Introduction :
A computer is an electronic device that can receive, store, process,
and output data. It is a machine that can perform a variety of tasks and
operations, ranging from simple calculations to complex simulations and
artificial intelligence.
Computers consist of hardware components such as the central
processing unit (CPU), memory, storage devices, input/output devices,
and peripherals, as well as software components such as the operating
system and applications.
The history of computers can be traced back to the 19th century when
mechanical devices such as the Analytical Engine and tabulating machines
were developed. However, modern computers as we know them today were
developed in the mid-20th century with the invention of the transistor
and the development of integrated circuits.
Today, computers are widely used in various industries such as
education, finance, healthcare, and entertainment, and they have
revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. They have also
given rise to a new era of technology such as the internet, cloud
computing, and mobile devices, which have further transformed our daily
lives.
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 quickly. A
Computer can perform the following set of functions:
Data and Information: Data: It is the term used for
raw facts and figures fed into the computer and along with the set of
instructions which enables the computer to convert this raw data into
the refined and useful information. Information: Data represented in
useful and meaningful form is information.
Data and information are related concepts, but they have different
meanings. Data refers to raw facts and figures that are unorganized and
have no meaning on their own. Information, on the other hand, is data
that has been processed, organized, and given context to make it
meaningful and useful.
Data can take many forms, such as numbers, words, images, or sounds.
For example, a list of sales figures for a company is data. However,
this data by itself does not provide any useful information. It needs to
be processed and analyzed to be turned into information that can be
used for decision-making.
Information is data that has been processed and organized in a
meaningful way to convey a message or answer a question. For example,
using the sales figures from the earlier example, an analyst could
create a graph or chart that shows the sales trends over time, providing
meaningful information about the company’s performance.
In summary, data is the raw, unorganized facts and figures, while
information is data that has been processed and given context to be
meaningful and useful for decision-making.
Classification of Computers: Computers can be
classified based on the technology being used and the way they are
designed to perform the various tasks. Computers can be categorized into
Digital, Analog and Hybrid based on their design and working:
Digital Computers : These are the modern computers
which are capable of processing information in discrete form. In digital
technology data which can be in the form of letters, symbols or numbers
is represented in binary form i.e. 0s and 1s. The digital computers are
used in industrial, business and scientific applications. They are
quite suitable for large volume data processing.
Analog Computers : These computers are used to
process data generated by ongoing physical processes. A thermometer is
an example of an analog computer since it measures the change in mercury
level continuously. Analog computers are well suited to simulating
systems. A simulator helps to conduct experiments repeatedly in real
time environment. Some of the common examples are simulations in
aircraft, nuclear power plants, hydraulic and electronic networks.
Hybrid Computers : These use both analog and
digital technology. It has the speed of analog computer and the accuracy
of a digital computer. It may accept digital or analog signals but an
extensive conversion of data from digital to analog and analog to
digital has to be done. Hybrid Computers are used as a cost effective
means for complex simulations.
Supercomputers: These are the most powerful and
expensive computers that are used for complex scientific calculations,
simulations, and research. They are used in fields such as weather
forecasting, cryptography, and nuclear research.
Mainframe Computers: These are large and powerful
computers that are used by large organizations such as banks, airlines,
and government agencies to process massive amounts of data and handle
multiple users simultaneously.
Mini Computers: These are smaller and less powerful
than mainframe computers, but they are still capable of handling
multiple users and processing large amounts of data. They are commonly
used by small to medium-sized businesses for accounting, inventory
management, and other data-intensive tasks.
Personal Computers: These are small and affordable
computers that are designed for individual users. They are commonly used
for personal productivity, entertainment, and communication.
Workstations: These are high-performance computers
that are used by professionals such as architects, engineers, and
designers to run complex software applications for tasks such as 3D
modeling, animation, and scientific visualization.
Embedded Systems: These are specialized computers
that are built into other devices such as cars, appliances, and medical
equipment to control their operations and perform specific functions.
Mobile Devices: These are small and portable computers that are designed for on-the-go use, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops
Classification of Digital Computers
Micro Computers :These are also known as Personal
Computers. These type of digital computer uses a microprocessor (a CPU
on a single chip) and include both desktops and laptops. These computers
can work on small volume of data, are very versatile and can handle
variety of applications. These computers are being used as work
stations, CAD, multimedia and advertising applications. Example:
portable computers such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and
tablets
Mini Computers :These computers can support
multiple users working simultaneously on the same machine. These are
mainly used in an organization where computers installed in various
departments are interconnected. These computers are useful for small
business organizations.
Main Frames : These computers are large and very
powerful computers with very high memory capacity. These can process
huge databases such as census at extremely fast rate. They are suitable
for big organizations, banks, industries etc. and can support hundreds
of users simultaneously on the network.
Super Computers : These are fastest and very
expensive computers. They can execute billions of instructions per
second. These are multiprocessor, parallel systems suitable for
specialized complex scientific applications involving huge amounts of
mathematical applications such as weather forecasting.
Mainframe Computers: These are large and powerful
computers that are used by large organizations such as banks, airlines,
and government agencies to process massive amounts of data and handle
multiple users simultaneously.
Minicomputers: These are smaller and less powerful
than mainframe computers, but they are still capable of handling
multiple users and processing large amounts of data. They are commonly
used by small to medium-sized businesses for accounting, inventory
management, and other data-intensive tasks.
Microcomputers: These are the most common type of
digital computers, also known as personal computers or PCs. They are
designed for individual users and are used for personal productivity,
entertainment, and communication.
Workstations: These are high-performance computers
that are used by professionals such as architects, engineers, and
designers to run complex software applications for tasks such as 3D
modeling, animation, and scientific visualization.
Supercomputers: These are the most powerful and
expensive computers that are used for complex scientific calculations,
simulations, and research. They are used in fields such as weather
forecasting, cryptography, and nuclear research.
Embedded Systems: These are specialized computers
that are built into other devices such as cars, appliances, and medical
equipment to control their operations and perform specific functions.
Mobile Devices: These are small and portable computers that are designed for on-the-go use, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Types of Software
System Software : These are those software,without
which our PC,laptop won’t run, i.e it is must for a device to be
operating. For Example: Linux,Unix,Windows,etc.
Application Software : These are those
software,without which our PC,laptop can run, i.e these software are not
necessary for a device to be operating. For Example: Facebook,What’s
App,Games.
Basic computer operation :
Booting up: This is the process of starting up the
computer by loading the operating system (OS) into memory. The computer
runs a series of checks to ensure all hardware is working correctly
before loading the OS.
Logging in: After booting up, you will need to log in to access your user account. This requires entering your username and password.
Running programs: Once you have logged in, you can
run programs on your computer. Programs can include web browsers, office
applications, media players, and more.
Accessing data: You can access data stored on your
computer or other connected devices, such as external hard drives or
cloud storage services. This can include files, documents, photos, and
other media.
Connecting to the internet: You can connect to the
internet to access websites, download files, and communicate with others
online. This typically involves using a web browser to access websites
and other online services.
Communicating with other devices: You can
communicate with other devices connected to your computer, such as
printers, scanners, or other peripherals. This allows you to print
documents, scan images, and perform other tasks.
Saving and backing up data: It’s important to save
and back up your data regularly to avoid data loss. You can save data to
your local hard drive, external hard drives, or cloud storage services.
Shutting down: When you’re finished using your
computer, you should shut it down properly. This involves closing all
programs and files, saving any changes, and shutting down the OS.
Troubleshooting: If you experience issues with your
computer, you may need to troubleshoot the problem. This can involve
diagnosing hardware or software issues, performing updates, or
reinstalling drivers.
Security: It’s important to keep your computer
secure by using antivirus software, firewalls, and other security
measures. This helps protect your data and prevent unauthorized access
to your system.
Issues of basic computers and computer operations :
some common issues that can arise with basic computers and computer operations:
Slow performance: Computers can become slow and unresponsive due to a
variety of factors, such as lack of storage space, outdated hardware,
or malware.
Malware and viruses: Malware and viruses can infect computers and
cause a range of problems, including data loss, system crashes, and
identity theft.
Hardware failures: Computer hardware components can fail over time,
leading to issues like system crashes, data loss, and display problems.
Software glitches: Software applications can sometimes malfunction
or crash, leading to issues like data loss or unresponsive programs.
Driver problems: Drivers are software components that enable
hardware devices to communicate with the operating system. If drivers
become outdated or corrupted, it can lead to issues like hardware
failures or system crashes.
Compatibility issues: Sometimes software applications or hardware
components may not be compatible with each other, leading to issues like
system crashes or display problems.
Internet connectivity issues: Problems with internet connectivity
can lead to issues like slow loading web pages, interrupted downloads,
and difficulty accessing online services.
User error: Users can sometimes make mistakes or accidentally delete
files or programs, leading to issues like data loss or unresponsive
programs.