Basic Computer Concepts Final
Basic Computer Concepts Final
Basic Computer Concepts Final
What is a computer?
An electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory unit, that can accept data (input), manipulate the data according to specified rules (process), produce information (output) from the processing, and store the results for future use.
Advantages of Computers
Speed Storage High Accuracy Versatility Diligence Automatic Operation Obedience Decision Making Capability
Ages of Computer
At the early age people used pebbles, stones, sticks, scratches, symbols and finger tips to count, which were later replaced by numbers . The history of computing is divided into three ages during which man invented and improved different types of calculating machines. These ages are , Dark age - 300 BC to 1890 Middle age - 1890 AD to 1944 Modern age - since 1944 AD
Types of Computers
1 .Analog Computers
A computer that uses moving parts to show changing information. The word Analog means continuously varying in quantity. The voltage, current, sound, speed, temperature, pressure etc. values are examples of analog data. The thermometer is an example of analog device because it measures continuously the length of a mercury column. Another example of analog computer is the analog clock because it measures the time by means of the distance continuously covered by the needle around a dial.
Types of Computers
2 .Digital Computers The word Digital means separate. It refers to binary system, which consists of only two digits, i.e. 0 and 1. Digital data consists of binary data represented by OFF (low) and ON (high) electrical pulses. These pulses are increased and decreased in discontinuous form rather than in continuous form. In digital computers, quantities are counted rather than measured. A digital computer operates by counting numbers or digits and gives output in digital form.
Types of Computers
3. Hybrid Computers The hybrid computers have best features of both analog and digital computers. These computers contain both the digital and analog components. In hybrid computers, the users can process both the continuous (analog) and discrete (digital) data.
Supercomputer a state-of-the-art, extremely powerful computer capable of manipulating massive amounts of data in a relatively short time. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized scientific and engineering applications that must handle very large databases or do a great amount of computation, among them meteorology, animated graphics, nuclear energy research and weapon simulation, and petroleum exploration.
2 .Main Frame Computers: The most expensive, largest and the most quickest or speedy computer are called mainframe computers. These computers are used in large companies, factories, organizations etc. the mainframe computers are the most expensive computers, they cost more than 20 million rupees. In this computers 150 users are able to work on one C.P.U
4 .Micro Computers A microcomputer is a computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit. They are also called computer of a chip because its entire circuitry is contained in one tiny chip. They are physically small compared to mainframe and minicomputers. Micro computers of todays are equivalent to the mini computers of yesterday in terms of performing and processing .
Input Devices
Memory
Output Devices
Storage Devices
Input Devices
Any hardware component that allows you to enter data, programs, commands, and user responses into a computer Input Device Examples
Keyboard Mouse Mic Scanner Joystick
Output devices make the information resulting from processing available for use Output Device Examples
Output Devices
Printers
Impact Nonimpact Photo
Display Devices
CRT LCD
Speakers
Backing Storage
Backing storage devices are where you can store data permanently. This means that data is held when the computer is switched off and can be loaded onto a computer system when required. These devices are also known as secondary storage devices or auxiliary devices.
System Unit
1. 2.
The central processing unit (CPU), also called the microprocessor, the processor or central processor is the brain of the computer. The CPU is housed on a tiny silicon chip. This chip contains millions of switches and pathways that help your computer make important decisions . The switches control the flow of the electricity as it travels across the miles of pathways. The CPU knows which switches to turn on and which to turn off because it receives its instructions from computer programs. The CPU has two primary sections : Control Unit Arithmetic/Logic Unit
Application Software
Word Processing Spreadsheet Presentation Graphics Database Contact Management
UNITS OF MEMORY
8Bit = 1Byte 1024 Byte = 1 KiloByte 1024 KiloByte = 1 Mega Byte 1024 MegaByte = 1 GigaByte 1024 Giga Byte = 1 Tera Byte 1024 Tera Byte = 1 Pica Byte 1024 Pica Byte = 1 Nano Byte
Electronic Commerce
When you conduct business activities online, you are participating in electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce Business to consumer (B2C) involves the sale of goods to the general public Consumer to consumer (C2C) involves one consumer selling directly to another Business to business (B2B) provides goods and services to other businesses
Virus
A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Some viruses are programmed specifically to damage the data on your computer by corrupting programs, deleting files, or even erasing your entire hard drive. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.
Antivirus
Antivirus (or "anti-virus") software is a class of program that searches your hard drive and floppy disks for any known or potential viruses. In order to be an effective defense, your antivirus software needs to run in the background at all times, and should be kept updated so it recognizes new versions of hateful software.
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