Introduction to Computer PDF

**Introduction to Computer** **(Meaning,components and characteristics)** What Does Computer Mean? ------------------------ A computer is a machine or electronic device which performs processes, calculations and operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. It has t...

**Introduction to Computer** **(Meaning,components and characteristics)** What Does Computer Mean? ------------------------ A computer is a machine or electronic device which performs processes, calculations and operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. It has the ability to accept data (input), process data according to specified rules, and then produce information ( output). It can also store data for later uses in appropriate storage devices, and retrieve whenever it is necessary. Modern computers can be used for a variety of purposes ranging from browsing the web, writing documents, editing videos, creating applications, playing video games, etc.  **Basic Concepts of Computer**\ Computer is an electronic device that is used to store the data. It gives results quickly and accurately. **Data, Information and Knowledge:** The difference in meaning between these concepts can be clarified as it follows: **Data**: Data can be Facts and figures related to something specific but they are not organized in any way.They provide no further information regarding patterns, context, etc. So data means \"unstructured facts and figures that have the least impact on the typical manager. **Information**: For data to become information, it must be contextualized, categorized, calculated and condensed. Therefore, information paints a bigger picture; it is data with relevance and purpose. Information is found \"in answers to questions that begin with such words as who, what, where, when, and how many\". **Knowledge**: Knowledge is closely linked to doing and implies know-how and understanding. The knowledge possessed by each individual is a product of his experience, and encompasses the norms by which he evaluates new inputs from his surroundings. **Computers classification\*\*\*** Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows: **Personal computer**: A small,single-user computer based on a microprocessor. In addition to the microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for displaying information, and a storage device for saving data. ** Workstation:** A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor.. **Minicomputer**: A multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of users simultaneously. **Mainframe** : A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. **Supercomputer** : An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second. **Laptop and Smartphone Computers** LAPTOP: A laptop is a battery or AC-powered personal computer that can be easily carried and used in a variety of locations. Many laptops are designed to have all of the functionality of a desktop computer, whichmeans they can generally run the same software and open the same types of files. However, some laptops, such as netbooks, sacrifice some functionality in order to be even more portable. Netbook: A netbook is a type of laptop that is designed to be even more portable. Netbooks are often cheaper than laptops or desktops. They are generally less powerful than other types of computers, but they provide enough power for email and internet access, which is where the name \"netbook\" comes from. Mobile Device: A mobile device is basically any handheld computer. It is designed to be extremely portable, often fitting in the palm of your hand or in your pocket. Some mobile devices are more powerful, and they allow you to do many of the same things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer. These include tablet computers, e-readers, and smart phones. Tablet Computers: Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable. However, they provide a very different computing experience. The most obvious difference is that tablet computers don\'t have keyboards or touchpads. Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you to type on a virtual keyboard and use your finger as a mouse pointer. Tablet computers are mostly designed for consuming media, and they are optimized for tasks like web browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, and playing games. For many people, a \"regular\" computer like a desktop or laptop is still needed in order to use some programs. However, the convenience of a tablet computer means that it may be ideal as a second computer. Smartphones: A smartphone is a powerful mobile phone that is designed to run a variety of applications in addition to phone service. They are basically small tablet computers, and they can be used for web browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, playing games and more. **Synonyms for Computer:**  [**Computer\`s components**\ \ ]  Computer : Computer itself is a combination of different type of separate electronic device. i.e. Computer only will be computer if it has INPUT DEVICE, PROCESS UNIT, and OUTPUT DEVICE.  Central Processing Unit (CPU) : It is heart and mind of the computer without this unit computer unable to process.  Keyboard : This is an input device which is used to input the data into the computer.  Mouse : This is also an input device which is used to input the data into the computer.  Monitor : This is an output device which is used to show the result of the instructions. There are variety of monitor available in the market such as, CRT Monitor, LCD Monitor, Touch Screen Monitor, TFT Monitor etc.  Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) : This is and electronic device which is used to manage the power supply of computer.  Hard Disk (HDD) : This is used to store the data in massive amount. There are so many type of HDD available in the market, i.e. SATA, PATA, External HDD, Internal HDD.  Printer : This is an out put device which is used to show the result on the paper. There are plenty of printer available in the market like inkjet, Laser printer, dot matrix printer etc.  Universal Serial Bus (USB) : This is used to connect the external device to the computer.  Ethernet Cable : This is used to connect computer with other computer.  CD/DVD ROM : This is used to store the data.  Speaker : This is an output device which is used to listen voice, songs, etc.  Mike : This is an Input device which is used to record the sound.  Laptop : This is complete computer which can be carried anywhere any time.  Netbook : This is called mini laptop which is generally lighter and smaller than laptop.  Random Access Memory (RAM) : This is called primary memory. This is also called main memory of the computer. Whatever data is written in this memory, is lost after switching off the system.  Read Only Memory (ROM) : This is called primary memory. Data is written in this memory by the vendor of the computer permanently.  Pen Drive  : This is very popular device now a days for carrying data on move.  Blue Ray Disk : This is same as CD/DVD but only different is it can store multi time of data from CD/DVD and faster than CD/DVD.  Scanner : This is an input device which is used to scan the document for the soft copy.  LCD : It is known as Liqued Crystal Display. It is an output device as monitor.  Motherboard : It is a combination of electronic circuits.  Sound Card : This is also a combination of electronic circuits which helps to give out put in the form of sound.  Graphics Card : This is also a combination of electronic circuits which helps to give output the data into the monitor. Computer Software: Software is a logical programme to handle/solve the complex problem.  System Software : This is special type of software which is responsible for handle the whole computer system. Application Software : This is special type of software which is used to solve a particular problem.  Embeded Software : This type of software embeded with hardware to do a specific type of job. Proprietary Software : In general, this type of software require to purchase to use that particular software for the some time or single user as per conditioned by the vendor of that particular software.  Open Source Software : This type of software may be freely available and can not be use in commercially. We can modify, and use it under the same license. **CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS:** The characteristics of computers that have made them so powerful and universally useful are speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility and storage capacity. Let us discuss them briefly. 1. Speed Computers work at an incredible speed In general, no human being can compete to solving the complex computation, faster than computer.. A powerful computer is capable of performing about 3-4 million simple instructions per second. 2. Accuracy In addition to being fast, computers are also accurate. Errors that may occur can almost always be attributed to human error (inaccurate data, poorly designed system or faulty instructions/programs written by the programmer).Since Computer is programmed, so whatever input we give it gives result with accurately. 3. Diligence Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. Computers can work for hours without any break and creating error.They do not suffer from human traits of boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of concentration. Computers, therefore, are better than human beings in performing voluminous and repetitive jobs. 4. Versatility. Computers are versatile machines and are capable of performing any task as long as it can be broken down into a series of logical steps. The presence of computers can be seen in almost every sphere -- Railway/Air reservation, Banks, Hotels, Weather forecasting and many more. We can use computer to perform completely different type of work at the same time. 5. Storage Capacity Today's computers can store large volumes of data with appropriate format. A piece of information once recorded (or stored) in the computer, can never be forgotten and can be retrieved almost instantaneously. 6- Power of Remembering : It can remember data for us. 7- No iQ : Computer does not work without instruction. 8- No Feelings : Computer does not have emotions, knowledge, experience, feeling 1. **The Need to Use Computers in Education:** For more information about computer components and characteristics click on the following links:     Based on what you have learned in this chapter do the following then post your worksheets on the Face book group page : - Summarize the chapter in only two pages. - Draw a mind map for the main points studied with key words and hints for the important sub ideas. - Phrase 10 questions with the key answer then discuss the questions within your group and write a group test of 20 questions. Note: write your full name and number to document your work.