What is Computer definition?

“A computer is a programmable electronic machine designed to take input, perform prescribed

arithmetic and logical operations at fast speeds, and provide the output of these operations.”

The term ‘COMPUTER’ is an acronym for ‘Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for
Technological and Educational Research’.

The term ‘Computer’ is derived from the Latin word ‘computare’, which is defined as- “to calculate”,
“to count” or ‘to sum up”, etc. In other words, “a computer is a device that performs computation”.

Note- The first mechanical computer was designed in 1837 by Charles Babbage. It was called
'Analytical Engine'. It was the first general-purpose computer. Charles Babbage is known as the father
of the computer.

Basic Functions of Computer

There are four basic functions of the computer: Input, Processing, Output, and Storage.

Input
The data is entered into the computer with the help of input devices. Like other electronic devices, a
computer takes data in raw form (binary form). The user can enter the data in several formats such as
the collection of letters, numbers, images, etc. The input devices convert the data in the binary form so
that the computer can read the data.

Some of the main input devices of computer systems are listed below:
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Joystick
• Scanner
• Trackball
• Light pen

Processing
The processing is the core functionality of the computer system. It is the internal process where the data
is processed according to the instructions given to the computer. The data is executed sequentially and
sent for further processing.
The processing speed may vary in different computer systems as the speed mainly depends upon
factors like which type of Motherboard, CPU (Central Processing Unit) or RAM (Random Access
Memory) you are using.
Output
The output is the information provided by the computer after the entire processing. It is also
known as the result that can be stored in the storage devices for further use. The output
devices retrieve the processed data from the computer and convert the data into a human-
readable form.

The widely used output devices of computer systems are listed below:
• Monitor
• Printer
• Projector
• Speakers

Storage
Storage is a crucial part of the computer system. It is used to store data or instructions before
and after processing.
Generally, storage is divided into the following types:

• Primary Storage
Primary storage devices store the inputted data and immediate calculation results. The data
stored in primary storage is temporary and will be lost if they are disconnected from the
power source. Random Access Memory is an example of primary storage.

• Secondary Storage
Secondary storage devices are used to store the data permanently for future use. The data stored
in the secondary storage devices is secure even if there is no power supply. Hard Disk Drive
is the widely used secondary storage.

Advantages of Computer
The main advantages of the system are listed below:
• Amazing Speed
• Accuracy
• Huge Storage
• Multitasking Support
• Data Security
• Automation
• Reduced Cost

Disadvantages of Computer
The main disadvantages of the computer system are listed below:

• Unemployment
• Health Issues
• Cyber Crimes
• Virus and Hacking Attacks
• Improper Use
• Spread of False or Inappropriate Content
• Negative Impact on the Environment
Computer Software
Computer software is a group of programming instructions designed to instruct the computer
to perform specific tasks. Typically, a computer system is useless without software. There
are two types of computer software, as mentioned below:

System Software
System software connect the user and the hardware of the computer to interact with each
other. System software provide the basic functionalities required to operate the computer
system. These types of software provide an environment or platform for the other software to
work on. System software run in the background.

Example: Operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux, Android, etc.), Device Drivers,
Firmware, and Utility software.
Application Software
Application software are customized software designed for personal use. These types of
software help users for performing basic tasks such as online research, setting an alarm,
designing, or even playing games. The application software runs in the frontend and mostly
used by the end-users. Therefore, these are also called ‘end-user programs’.
Example: Word Processors, Multimedia Software, Web Browsers, Graphics Software,
Photoshop Software, etc.

Computer Hardware
Computer hardware are the physical components or parts that jointly form a computer
system. There are different types of hardware. Depending on the structure of the computer
system, hardware can be installed inside or outside of the computer physical body.

Components of the Computer Hardware

The basic components of the computer hardware are listed below:
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• CPU (Central Processing Unit)
• Motherboard
• RAM (Random Access Memory)
• Hard Disk Drive
• Printer, etc
Generations of Computer
Each generation of computers is a major technological development in technology a
computer is/was being based on. Initially, the term ‘generation of computer’ was used to
distinguish between different hardware technologies. At present, the term concludes both the
hardware and software. More precisely, the term ‘generation’ is the development that
changes the way computers operate. There can be different changes like making the device
smaller, cheaper, more smart or powerful, etc.

There are five generations of the computer, which are listed below with approximate period:

First Generation (1946 - 1959) Based on- Electronic Valves (Vacuum Tubes).
Example - ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC, etc.

Second Generation (1959 – 1965) Based on- Transistors. Example- IBM 1620,
IBM 1400 and 7000 series, CDC 3600, etc.

Third Generation (1965 – 1971) Based on- Integrated Circuits (ICs). Example- IBM
360, IBM 370, PDP, etc.
Fourth Generation (1971 – 1980) Based on- Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI)
Circuits. Example- DEC 10, STAR 1000, CRAY-1 and CRAY-X-MP, etc.
Fifth Generation (1980 – Present)
The period of fifth generation is 1980-till date. In the fifth generation, VLSI technology
became ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) technology, resulting in the production
of microprocessor chips having ten million electronic components.

This generation is based on parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial

Intelligence) software. AI is an emerging branch in computer science, which interprets
the means and method of making computers think like human beings. All the high-
level languages like C and C++, Java, .Net etc., are used in this generation.
AI includes −
• Robotics
• Neural Networks
• Game Playing
• Development of expert systems to make decisions in real-life situations
• Natural language understanding and generation
The main features of fifth generation are −
• ULSI technology
• Development of true artificial intelligence
• Development of Natural language processing
• Advancement in Parallel Processing
• Advancement in Superconductor technology
• More user-friendly interfaces with multimedia features
• Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates

Some computer types of this generation are −

• Desktop
• Laptop
• NoteBook
• UltraBook
• ChromeBook
Uses of Computer
As we have discussed above, the computer is the need for the digital era. It is helping
people to complete their tasks in hours that were before taking several days or months.
Here, we have explained the most important uses of the computer system:
• can store important data.
• can communicate with people around the world.
• used for the educational system.
• used for office works like data entry, support, development, etc.
• used in banking, finance, and marketing.
• used in government sectors.
• used in sports.
• used for Press and publishing.
• used for entertainment.

Classification of Computer
According to usage and functionalities, computers can be classified as:

Analog Computer – The computers used to process analog data (continuously varying
data) are called ‘Analog Computers’. Analog computers are the most complicated machines
for computation and process control. Examples of continuous data are pressure,
temperature, voltage, weight, and speed, etc.
Digital Computer – Digital computers are personal computers. These are the widely used
computers. These are commonly used for processing the data with a number using digits by
utilizing the binary number system. These computers are intended to perform arithmetic and
logical operations at a very high rate.
Hybrid Computer – Hybrid computers are the combination of analog computers and digital
computers. These are as fast as analog computers and include memory and precision as
digital computers.

Types of Computer
Supercomputer – Supercomputers are large and require huge space for the installation.
They are the fastest and most expensive computers compared to others. They are used for
performing huge complex calculations.

Mainframe Computer – Mainframe Computers are smaller than supercomputers, still, they
comparatively huge. These are not as fast as supercomputers. These are expensive as well
as take huge space for the entire setup. Mainframe computers can store huge amounts of
data and they are capable to handle large calculations. These computers are usually found
in banks and educational sectors.

Microcomputer – Microcomputers are inexpensive and support multi-user platform. These

types of computers are mostly used by small organizations. Microcomputers are slower
compared to supercomputers and mainframe computers. Microcomputers are called
Personal Computer (PC).
Mini Computer – Mini computers are cheaper and easy to carry. Notebook and Tablet are
examples of minicomputers.
ROM

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can only read but
cannot write on it. This type of memory is non-volatile. The information is stored
permanently in such memories during manufacture. A ROM stores such instructions
that are required to start a computer. This operation is referred to as bootstrap. ROM
chips are not only used in the computer but also in other electronic items like washing
machine and microwave oven. These chips generally have memory size of 4 to 8 MB.
Let us now discuss the various types of ROMs and their characteristics.

MROM (Masked ROM)

The very first ROMs were hard-wired devices that contained a pre-programmed set
of data or instructions. These kind of ROMs are known as masked ROMs, which are
inexpensive.

PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)

PROM is read-only memory that can be modified only once by a user. The user buys
a blank PROM and enters the desired contents using a PROM program. Inside the
PROM chip, there are small fuses which are burnt open during programming. It can
be programmed only once and is not erasable.

EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only

Memory)
EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light for a duration of up to 40
minutes. Usually, an EPROM eraser achieves this function. During programming, an
electrical charge is trapped in an insulated gate region. The charge is retained for
more than 10 years because the charge has no leakage path. For erasing this charge,
ultra-violet light is passed through a quartz crystal window (lid). This exposure to ultra-
violet light dissipates the charge. During normal use, the quartz lid is sealed with a
sticker.

EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read

Only Memory)
EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and
reprogrammed about ten thousand times. Both erasing and programming take about
4 to 10 ms (millisecond). In EEPROM, any location can be selectively erased and
programmed. EEPROMs can be erased one byte at a time, rather than erasing the
entire chip. Hence, the process of reprogramming is flexible but slow.

Advantages of ROM
The advantages of ROM are as follows −

• Non-volatile in nature
• Cannot be accidentally changed
• Cheaper than RAMs
• Easy to test
• More reliable than RAMs
• Static and do not require refreshing
 • Contents are always known and can be verified

RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data,
program, and program result. It is a read/write memory which stores data until the
machine is working. As soon as the machine is switched off, data is erased.

Access time in RAM is independent of the address, that is, each storage location
inside the memory is as easy to reach as other locations and takes the same amount
of time. Data in the RAM can be accessed randomly but it is very expensive.
RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or if there
is a power failure. Hence, a backup Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) is often
used with computers. RAM is small, both in terms of its physical size and in the
amount of data it can hold.
RAM is of two types −

• Static RAM (SRAM)

• Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Static RAM (SRAM)

The word static indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as power is
being supplied. However, data is lost when the power gets down due to volatile
nature. SRAM chips use a matrix of 6-transistors and no capacitors. Transistors do
not require power to prevent leakage, so SRAM need not be refreshed on a regular
basis.
There is extra space in the matrix, hence SRAM uses more chips than DRAM for the
same amount of storage space, making the manufacturing costs higher. SRAM is
thus used as cache memory and has very fast access.
Characteristic of Static RAM

• Long life
• No need to refresh
• Faster
• Used as cache memory
• Large size
• Expensive
• High power consumption

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed in order to maintain the data.
This is done by placing the memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the data several
hundred times per second. DRAM is used for most system memory as it is cheap and
small. All DRAMs are made up of memory cells, which are composed of one capacitor
and one transistor.
In DRAM, data is stored in the form of charge on a capacitor.

Characteristics of Dynamic RAM

• Short data lifetime

• Needs to be refreshed continuously
• Slower as compared to SRAM
• Used as RAM
• Smaller in size
• Less expensive
• Less power consumption
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Secondary Storage Devices

You know that processor memory, also known as primary memory, is expensive as
well as limited. The faster primary memory are also volatile. If we need to store large
amount of data or programs permanently, we need a cheaper and permanent
memory. Such memory is called secondary memory. Here we will discuss
secondary memory devices that can be used to store large amount of data, audio,
video and multimedia files.
Characteristics of Secondary Memory
These are some characteristics of secondary memory, which distinguish it from
primary memory −

• It is non-volatile, i.e. it retains data when power is switched off

• It is large capacities to the tune of terabytes
• It is cheaper as compared to primary memory
Depending on whether secondary memory device is part of CPU or not, there are two
types of secondary memory – fixed and removable.

Let us look at some of the secondary memory devices available.

Hard Disk Drive

Hard disk drive is made up of a series of circular disks called platters arranged one
over the other almost ½ inches apart around a spindle. Disks are made of non-
magnetic material like aluminum alloy and coated with 10-20 nm of magnetic material.
Standard diameter of these disks is 14 inches and they rotate with speeds varying
from 4200 rpm (rotations per minute) for personal computers to 15000 rpm for
servers. Data is stored by magnetizing or demagnetizing the magnetic coating. A
magnetic reader arm is used to read data from and write data to the disks. A typical
modern HDD has capacity in terabytes (TB).

CD Drive
CD stands for Compact Disk. CDs are circular disks that use optical rays, usually
lasers, to read and write data. They are very cheap as you can get 700 MB of storage
space for less than a dollar. CDs are inserted in CD drives built into CPU cabinet.
They are portable as you can eject the drive, remove the CD and carry it with you.
There are three types of CDs −
• CD-ROM (Compact Disk – Read Only Memory) − The data on these CDs
are recorded by the manufacturer. Proprietary Software, audio or video are
released on CD-ROMs.
• CD-R (Compact Disk – Recordable) − Data can be written by the user once
on the CD-R. It cannot be deleted or modified later.
• CD-RW (Compact Disk – Rewritable) − Data can be written and deleted on
these optical disks again and again.

DVD Drive
DVD stands for Digital Video Display. DVD are optical devices that can store 15
times the data held by CDs. They are usually used to store rich multimedia files that
need high storage capacity. DVDs also come in three varieties – read only, recordable
and rewritable.
DVD memory size:- 4.7GB

Pen Drive
Pen drive is a portable memory device that uses solid state memory rather than
magnetic fields or lasers to record data. It uses a technology similar to RAM, except
that it is non-volatile. It is also called USB drive, key drive or flash memory.

Blu Ray Disk

Blu Ray Disk (BD) is an optical storage media used to store high definition (HD) video
and other multimedia filed. BD uses shorter wavelength laser as compared to
CD/DVD. This enables writing arm to focus more tightly on the disk and hence pack
in more data. BDs can store up to 128 GB data.
Single Layer BD: 25GB
Double Layer BD: 50GB