What is a computer?

A computer s an electronic devicethat accepts data (as input) ,performs

operations (as processing)on data at very high speed andproduces the results as (output) .It is a
programmable machine thatexecutes a programmed list on instruction that it is provide.

Computers are composed of Central processing unit (CPU):It's basically the brain of computer,
Input Devices: Devices which is used to give command to the computer / mouse, keyboard , mic
etc.Output Devices: Devices which is used to take out the processed data/ LCD, Loudspeaker,
printer.Primary Storage Device: RAM, ROM Secondary storage device: USB, CD, Hard drive
Communication devices: Cables etc.

Classification or types of Computers There are several factors that make computer different
from each other. These factors are physical size, cost, speed etc. based on these factors' computers are
classified into four categories .Supercomputer, Mainframe computer, Minicomputer ,Micro computer.

SupercomputerThese Computers are Largest , the most expensive and powerful computers.These
are used to process Complex calculations, designing and controlling complex machines , such as rockets
and fighter planes , Nuclear research , weather forecasting which requires huge number of calculations
for the performance of high speed.
Mainfram computer These are Larger more expensive and more powerful computer compared to
the minicomputer but less power than supercomputers.They are used in large corporations , banks
universitas and scientific laboratories.

Mini computerThese computers are larger and more expensive than micro computers, which can
peripheral equipment can usually fill a small room.Minicomputers are widely used in industrial process
control scientific research and small business application.

Microcomputer is the smallest and least expensive computer. Its small size is result of LSI (Large
scale integration) and VLSI ( Very large-scale integration) technologies.

Advantages of Computers
High Speed The computer is a very fast device. It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds
as compared to a man who will spend many months performing the same task. Accuracy In addition to
being very fast, computers are very accurate. The calculations are 100% error-free.

Storage Capability Memory is a very important characteristic of computers. A computer has much
more storage capacity than human beings. It can store large amounts of data.

Diligence Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of
concentration. It can work continuously without any error and boredom.

Versatility Ability to do different things.A computer is a very versatile machine. A computer is very
flexible in performing the jobs to be done.

Reliability A computer is a reliable machine. Modern electronic components have long lives.Computers
are designed to make maintenance easy.

Automation Computer is an automatic machine. Automation is the ability to perform a given task
automatically. Once the computer receives a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer
memory, then the program and instruction can control the program execution without human
interaction.

Reduction in Paper Work and Cost The use of computers for data processing in an
organization leads to a reduction in paperwork and results in speeding up the process.

Disadvantages of Computers
Dependency It functions as per the user’s instruction, thus it is fully dependent on humans.
Environment The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.
No Feeling Computers have no feelings or emotions.

Computers generation Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology a computer

is/was being used.

First Generation The period of first generation: 1946-1959. Vacuum tube based.
The period of second generation: 1959-1965. Transistor based.

Third Generation The period of third generation: 1965-1971. Integrated Circuit based.

Fourth Generation The period of fourth generation: 1971-1980. VLSI microprocessor based.

Fifth Generation The period of fifth generation: 1980-onwards. ULSI microprocessor based.

Components of computer
Take Input The process of entering data and instructions into the computer system.

Store Data Saving data and instructions so that they are available for processing as and when required.

Processing Data Performing arithmetic, and logical operations on data in order to convert them into
useful information.

Output Information The process of producing useful information or results for the user, such as a
printed report or visual display.

Control the workflow Directs the manner and sequence in which all of the above operations are
performed.

SOFTWARE Software Is A Collection Of Instructions That Enable The User To Interact With A
Computer,Its Hardware,Or Perform Tasks.Without Software,Most Computers Would Be
Useless.ForExample,Without Your Internet Browser Software,You Could Not Surf The Internet. Without
An Operating System,The Browser Could Not Run On Your Computer.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE
1.APPLICATION SOFTWAREWhich is software that uses the computer system to perform special
functions or provide entertainment functions beyond the basic operation of the computer itself.
2.SYSTEM SOFTWAREWhich is software that directly operates the computer hardware,to
provide basic functionality needed by users and other software,and to provide platform for
running application software.

System software includes:

Operating systems Which are essential collections of software that manage resources and provides
common services for other software that runs "on top"of them. Supervisory programs,boot
loaders,shells and window systems are core parts of operating systems,

Device drivers which operate or control a particular type of device that is attached to a computer.Each
device needs at least one corresponding device driver;because a computer typically has at minimum at
least one input device and at least one output device,a computer typically needs more than one device
driver.

Utilities which are computer programs designed to assist users in the maintenance and care of their
computers.

HARDWAREComputer hardware is the physical parts or components of a computer,such as the

monitor,keyboard,computer data storage,graphic card,sound card and motherboard.By
contrast,software is instructions that can be stored and ran by hardware

TyPES OF HARDWARE
1.POWER SUPPLYA power supply unit(PSU)converts alternating current (AC) electric power to low-
voltage DC power for the internal components of the computer.

2.MOTHERBOARDThe motherboard is the main component of a computer.It is a board with integrated

circuitry that connects the other parts of the computer including the CPU,the RAM,the disk drives (CD,
DVD,hard disk,or any others)as well as any peripherals connected via the ports or the expansion slots.

3.EXPANSION CARDSAn expansion card in computing is a printed circuit board that can
be inserted into an expansionslot of a computer motherboard or backplane to add functionality
to a computer system via the expansion bus .