Title:

Basic information of
computer ..
What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates

information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve,
and process data. You may already know that you can use a
computer to type documents, send email, play games,
and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or
create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.

Watch the video below to learn about different types of

computers.
A processor, computer memory, and input-output devices are
the important components of a computer. Each of these parts
is responsible for a specific set of functions. Here is an
overview of the main parts of a computer.

A computer is a complex machine that is capable of performing

huge computations at an extraordinary speed. Its processing
power is often compared to that of a human brain. Although
human intellect is the undoubted winner in this competition, the
capabilities of a computer cannot be underestimated. This
complex machine, influenced from the design of a human brain,
mainly consists of a processing unit, an arithmetic/logic unit,
computer storage, and input and output devices along with its
peripherals. It is these ‘parts’ that make the ‘whole’ system. So,
let’s take a look at the major parts of a computer.

Central Processing Unit (CPU): Also known as the

computer processor, the CPU is an electronic circuit that
executes computer programs. The primary responsibility of a
computer processor is to execute a sequential set of
instructions that constitute a program. CPU operation can be
divided into four basic steps, namely, fetch, decode, execute,
and writeback. During the ‘fetch’ step, the processor retrieves
program instructions from memory. In the decode step, the
instruction is broken down into parts. The instruction set
architecture of the CPU defines the way in which an instruction
is decoded. In the ‘execute’ step, CPU performs the operation
implied by the program instruction. During the ‘writeback’ step,
the CPU writes back the results of execution, to the computer’s
memory.
Motherboard

: A computer motherboard consists of sockets in which

microprocessors are installed, memory slots, a chipset that
acts as an interface between the CPU bus and the peripheral
buses (a bus connects all the internal parts of a computer), non
-volatile memory chips housing the system’s firmware and a
clock generator, which helps in the synchronization of various
system components. Some motherboards also include logic
and connectors to support input devices like PS/2 connectors
for a mouse and keyboard.

Hard Disc: A hard disc is described as a part of the computer

disc drive, which stores data and provides computer users with
quick access to large amounts of data. A hard disc is an
electromagnetically charged surface or set of discs that record
data in concentric circles known as tracks. It is a non-volatile
storage device that stores digitally encoded data. A head,
resembling a phonograph arm, is used to read and write data
onto a hard disk. The hard discs of desktops are generally
capable of storing 120 GB to 2 TB of data. Laptop hard disc
drives are smaller and have lower data storage capacities.

Computer Memory:

It refers to those components of a computer, which retain

digital data. It forms the core of a computer and makes up the
basic computer model in collaboration with the CPU. Magnetic
drums and delay lines used as primary storage by computers of
the early days, have metamorphosed into a miniature silicon
chip, which can achieve efficient storage of large volumes of
data. Random Access Memory, popularly known as RAM, is a
small-sized light and volatile form of computer memory. It is
capable of temporary storage of data. Registers located in a
computer processor are the fastest forms of computer storage.
The most frequently used information is duplicated in the
processor cache of a computer, thereby improving its
performance. Computers require a non-volatile primary storage
to read large programs. This non-volatile memory is known as
ROM or Read-only memory. It also contains the startup
programs used for bootstrapping a computer. Secondary
storage media such as flash memory, magnetic tape, punch
cards, and zip drives and tertiary storage media like tape
libraries are also a part of computer memory.

Monitor: A visual display unit, as it is called, is an electrical

equipment that displays images generated by the video output
of a computer. Monitors of the early years used CRT
technology for imaging, while modern computer monitors use
LCD or even plasma screens. The display provides computer
users with an instant feedback in the form of text and graphic
images. Monitors are the most-used output devices of a
computer.

Keyboard: A keyboard is regarded as an input device for a

computer. With respect to the arrangement of keys, a computer
keyboard is similar to a typewriter. The keys or buttons act as
electronic switches or mechanical levers with characters
printed on them, with each keypress corresponding to a written
symbol. A keyboard has its own processor and circuitry, which
consists of a key matrix, which helps bring about the keyboard
operation.

Mouse: A computer mouse is a pointing device that detects

two-dimensional motion. Apple’s Macintosh was the first
successful mouse-driven computer. A mouse translates the
motion of your hand into signals that a computer can recognize
and respond to. There are three basic types of mice, namely,
mechanical, opto-mechanical, and optical. Mechanical mice
have a rubber or metal ball that can roll in all directions.
Mechanical sensors in the mouse detect the direction of
motion of the ball. Opto-mechanical mice differ from
mechanical mice, in that they use optical sensors to detect
motion. Optical mice, popularly used today, have a laser to
detect movement of the mouse. They do not have mechanical
moving parts and possess higher performance speeds.

Perhaps the most important part of a computer is the

‘intelligence’ embedded in it. Can its computing capabilities
beat human intellect? Will computers be able to replace human
beings? Although nothing can be said right now, we must not
forget that human intelligence is God’s creation, while
computers are the brainchild of a human.

Hardware vs. software…..

Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk
about two things all computers have in
common: hardware and software.

 Hardware is any part of your computer that has

a physical structure, such as the keyboard or mouse.
It also includes all of the computer's internal parts,
which you can see in the image below.

 Software is any set of instructions that tells the

hardware what to do and how to do it. Examples of
software include web browsers, games, and word
processors.
 Everything you do on your computer will rely on both
hardware and software. For example, right now you may
be viewing this lesson in a web browser (software) and
using your mouse (hardware) to click from page to page.
As you learn about different types of computers, ask
yourself about the differences in their hardware. As you
progress through this tutorial, you'll see that different
types of computers also often use different types of
software.

 What are the different types of

computers?
 When most people hear the word computer, they think of
a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop.
However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and
they perform many different functions in our daily lives.
When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at
 the store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of
computer.

 Many people use desktop computers at work, home, and school.

Desktop computers are designed to be placed on a desk, and they're
typically made up of a few different parts, including the computer
case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Laptop computers

 The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop

computer, commonly called a laptop. Laptops are battery-powered
 computers that are more portable than desktops, allowing you to
use them almost anywhere.

 Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are

even more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard and mouse,
tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation.
The iPad is an example of a tablet.