Basics of Computer and its Operations PDF

Basics of Computer and its Operations  Introduction Computer : is an electronic device that operates (works) under the control of programs stored in its own memory unit. A computer is an electronic machine that processes raw data to give information as output. An electronic dev...

Basics of Computer and its Operations  Introduction Computer : is an electronic device that operates (works) under the control of programs stored in its own memory unit. A computer is an electronic machine that processes raw data to give information as output. An electronic device that accepts data as input, and transforms it under the influence of a set of special instructions called Programs, to produce the desired output (referred to as Information). The literal meaning of a computer may be a device that will calculate. Its full form can be abbreviated as Commonly Operated Machine Particularly Used For Training, Education, and Research  Introduction 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.  Introduction 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.  Introduction 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: Accept data Store data Process data as desired Retrieve the stored data as and when required Print the result in desired format.  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: Data and 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 and Information: 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.  Data and Information: 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: 1.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.  Classification of Computers: 2. 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 aircrafts, nuclear power plants, hydraulic and electronic networks.  Classification of Computers: 3. 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.  Classification of Computers: 4. 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. 5. 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.  Classification of Computers: 6. 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. 7. Personal Computers: These are small and affordable computers that are designed for individual users. They are commonly used for personal productivity, entertainment, and communication.  Classification of Computers: 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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: 1. 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.  Classification of Digital Computers: 2. 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. 3. 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.  Classification of Digital Computers: 4. 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.  Classification of Digital Computers: 5. 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.  Classification of Digital Computers: 6. 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. 7. Mobile Devices: These are small and portable computers that are designed for on-the-go use, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.  Peripheral Devices These devices are used for performing the specific functions and are connected to the computer externally. These peripheral devices enable the computer to operate according to the user requirements by feeding data in and out of the computer. Peripheral devices are as follows: Keyboard Mouse Light Pen Optical/magnetic Scanner Touch Screen Microphone for voice as input  Peripheral Devices Track Ball Monitor (Visual Display Unit) Printers Plotter Speaker Difference between RAM and Hard-disk RAM Hard Disk RAM is an electronic device Hard-disk is an electromechanical device Electronic device are faster Electro-mechanical device has in speed speed slower than Electronic device. Difference between RAM and Hard-disk RAM Hard Disk CPU is an electronic Hard disk is an electro- device,so it’s speed can mechanical match with RAM.Therefore,CPU device.Therefore,it’s speed and RAM have connections and cannot be match by CPU and that connections is known as hence there is no connection buses between hard-disk and CPU. Difference between RAM and Hard-disk RAM Hard Disk RAM is much faster than a Hard-disk is a type of non- hard-disk. RAM is a type of volatile storage that is much volatile memory that can be slower than RAM. It is used accessed quickly by the CPU. for long-term storage of data This allows for fast data that needs to be preserved processing and multitasking. even when the computer is turned off.  Difference between RAM and Hard-disk RAM Hard Disk RAM is volatile, meaning that Hard-disk is non-volatile, its contents are lost when meaning that its contents are the computer is turned off. preserved even when the computer is turned off. This makes hard-disk an ideal choice for long-term storage of data.  Types of Software 1. 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. 2. 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.  Difference between Hacker and Cracker 1. Hacker : They will just warn you something about malicious activity going around in your computer.It will not steal your information. 2. Cracker : They will try to steal your Information without informing you.  Basic computer operation : 1. 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. 2. Logging in: After booting up, you will need to log in to access your user account. This requires entering your username and password. 3. 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.  Basic computer operation : 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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.  Basic computer operation : 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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.  Basic computer operation : 10. 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: 1. Slow performance: Computers can become slow and unresponsive due to a variety of factors, such as lack of storage space, outdated hardware, or malware. 2. Malware and viruses: Malware and viruses can infect computers and cause a range of problems, including data loss, system crashes, and identity theft. 3. Hardware failures: Computer hardware components can fail over time, leading to issues like system crashes, data loss, and display problems.  Issues of basic computers and computer operations : 4. Software glitches: Software applications can sometimes malfunction or crash, leading to issues like data loss or unresponsive programs. 5. 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. 6. Compatibility issues: Sometimes software applications or hardware components may not be compatible with each other, leading to issues like system crashes or display problems.  Issues of basic computers and computer operations : 7. Internet connectivity issues: Problems with internet connectivity can lead to issues like slow loading web pages, interrupted downloads, and difficulty accessing online services. 8. User error: Users can sometimes make mistakes or accidentally delete files or programs, leading to issues like data loss or unresponsive programs.  Characteristics of Computer Speed: The computer helps in saving time. It performs several tasks and multiple calculations in a few bit of seconds that takes us hours to solve. We measure the speed of computers in terms of GigaHertz (Ghz) and MegaHertz (MHz). Accuracy: Works done by a computer have better accuracy than the work done by a human being. The errors occur in a computer by entering wrong data by a human being. A computer performs tasks quickly and accurately.  Characteristics of Computer Memory: A computer can store billions of data and these records are easily accessible with high accuracy. We measure computer storage in terms of Bytes, like KiloBytes (KB), Megabytes (MB), Gigabytes (GB), etc. Versatility: The simple meaning of Versatility is performing more than one task, and as everyone knows, Computers are capable of performing more than one task at a time, hence it is highly versatile. Automation: Today’s World is full of automation as we rapidly move towards Artificial Intelligence (AI). This feature of the computer replaces thousands of workers by performing tasks automatically.  Advantages of Computer Multitasking: Multitasking is one of the main advantages of computers. A person can do multiple tasks, and multiple operations at the same time, and calculate numerical problems within a few seconds. The computer can perform millions or trillions of work in one second. Speed: Now the computer isn’t just a calculating device. Now a day’s computer has a vital role in human life. One of the most advantages of computers is their incredible speed, which helps human to finish their task in a few seconds.  Advantages of Computer Cost/ Stores huge: Amount of knowledge it’s a coffee cost solution. A person can save huge data within a coffee budget. A centralized database for storing information is a major advantage that will reduce costs. Accuracy: One of the essential advantages of computers is they will perform not only calculations but also with accuracy. Data Security: Protecting digital data is understood as data security. Task completer: Completes tasks that might be impossible for humans to complete.  Advantages of Computer Communication: The computer helps the user better understand and communicate with other devices. Productivity: The level of productivity gets automatically doubled as the computer can do the work very fast. Reduces workload: Information is often accessed by more than one person with the necessity for work to be duplicated. Reliability: Computers can perform the same sort of work repeatedly without throwing up errors thanks to tiredness or boredom, which are quite common among humans. Storage: The pc has an in-built memory where it can store an outsized amount of knowledge. You can also store data in auxiliary storage devices.  Disadvantages of Computer Virus and hacking attacks: A virus may be a worm and hacking is just unauthorized access over a computer for a few illicit purposes. Viruses can go to another system from email attachments, viewing an infected website advertisement, through removable devices like USBs, etc. Online Cyber Crimes: Online cyber-crime means computers and networks may have been utilized in order to commit a crime. Cyberstalking and fraud are the points that come under online cyber crimes. Reduction in employed opportunity: Mainly past generation hasn’t used the pc or they need the knowledge of computers they faced an enormous problem when computers came into the field.  Disadvantages of Computer High Cost: Computers are expensive. Even the foremost affordable computers are still very expensive for the typical person in South Africa. Since computers empower people. Distractions/disruptions: If you’ve got ever spent hours browsing the web or watching videos on YouTube, then you recognize how distracting computers can be! Because of their high entertainment value.  Disadvantages of Computer Increases waste and impacts the environment: With the speed at that computer and other electronics get replaced, all of the old devices that get thrown away have a big impact on the environment. Health Problems: Prolonged use of computers can lead to various health Hazards. Too much sitting near the screen results in eye strain and drying up of the eyes. Also, prolonged sitting leads to neck and back problems.. Note: for activity one