Definition of computer A computer can be more accurately defined as an electronic device that takes data as input, stores and processes it and displays the out- put according to the given instructions. Characteristics of Computer Here's a simplified explanation of the characteristics of a computer: e Speed: Computers work very fast and can process data in seconds.Accuracy: They provide correct results if the input and instructions are accurate. Reliability: Computers can work for long hours without getting tired or making mistakes. Storage Capacity: They can store large amounts of data for future use. Versatility: Computers can perform many different tasks, like calculations, gaming, or designing.e Automation: Once given instructions, they work automatically without needing more guidance. Classfication of computer Here's a simple explanation of the classification of computers: ¢ Microcomputer: Small and personal computers like desktops, laptops, or tablets used by individuals. ¢ Minicomputer: Mid-sized computers used by small businesses or organizations tohandle tasks like managing databases. Mainframe Computer: Large and powerful computers used by big companies for processing and storing massive amounts of data, like in banks or airlines. Supercomputer: The fastest and most powerful computers used for complex tasks like weather forecasting or scientific research. Classicfication on purposeGeneral Purpose: These computers can perform many tasks, like writing documents, browsing, or gaming. Example: Personal computers (PCs). Special Purpose: These computers are designed to do one specific task, like ATMs for banking or medical machines for scans. Classification by generations ¢ First Generation (1940s-1950s): Used vacuum tubes; slow, large,and generated a lot of heat. Second Generation (1950s-1960s): Used transistors; smaller, faster, and more reliable than the first generation. Third Generation (1960s-1970s): Used integrated circuits (ICs); much smaller, faster, and cheaper. Fourth Generation (1970s- present): Used microprocessors; very fast, compact, and user- friendly. Fifth Generation (Present andbeyond): Focuses on artificial intelligence (Al); advanced technologies like robotics and machine learning. Classfication by architecture e Analog Computers: Work with continuous data, like measuring temperature or speed. Example: Thermometers or old control systems. ¢ Digital Computers: Work with binary data (Os and 1s) for tasks like calculations, gaming, orbrowsing. Example: Laptops, desktops, and smartphones. Hybrid Computers: Combine both analog and digital features, used for specialized tasks like in hospitals for monitoring patients. Classification by chronology ¢ First Generation (1940s-1950s): Used vacuum tubes; very large, slow, and used a lot of electricity. ¢ Second Generation (1950s-1960s): Used transistors;smaller, faster, and more reliable than the first generation. Third Generation (1960s-1970s): Used integrated circuits (ICs); more compact, faster, and cost- effective. Fourth Generation (1970s- Present): Used microprocessors; very powerful, user-friendly, and widely used. Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond): Focused on artificial intelligence (Al), robotics, and smart systems for advanced tasks.Application of computer ¢ Scientific, Engineering, and Research: Used for experiments, designing, and solving complex problems. Example: Space research and car design. Business: Helps in managing accounts, data, and communication. Example: Online shopping and banking. e Medicine: Used for diagnosing diseases, patient records, and medical equipment. Example: Scanning machines and healthmonitoring. Information: Helps in storing, sharing, and accessing information. Example: The internet and databases. Education: Used for learning, teaching, and online classes. Example: E-books and educational apps. Games and Entertainment: Used for playing games, watching movies, and listening to music. Example: Gaming consoles and streaming platforms.Block diagram of computer Input: Devices like a keyboard or mouse send data to the computer. CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer that processes data: Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU): Performs calculations and logical operations. Control Unit (CU): Manages and controls the flow of data withinthe computer. e¢ Memory: Stores data and instructions: e Primary Storage: Fast, temporary memory (like RAM). Secondary Storage: Permanent storage (like hard drives). ¢ Output: Devices like monitors or printers display the results. The flow is: Input + CPU = Memory — Output.Hardware software firmware Hardware: The physical parts of the computer, like the keyboard, monitor, and CPU. Software: The programs or applications that run on the computer, like Windows or a video game. Firmware: A special type of software stored on hardware that helps it work, like instructions built into a printer ora computer's motherboard.In short: e Hardware = Physical parts. e Software = Programs. e Firmware = Permanent instructions on hardware. Measure of units in computer e Bit: The smallest unit of data, can be either 0 or 1. e Byte: 1 byte = 8 bits, used tomeasure data like a letter or number. Kilobyte (KB): 1,000 bytes. Megabyte (MB): 1,000 KB or 1,000,000 bytes. Gigabyte (GB): 1,000 MB or 1,000,000,000 bytes. Terabyte (TB): 1,000 GB or 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. In short, each unit is 1,000 times larger than the previous one.Input and output device e Input Devices: These allow you to give data or instructions to the computer. Examples include: Keyboard: For typing. ¢ Mouse: For clicking and moving the pointer. e Microphone: For recording sound. e Scanner: For scanning documents. ¢ Output Devices: These show orgive you the results of the computer’s work. Examples include: Monitor: Displays text, images, and videos. e Printer: Prints documents on paper. e Speakers: Play sound. Types of memory Primary Storage: e RAM: Temporary, fast memoryused by the computer. Types: DRAM: Slower, needs constant power. SRAM: Faster, doesn’t need constant power. ROM: Permanent memory with essential instructions. Types: PROM: Can be written once. EPROM: Can be erased and rewritten. EEPROM: Can be erased and rewritten electrically.Secondary Storage: ¢ HDD: Traditional, slower storage. e SSD: Faster, more expensive storage. e USB Flash Drive: Portable storage. e External Hard Drive: Extra portable storage.Internet: The internet is a global network that connects millions of computers, allowing people to share information, communicate, and access services like websites, social media, and online shopping. Email: Email (electronic mail) is a way to send and receive messages over the internet. It lets you quickly communicate with others, share files, and stay connected, similar to sending a letter but much faster.