Session 1: Classification of Computer and Computer Components
Session 1: Classification of Computer and Computer Components
• Speed
As you know computer can work very fast. It takes only few seconds
for calculations that we take hours to complete.
• Accuracy
The degree of accuracy of computer is very high and every calculation is
performed with the same accuracy. The errors in computer are due to human
and inaccurate data.
• Attentiveness
A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. It can
work for hours without creating any error. If millions of calculations are to be
performed, a computer will perform every calculation with the same accuracy.
Due to this capability it overpowers human being in routine type of work.
Characteristics of a Computer cont....
• Versatility
It means the capacity to perform completely different type
of work. You may use your computer to listen music while you play a game.
• No Intelligent Quotient (IQ)
Computer is a dumb machine and it cannot do any work
without instruction from the user. It is you to decide what you want to do and
in what sequence. So a computer cannot take its own decision as you can.
• No feeling
It does not have feelings or emotion, taste, knowledge and
experience. Thus it does not get tired even after long hours of work. It does not
distinguish between users.
Characteristics of a Computer cont....
• Storage
The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store
a large amount of data. You can also store data in secondary storage devices
such as floppies, which can be kept outside your computer and can be carried
to other computers.
• Power of Remembering
Computer has the power of storing any amount of information or data. Any
information can be stored and recalled as long as you require it, for any numbers of
years. It depends entirely upon you how much data you want to store in a computer
and when to lose or retrieve these data.
Types of Computers
• Supercomputers...are used to process very
large amounts of information
Supercomputers
Types of Computers…
• Mainframes...are the type of computer that
support thousands of user connected to it
simultaneously
Mainframes
Types of Computers…
• Mini-Computers...are type of computer that are
in between mainframe and workstation
• Can be used by hundreds of users connected to it
simultaneously
Mini computer
Types of Computers…
• Workstations: are the special computers
designed for technical or scientific
applications.
• Intended primarily to be used by one person
at a time.
Workstations
Types of Computers
Personal Computers (Continued)
Personal Computers...also known as
PC’s...are smaller and less powerful
than the others.
They are used in homes, schools, and
small businesses.
Micro Computer (Pcs)
Types of Computers
There are 2 main types of PCs
Desktop
Portable (Notebook/ Laptop, Hand-Held)
Parts of a Computer
There are two basic parts that make up a
computer...
Hardware Software
Hardware
Hardware is basically anything that
you can touch with your fingers.
Computer Case
CPU (central processing unit...Pentium chip)
Monitor
Keyboard & Mouse
Disk Drive, Zip Drive, CD-ROM, DVD,
Hard Drive
Memory (RAM)
Speakers
Printer
Hardware (Continued)
There are four categories of hardware
Input Devices
Output Devices
Storage Devices
Central Processing Unit
Input Devices
Input basically means getting data into the
computer to be processed.
Keyboard, Mouse,
Trackball, Touch Pad
Light Pen, Laser Scanner,
Pointing Stick
Touch Screen,
Bar Code Reader, Scanner
Microphone, Joystick
Output Devices
Output basically means getting data out of
the computer.
Monitor
Printer
Speakers
Headphone
Fax
projector
Storage Devices
A storage device is a place to keep
data that has been processed so that it
can be retrieved at a later time to be
used again.
Hard Disk
Floppy Disk
CD’s, DVD’s
Magnetic Tape
Flash Memory
Jump Drive
Software
Software are the programs and applications
that tell the computer what to do and how
to look.
Two Types of Software
Application
Software
Operating System
Software
Operating System Software