Fundamentals of Computer

 

Fundamentals of Computer

 Definition of Computer

—  A computer is an electronic device that accepts raw data and instructions from the user, processes it according to the given set of instructions, gives meaningful information and stores it for future use.

—  The word "Computer" is derived from the Latin word "Computare" which means 'to calculate'.

 Working Principle of a Computer  (IPO Cycle)

—  The set of steps that the computer follow to receive data, process the data according to the instructions, display the result and store the result is known as Information Processing Cycle (IPC).

 

—  Input

—  Input is the raw data or instruction given to the computer.

—  Input devices like keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner etc are used.

 

—  Process

—   Process is the manipulation of data according to the given set of instructions to produce the required result.

—  Central Processing Unit (CPU) is used.

 

—  Output:

—  Output is the processed data that gives meaningful information from the computer to the user.

—  Output devices like monitor, speaker, and printer are used.

 

—  Storage:

—  Storage is the device which stores data and information for future use.

—  Storage devices like hard disk, CD/DVD, pen drive are used.

 Common Terms used in computer

 

—  Data

—  Data can be numbers, letters or symbols representing facts and figures which may or may not give any sense.

—  Data is represented with the help of characters such as alphabets (A-Z, a-z), digits (0-9) or special characters (+,-,/,*,<,>,= )

 

—  Information

—  Information is an organized collection of related data which gives a complete sense.

—  Information is the processed data or meaningful results on which decisions and actions are based.

 

—  Program

—  A set of instructions that can be executed by a computer to perform a specific task is called a program.

 

—  Hardware

—  Hardware are the physical parts that make up the entire computer system which can be seen and touched.

 

—  Software

—  The set of instructions or programs written by using a programming language to solve a problem is called a computer software.

—  We should buy  some software like MS-Word whereas we can utilize some software freely.

—  Such software is known as open-source software, e.g. open office.

 

 Characteristics of computer

—  Speed

—  Accuracy

—  Automatic

—  Storage Capacity

—  Diligence

—  Versatility

 

Speed

—  Computers work at a tremendous speed.

—  Can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who will spend many months to perform the same task without making any mistakes.

—  The speed of computer is measured in MegaHertz (MHz) or GigaHertz (GHz).

Unit of time	Meaning	Part of second	Power of 10
Milli second	A thousand of a second	1/1,000	10-3
Micro second	A millionth of a second	1/1,000,000	10-6
Nano second	A billionth of a second	1/1,000,000,000	10-9
Pico second	A trillionth of a second	1/1,000,000,000,000	10-12

Accuracy

—  Computers are very accurate.

—  Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is correct.

—  If input data is incorrect then the output will also be incorrect which is called GIGO (Garbage in Garbage out).

 

Automatic

—  Computer is an automatic machine that helps to perform a given task automatically.

—  Once a program is in the memory of the computer, no human intervention (interference) is needed.

—  It follows the instructions step by step, executes them, and terminates the execution when it receives the command to do so.

 

Storage capacity

—  Has main memory and secondary memory.

—  Main memory is small and can hold an only a certain amount of information.

—  Larger memory can hold a larger amount of data and stored in the computer as secondary storage media like magnetic disk and an optical disk.

—  A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.

—  Computer stores data in terms of 0 and 1.

—   

S.No.	Memory Unit	Description
1	Bit	1 Bit = 0 or 1
2	Nibble	1 Nibble = 4 Bits
3	Byte	1 Byte = 8 Bits
4	Kilobyte (KB)	1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 Bytes
5	Megabyte (MB)	1 Megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB
6	Gigabyte (GB)	1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB
7	Terabyte (TB)	1 Terabyte (TB)= 1024 GB
8	Petabyte (PB)	1 Petabyte (PB) = 1024 TB
9	Exabyte (EB)	1 Exabyte (EB) = 1024 PB

 

Diligence

—  A computer can work continuously without any error and boredom.

—  It can perform repetitive tasks with the same speed and accuracy.

Versatility

—  A computer is a very versatile machine.

—  It maybe solving a complex scientific problem to playing a card game.

 

Limitations of Computer

—  Computer has no intelligence of its own.

—  Computers have no feelings or emotions.

—  Computer cannot learn anything from past experiences.

—  Computer cannot decide on its own.

 

Modern Application areas of Computers

—  Education

—  Science

—  Communication

—  Engineering and Manufacturing

—  Banking

—  Business and Industries

—  Hospital

—  Entertainment

—  Agriculture

 

Education

—  Mostly all schools, colleges, and universities  are giving more emphasis on computer education by including it in their curriculum.

—  Computers are widely used in the teaching & learning process which can significantly enhance the learning performance. 

—  Learning and teaching using computers is referred to as Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) and Computer-Aided Teaching (CAT)

—  Recorded television shows, Computer-Based Education(CBE) and Computer Based Training (CBT), Distance Learning (Online Learning) are common tools used for teaching.

—  Distance learning is made productive and effective with the help of computers and internet.

—  There  are tons of blogs and websites available  over the internet  that provides education for free in almost every subject.

 

Communication

—  Computers and the internet are the backbones of recent communication.

—  Using a computer for communication gives lots of benefits.

—  People can access email, chat, etc from any place with their devices without any additional cost except internet connectivity.

—  People use WhatsApp, Instagram, emails, voice calls, etc for communication purposes which is possible only because of computers and the latest technology.

—  Videoconferencing, chatting, facebook, etc are also different communication means.

 

Science

—  Scientists use computers to collect the latest information by using the internet all over the world.

—  A computer is used in all types of scientific research.

—  It is used in weather forecasting, space research, complex research in various scientific fields.

 

Entertainment

—  A computer is used to entertain people.

—  It is used to play games, listen to music, watch videos, movies cartoons, etc.

—  It is used to watch online movies and play online games by using the internet.

 

Engineering and Manufacturing

—  Architects and Engineers are extensively using computers in designing and drawing.

—  Computers can create objects that can be viewed from all three dimensions.

—  By using the techniques like virtual reality, architects can explore houses that have been designed but not built.

—  Automobile, aircraft, aerospace, and ship designers use Computer Aided Designing (CAD) techniques to design various types of vehicles.

—  Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) can be used in designing and planning the product.

—  Manufacturing factories are using computerized robots to perform risky jobs.

 

Medicine

—  A computer is used in scanning and diagnosing of various diseases through CT scan (Computed Tomography scan), ultrasounds, ECG (Electrocardiogram), etc.

—  It is used in hospitals to keep records of patients and medicines.

—  Computer is used in surgery too.

—  Doctors use computer and internet services to provide telemedicine services to remote areas.

 

Banking

—  Computers are extensively used in the field of banking.

—  Banks use computers for customer record update, account maintenance, transaction handling,  bank statement, communication with other banks etc.

—  Banks allows 24-hour banking services to withdraw cash to their customers by using ATM (Automated Teller Machine)

—  Online banking (e-banking), Mobile banking(App) helps to do an online transaction like funds transfer, online payment, etc. 24/7.

 

Business and Industries

—  Use computers to manage and grow their companies.

—  Helps to handle different tasks like daily accounting, inventory management, marketing, payroll, and many others.

—  Use of internet and Email has changed the way of being used in business.

—  Small business and industries become more self-sufficient, competitive and reduce their operating expenses.

 

Agriculture

—  Farmers can get information on different agricultural issues through the internet.

—  Farmers can connect with foreign customers which can help to improve their product and increase their production capacity.

—  Farmers can use computer to keep a financial record, production record, online banking, online sales, online purchase of the required resources, etc.

—  The amount of water sprinkled in a balanced quantity can also be computerized.