0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views

Computer Fundamentals

Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views

Computer Fundamentals

Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Computer Fundamentals

1. Evolution of Computers through Generations:


○ First Generation (1940-1956): Vacuum tubes, large, slow, high power
consumption.
○ Second Generation (1956-1963): Transistors, smaller, faster, less power.
○ Third Generation (1964-1971): Integrated circuits, more reliable, multitasking.
○ Fourth Generation (1971-Present): Microprocessors, personal computers,
graphical interfaces.
○ Fifth Generation (Present & Beyond): AI, advanced parallel processing.
2. Characteristics of Computers:
○ Speed, accuracy, automation, storage, versatility, diligence.
3. Strengths and Limitations:
○ Strengths: Fast processing, high accuracy, multitasking.
○ Limitations: Lacks thinking, requires electricity, dependent on instructions.
4. Classification of Computers:
○ By Size: Micro, mini, mainframe, supercomputers.
○ By Purpose: General-purpose, special-purpose.
5. Functional Components:
○ Input, processing, output, storage, control unit.
6. Applications in Various Fields:
○ Education, healthcare, banking, business, communication, entertainment,
science.

Types of Software

1. System Software: Manages hardware and basic functions (e.g., operating systems).
2. Application Software: User-specific applications (e.g., word processors, games).
3. Utility Software: Maintenance tools (e.g., antivirus, disk cleanup).
4. Shareware: Trial software with limited features.
5. Freeware: Free software with all features.
6. Firmware: Software embedded in hardware.
7. Free Software: Open-source, free for modification.

Memory Systems

1. Basic Concepts:
○ Bit: Smallest unit.
○ Byte: 8 bits.
○ Word, Nibble: Word is the computer's basic unit, nibble is 4 bits.
○ Measuring Units: KB, MB, GB, TB.
○ Access Time: Time to retrieve data.
○ Memory Hierarchy: Register > Cache > RAM > Disk Storage.
2. Primary Memory:
○ RAM: Volatile, temporary storage.
○ ROM: Non-volatile, read-only.
○ PROM/EPROM: Programmable, erasable ROM.
3. Secondary Memory:
○ Magnetic Tape: Sequential access.
○ Hard Disk: Non-volatile, large storage.
○ Optical Disk: CD, DVD, laser-based storage.
○ Flash Memory: Non-volatile, USB, SSD.

I/O Devices

1. I/O Ports: Connect external devices.


2. Device Controller: Manages device communication.
3. Device Driver: Software enabling hardware communication.
4. Input Devices:
○ Keyboard, Mouse, Touch Pad, Trackball, Joystick, Scanner, Digital Camera,
Microphone.
5. Output Devices:
○ Monitor: Display.
○ Printer: Laser, inkjet, dot-matrix.
○ Speaker: Audio output.
○ Plotter: Large-scale printing.

Operating System

1. Definition: Software managing hardware and software resources.


2. Functions: Memory management, file management, security, user interface.
3. Features: Icons, taskbar, shortcuts, control panel, My Computer.
4. Basic Components: Desktop, recycle bin, folders, files, start menu.

The Internet

1. Introduction to Networks:
○ Internet: Global network.
○ Intranet: Private organizational network.
○ Extranet: Limited access for external users.
2. Modes of Connecting: Wi-Fi, broadband, mobile data, dial-up.

Electronic Mail (Email)

1. Introduction: Electronic communication.


2. Advantages: Fast, accessible, low-cost.
3. Disadvantages: Spam, privacy issues.
4. Components: User IDs, passwords, email addresses, message composition.
5. Browsers: Software for accessing the web.
6. Search Engines: Tools for finding online information.

You might also like