Computer Fundamentals Week 3

Computer
Fundamentals
Week 3 Lesson in Computer 6
What is Computer?
A computer is a programmable electronic device that
accepts raw data as input and processes it with a set of
instructions (a program) to produce the result as output.
It renders output just after performing mathematical and
logical operations and can save the output for future
use. It can process numerical as well as non-numerical
calculations. The term "computer" is derived from the
Latin word "computare" which means to calculate.
A computer is designed to execute applications
and provides a variety of solutions through
integrated hardware and software components. It
works with the help of programs and represents
the decimal numbers through a string of binary
digits. It also has a memory that stores the data,
programs, and result of processing. The
components of a computer such as machinery that
includes wires, transistors, circuits, hard disk are
called hardware. Whereas, the programs and data
are called software.
It is believed that the Analytical Engine was the
first computer which was invented by Charles
Babbage in 1837. It used punch cards as read-only
memory. Charles Babbage is also known as the
father of the computer.
The Basic Parts:
• Processor: It executes instructions from software and hardware.
• Memory: It is the primary memory for data transfer between
the CPU and storage.
• Motherboard: It is the part that connects all other parts or
components of a computer.
• Storage Device: It permanently stores the data, e.g., hard drive.
• Input Device: It allows you to communicate with the computer
or to input data, e.g., a keyboard.
• Output Device: It enables you to see the output, e.g., monitor.
Five Types of Computer
1. Micro Computer:
• It is a single-user computer which has less speed and storage
capacity than the other types. It uses a microprocessor as a
CPU. The first microcomputer was built with 8-bit
microprocessor chips. The common examples of
microcomputers include laptops, desktop computers,
personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets, and smartphones.
Microcomputers are generally designed and developed for
general usage like browsing, searching for information,
internet, MS Office, social media, etc.
2. Mini Computer:
• Mini-computers are also known as "Midrange
Computers." They are not designed for a single. They
are multi-user computers designed to support multiple
users simultaneously. So, they are generally used by
small businesses and firms. Individual departments of a
company use these computers for specific purposes. For
example, the admission department of a University can
use a Mini-computer for monitoring the admission
process.
3. Mainframe Computer:
• It is also a multi-user computer capable of
supporting thousands of users simultaneously.
They are used by large firms and government
organizations to run their business operations as
they can store and process large amounts of
data. For example, Banks, universities, and
insurance companies use mainframe computers
to store the data of their customers, students,
and policyholders, respectively.
4. Super Computer:
• Super-computers are the fastest and most expensive
computers among all types of computers. They have huge
storage capacities and computing speeds and thus can
perform millions of instructions per second. The super-
computers are task-specific and thus used for specialized
applications such as large-scale numerical problems in
scientific and engineering disciplines including applications
in electronics, petroleum engineering, weather forecasting,
medicine, space research and more. For example, NASA
uses supercomputers for launching space satellites and
monitoring and controlling them for space exploration.
5. Work stations:
• It is a single-user computer. Although it is like a
personal computer, it has a more powerful
microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor
than a microcomputer. In terms of storage
capacity and speed, it comes between a personal
computer and minicomputer. Work stations are
generally used for specialized applications such
as desktop publishing, software development,
and engineering designs.
Benefits of Using Computer
• Increases your productivity: A computer increases your
productivity. For example, after having a basic
understanding of a word processor, you can create, edit,
store, and print the documents easily and quickly.
• Connects to the Internet: It connects you to the internet
that allows you to send emails, browse content, gain
information, use social media platforms, and more. By
connecting to the internet, you can also connect to your
long-distance friends and family members.
• Storage: A computer allows you to store a large amount
of information, e.g., you can store your projects, ebooks,
documents, movies, pictures, songs, and more.
• Organized Data and Information: It not only allows you
to store data but also enables you to organize your data.
For example, you can create different folders to store
different data and information and thus can search for
information easily and quickly.
• Improves your abilities: It helps write good English if you
are not good at spelling and grammar. Similarly, if you
are not good at math, and don't have a great memory,
you can use a computer to perform calculations and
store the results.
•Assist the physically challenged: It can be used
to help the physically challenged, e.g., Stephen
Hawking, who was not able to speak used
computer to speak. It also can be used to help
blind people by installing special software to
read what is on the screen.
•Keeps you entertained: You can use the
computer to listen to songs, watch movies, play
games and more.
The computer has become a part of our life. There are plenty of things
that we do in a day are dependent on a computer. Some of the common
examples are as follows:
1.ATM: While withdrawing cash from an ATM, you are using a computer
that enables the ATM to take instructions and dispense cash
accordingly.
2.Digital currency: A computer keeps a record of your transactions and
balance in your account and the money deposited in your account in a
bank is stored as a digital record or digital currency.
3.Trading: Stock markets use computers for day to day trading. There are
many advanced algorithms based on computers that handle trading
without involving humans.
4.Smartphone: The smartphone that we use throughout the day for
calling, texting, browsing is itself a computer.
5.VoIP: All voice over IP communication (VoIP) is handled and done by
computers.

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