optical disk, Magnetic Tape etc.
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