Introduction to Computer
The word computer came from the Latin word compute, which means to calculate.
Definition
A computer is a digital electronic machine that can be programmed to perform a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations automatically.
A Computer is an electronic device that receives input, stores or processes the input as per user instructions, and provides output in the desired format.
Input Process Output
Full form of the Computer
Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research
The brain of the Computer
CPU is the brain of the computer.
Father of the Computer
Charles Babbage is the father of the computer.
Functions of Computers
There are four functions of a computer:
Input
Process
Store
Output
Characteristics of Computer
To understand why computers are such an important part of our lives, let us look at some of its characteristics −
Speed
Accuracy
Reliability
Versatility
Storage Capacity
Benefits of Using Computer
Save Your Time
Get Information
Can Make Money
Data store Capability
Product Employment
Keep Your Entertained
Multitasking of Computer
Connect on the internet to get all things
Advantages of Using Computer
Now that we know the characteristics of computers, we can see the advantages that computers offer−
Computers can do the same task repetitively with the same accuracy.
Computers do not get tired or bored.
Computers can take up routine tasks while releasing human resources for more intelligent functions.
Disadvantages of Using Computer
Despite so many advantages, computers have some disadvantages of their own −
Computers have no intelligence; they follow instructions blindly without considering the outcome.
Regular electric supply is necessary to make computers work, which could prove difficult everywhere, especially in developing nations.
Limitations of Computer
Lack of common sense
No IQ
No feelings
No thinking capability
No decision-making ability
No learning power
Computers cannot express ideas
Types of Computer
There are three types of computer:
Digital Computer
Analog Computer and
Hybrid Computer
Types of Digital Computer
On the basis of size, digital computers can be classified into four categories:
Micro Computer
Mini Computer
Mainframe Computer
Super Computer
Parts of Computer
There are two parts to a computer:
Hardware and
Software
Computer Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of the computer that store and run written instructions provided by the software.
Motherboard
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Power Supply
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Video Card
Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Optical Disc Drive (e.g. BD drive, DVD drive, CD drive)
Card Reader (e.g. SD, SDHC)
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Printer
Speakers
External Hard Drive
Desktop Image Scanner
Projector
Joystick
Headphones
USB Flash Drive
Computer Software
Software is the untouchable/non-physical part of the device that allows the user to interact with the hardware and give commands to perform specific tasks.
Computer Programming
Computer programming is the process of performing a particular computation usually by designing/building an executable computer program.
Computer Security
Computer security, cyber security, or information technology security is the protection of computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft of or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
Booting
Starting a computer or a computer-embedded device is called booting. Booting takes place in two steps −
Switching on the power supply
Loading operating system into computer’s main memory
Keeping all applications in a state of readiness in case needed by the user
The first program or set of instructions that runs when the computer is switched on is called BIOS or Basic Input Output System. BIOS is firmware, i.e. a piece of software permanently programmed into the hardware.
If a system is already running but needs to be restarted, it is called rebooting. Rebooting may be required if software or hardware has been installed or the system is unusually slow.
There are two types of booting −
Cold Booting− When the system is started by switching on the power supply it is called cold booting. The next step in cold booting is loading of BIOS.
Warm Booting − When the system is already running and needs to be restarted or rebooted, it is called warm booting. Warm booting is faster than cold booting because BIOS is not reloaded.
Generations of Computer
The time of upgrade in the computer is called Generations of Computer. There are five generations of computer, which are given below.
1st Generations of computer
Computers from 1940 to 1956 are called First Generations computers. Vacuum Tubes technology was used in first generation computers.
2nd Generations of computer
Computers from 1956 to 1963 are called seconds Generations computers. Transistor was used in second generations of computers.
3nd Generations of computer
Computers from 1964 to 1971 are called Third Generations computers. Integrated Circuit (IC) was used in third generations of computers.
4th Generations of computer
Computers from 1972 to 2010 are called fourth Generations computers. Microprocessor Technology was used in fourth generations of computers.
5th Generations of computer
Computers from 2010 to Present are called fifth Generations computers. Artificial Intelligence Technology was used in fifth generations of computers.