Introduction to Computers Chapter 1

Computer Basics

• A computer is an electronic device that operates under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, accepts data, processes the data, produces information, and stores the information for future use.
• A computer carries out five main functions: takes data as input, stores data/instructions, processes data, generates output, and controls all the above steps.

Computer Components

• Hardware: The physical elements of a computer system, including the machinery, wires, transistors, and circuits.
• Software: The collection of computer programs, instructions, and data that operate the computer.

Computer Units

• Input Unit: Accepts data from the user (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone).
• Central Processing Unit (CPU): Executes all instructions, including arithmetic and logical operations.
• Primary Memory Unit: Stores data temporarily while the computer is running (e.g., RAM, ROM).
• Secondary Storage Unit: Stores data permanently (e.g., hard disk, optical disk, flash memory).
• Output Unit: Displays or prints the processed information (e.g., monitor, printer, speaker).

Input Devices

• Examples: keyboard, mouse, touch screen, scanner, webcam, microphone, joystick, gamepad, etc.

CPU Components

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Executes arithmetic and logical operations.
• Control Unit (CU): Controls and coordinates computer components.
• Registers: Stores data temporarily while it's being executed.

Primary Memory

• RAM (Random Access Memory): A temporary storage area that stores data while the computer is running.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): A permanent storage area that stores data even when the power is off.

Secondary Memory

• Hard Disk: Stores data on an electromagnetically charged surface.
• Optical Disk: Stores data using laser light (e.g., CD, DVD, Blu-ray).
• Flash Memory: A storage module that emulates a disk drive.

Output Devices

• Examples: monitor, printer, speaker, projector, LCD projection panel, computer output microfilm, etc.

Software

• System Software: Controls and manages the computer system (e.g., operating system, Windows, Linux).
• Application Software: Used to accomplish specific tasks (e.g., image viewer, spreadsheet, text processing system).

Unit of Measurements

• Storage: Bit, Byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte.
• Speed: Hertz (Hz), MHz (1 million cycles per second), GHz (1 billion cycles per second).

Computer Classification

• Personal Computer (PCs): Small, single-user computer.
• Workstation: Powerful, single-user computer.
• Minicomputer: Multi-user computer capable of supporting 10 to hundreds of users.
• Mainframe: Powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users.
• Supercomputer: Extremely fast computer capable of performing hundreds of millions of instructions per second.

Mobile Devices

• Laptop Computer: A portable computer that can run the same software as PCs.
• Netbook Computer: A smaller, less powerful laptop designed for basic tasks like email and internet access.
• Tablet Computers: Designed for consuming media, with a touch-sensitive screen and no keyboard or touchpad.
• Smartphones: A powerful mobile phone that can run applications and access the internet.

Data, Information, and Knowledge

• Data: Unorganized, unprocessed facts and figures.
• Information: Processed data that provides answers to "who", "what", "where", and "when" questions.
• Knowledge: The application of data and information to answer "how" questions.

This quiz covers the basics of computers, including the definition and functionalities of a computer. Learn about the input, processing, output, and storage capabilities of computers.