WHAT IS COMPUTER?

WHAT IS COMPUTER?
• A computer is a digital electrical machine that
may be programmed to automatically perform
sequences of arithmetic or logical operations.
Programs are general collections of operations
that modern computers can do.
• It is a mechanism or equipment that follows
instructions from a software or hardware
program to conduct procedures, computations,
and operations. It can receive data (input),
process it, and then create outputs.
Characteristics
of Computer
7 Characteristics of Computer
•Speed - When executing mathematical computations, a computer
works significantly faster and with greater precision than humans.
Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of instructions per
second. Computers operate in microseconds and nanoseconds.
•Accuracy - Computers do computations with perfect precision. Errors
can develop as a result of inconsistency or inaccuracy in data.
•Diligence -Millions of jobs or computations can be performed by a
computer with the same consistency and precision. It does not
experience weariness or a lack of attention. Its memory is also
superior to that of human humans.
•Versatility-Versatility refers to the capability of a computer
to perform different kinds of works with same accuracy and
efficiency.
•Reliability A computer is reliable as it gives consistent
result for similar set of data i.e., if we give same set of input
any number of times, we will get the same result.
•Automation-Computer performs all the tasks automatically
i.e. it performs tasks without manual intervention
•Memory-A computer has built-in memory called primary
memory where it stores data. Secondary storage are
removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are
also used to store data.
TYPES OF COMPUTER?
Types of Computer
•A computer is a device that transforms data into
meaningful information. It processes the input
according to the set of instructions provided to it
by the user and gives the desired output.
Computers are of various types and they can be
categorized in two ways on the basis of size and on
the basis of data handling capabilities. So, on the
basis of size, there are five types of computers:
1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe computer
3. Minicomputer
4. Workstation
5. PC (Personal Computer)
And on the basis of data handling capabilities, there
are three types of computer:
6. Analog Computer
7. Digital Computer
8. Hybrid Computer
Supercomputer
• When we talk about speed, then
the first name that comes to
mind when thinking of
computers is supercomputers.
They are the biggest and fastest
computers (in terms of speed of
processing data).
Supercomputers are designed
such that they can process a
huge amount of data, like
processing trillions of
instructions or data just in a
second. This is because of the
thousands of interconnected
processors in supercomputers. It
Mainframe Computer
• Mainframe computers are designed
in such a way that it can support
hundreds or thousands of users at
the same time. It also supports
multiple programs simultaneously.
So, they can execute different
processes simultaneously. All these
features make the mainframe
computer ideal for big
organizations like banking, telecom
sectors, etc., which process a high
volume of data in general
 Mini Computer
• Minicomputer is a medium size
multiprocessing computer. In
this type of computer, there
are two or more processors,
and it supports 4 to 200 users
at one time. Minicomputers are
used in places like institutes or
departments for different work
like billing, accounting,
inventory management etc. It
is smaller than a mainframe
computer but larger in
comparison to the
microcomputer.
Workstation
• Workstation is designed
for technical or scientific
applications. It consists
of a fast microprocessor,
with a large amount of
RAM and high speed
graphic adapter. It is a
single-user computer. It
generally used to
perform a specific task
with great accuracy.
PC (Personal Computer)
• It is also known as a
microcomputer. It is basically a
general-purpose computer and
designed for individual use. It
consists of a microprocessor as a
central processing unit(CPU),
memory, input unit, and output
unit. This kind of computer is
suitable for personal work such
as making an assignment,
watching a movie, or at office for
office work, etc. For example,
Laptops and desktop computers.
Analog Computer
Analog computers were the
earliest computer machines
developed and were the among
the most complicated machines
for analog computation and
process control. Analog data is not
discrete, but rather is of a
continuous nature. Examples of
such data are pressure,
temperature, voltage, speed and
weight.
 Digital Computer
• A digital computer is machine that
stores data in a numerical format and
performs operations on that data
using mathematical manipulation.
This type of computer typically
includes some sort of device to store
information, some method for input
and output of data, and components
that allow mathematical operations
to be performed on stored data.
Digital computers are almost always
electronic but do not necessarily
need to be so.
 Hybrid Computer
• Hybrid computers are computers
that exhibit features of analog
computers and digital
computers. The digital component
normally serves as the controller
and provides logical and numerical
operations, while the analog
component often serves as a solver
of differential equations and other
mathematically complex problems.
GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER
GROUP YOURSELVES INTO 6

REPORT THE FOLLOWING 5 GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER:

1. First Generation Computers (1940-1956)

2. Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)
3. Third Generation Computers (1964-1971)
4. Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present)
5. Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Beyond)
6. 8 mechanical calculators before modern computers were
invented.
COMPONENTS OF
COMPUTER
Components of Computer
• A computer device is made up of various
elements which help in its effective
functioning and processing. There are five
basic components of the computer which help
in making this processing of data easier and
convenient.

By definition, components of a computer system

are the primary elements which make the
functioning of an electronic device smooth and
faster. There are five basic components which
include:

1. Input Unit
2. Output Unit
3. Memory Unit
4. Control Unit
5. Arithmetical and Logical Unit
Input Unit
•A computer will only respond when a command
is given to the device. These commands can be
given using the input unit or the input devices.
•For example: Using a keyboard we can type
things on a Notepad and the computer processes
the entered data and then displays the output of
the same of the screen.

• The data entered can be in the form of

numbers, alphabet, images, etc. We enter the
information using an input device, the
processing units convert it into computer
understandable languages and then the final
output is received by a human-understandable
language.
 Output Unit
•When we command a computer to
perform a task, it reverts for the action
performed and gives us a result. This result
is called output. There are various output
devices connected to the computer. The
most basic of which is a monitor. Whatever
we write using a keyboard or click using a
mouse, is all displayed on the monitor.
•Thus, the output unit gives us the final
result once the entire processing is done
within the mechanism of a device.
•For example: when we visit an ATM, we
enter our details like language, pin,
amount to be withdrawn, etc. and then the
final money which the cash dispenser
releases is our outcome. In this case, the
cash dispenser acts as an output unit.
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The CPU is often
called the "brain" of a
computer, thanks to
its direct plug
connection to the
motherboard, and
communication with
all of the computer’s
other components.
The CPU further uses these three elements:
 Memory Unit
When we enter the data into the computer using an input device, the entered information
immediately gets saved in the memory unit of the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Because of the
presence of some existing programming, the Memory Unit transmits the data further to the other
parts of the CPU.Similarly, when the output of our command is processed by the computer, it is
saved in the memory unit before giving the output to the user.

 Control Unit
This is the core unit which manages the entire functioning of the computer device. It is one of the
most essential components of the computer system. The Control Unit collects the data entered
using the input unit, leads it on for processing and once that is done, receives the output and
presents it to the user. It can be said to the centre of all processing actions taking place inside a
computer device. Basically, the instructions taken, interpretation of entered data, issuing signals
to execute the data and then finally retrieving the data is all done in the Control Unit.

 Arithmetic & Logical Unit

As the name suggests, all the mathematical calculations or arithmetic operations are performed
in the Arithmetic and Logical Unit of the CPU. It can also perform actions like a comparison of data
and decision-making actions. The ALU comprises circuits using which addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division and other numerical based calculations can be performed.
QUIZ :
• 1. What is this type of computer that is designed in such a way that
it can support hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. It
also supports multiple programs simultaneously.
• 2. It is a type of computer that is medium size multiprocessing
computer. What is it ?
• 3. What type of computer that is designed for technical or scientific
applications. It consists of a fast microprocessor, with a large
amount of RAM and high speed graphic adapter.?
• 4-10. What are the 7 characteristics of the Computer? (WRONG
SPELLING WRONG )
• 11-15. What are the components of the Computer?
• 16-20. Give 5 common Input Units.
• 21-25. Give 5 common Output Units.
GCR
• 1. Give the main difference between RAM and ROM
• 2. What are the different types of Operating system?
• 3. Discuss the various secondary storage devices
• 4. What is called System Software?
• 5. What are the types of memories available in the computer system?
• 6. Which operating system (OS) software is most suited to your requirements? In
what respects is your preferred operating system superior to others?
• 7. What PC system setup would best meet your requirements? Describe your
options.
• 8.What are your current information technology needs? What information
technology needs do you expect to have in the future?
• 9. Why technology is very trend in this era? How technology helps you?explain.