Eduard Justine Laruan IV -

Hawk

COMPUTER
Computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a
set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Since a sequence of operations
can be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem.

Uses of the Computer:

Word Processing - Word Processing software automatically corrects spelling and

grammar mistakes. If the content of a document repeats you don't have to type it
each time. You can use the copy and paste features. You can printout documents
and make several copies. It is easier to read a word-processed document than a
handwritten one. You can add images to your document.

Internet - It is a network of almost all the computers in the world. You can browse
through much more information than you could do in a library. That is because
computers can store enormous amounts of information. You also have very fast and
convenient access to information. Through E-Mail you can communicate with a
person sitting thousands of miles away in seconds. There is chat software that
enables one to chat with another person on a real-time basis. Video conferencing
tools are becoming readily available to the common man.

Digital video or audio composition - Audio or video composition and editing have
been made much easier by computers. It no longer costs thousands of dollars of
equipment to compose music or make a film. Graphics engineers can use
computers to generate short or full-length films or even to create three-dimensional
models.

Desktop publishing - With desktop publishing, you can create page layouts for
entire books on your personal computer.

Computers in Medicine - You can diagnose diseases. You can learn the cures.
Software is used in magnetic resonance imaging to examine the internal organs of
the human body. Software is used for performing surgery. Computers are used to
store patient data.

Mathematical Calculations - Thanks to computers, which have computing speeds

of over a million calculations per second we can perform the biggest of
mathematical calculations.

Banks - All financial transactions are done by computer software. They provide
security, speed and convenience.
 Travel - One can book air tickets or railway tickets and make hotel reservations
online.

Telecommunications - Software is widely used here. Also all mobile phones have
software embedded in them.
Defense - There is software embedded in almost every weapon. Software is used
for controlling the flight and targeting in ballistic missiles. Software is used to
control access to atomic bombs.

E-Learning - Instead of a book it is easier to learn from an E-learning software.

Gambling-You can gamble online instead of going to a casino.

Examinations-You can give online exams and get instant results. You can check
your examination results online.

Computers in Business - Shops and supermarkets use software, which calculate

the bills. Taxes can be calculated and paid online. Accounting is done using
computers. One can predict future trends of business using artificial intelligence
software. Software is used in major stock markets. One can do trading online. There
are fully automated factories running on software.

Certificates - Different types of certificates can be generated. It is very easy to

create and change layouts.

ATM machines - The computer software authenticates the user and dispenses
cash.

Marriage - There are matrimonial sites through which one can search for a suitable
groom or bride.

News-There are many websites through which you can read the latest or old
news.

Classmates-There are many alumni websites through which you can regain
contact with your classmates.

Robotics - Robots are controlled by software.

Washing Machines - They operate using software.

Microwave Oven - They are operated by software.

Planning and Scheduling - Software can be used to store contact information,

generating plans, scheduling appointments and deadlines.

Plagiarism - Software can examine content for plagiarism.

Greeting Cards - You can send and receive greetings pertaining to different
occasions.

Sports - Software is used for making umpiring decisions. There are simulation
software using which a sportsperson can practice his skills. Computers are also to
identify flaws in technique.

Airplanes - Pilots train on software, which simulates flying.

Weather analysis - Supercomputers are used to analyze and predict weather.

PARTS OF COMPUTER

Computer case

The computer case is the metal and plastic box

that contains the main componentsof the
computer. It houses the motherboard, central
processing unit (CPU), power supply, and more.

Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes.

A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor
usually sits on top of it. A tower case is tall and sits
next to the monitor or on the floor. The front of the
case usually has an on/off switch and one or
more optical drives.

Monitor

The monitor works with a video card, located inside the

computer case, to display images and text on the screen.
Newer monitors usually have LCD (liquid crystal display)
or LED (light-emitting diode) displays. These can be
made very thin, and they are often called flat-panel
displays. Older monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube)
displays. CRT monitors are much larger and heavier, and
they take up more desk space.
Most monitors have control buttons that allow you to change your monitor's
display settings, and some monitors also have built-in speakers.

Power cord

The power cord is the link between

the power outlet and the power supply
unit in the computer casing. If the power
cord is not plugged in, the computer will not
power on. To protect your computer from
voltage spikes, you can plug the power cord
in to a surge protector. You can also use
an uninterruptable power supply (UPS),
which acts as a surge protector and provides temporary power if there is a blackout.

Keyboard

The keyboard is one of

the primary ways we
communicate with the
computer and enter data.
There are many different
types of computer
keyboards, including
wired, wireless, ergonomic, and multimedia. Although there may be
differences in the location of some keys or features, keyboards are very
similar and allow you to accomplish basically the same tasks.

Mouse

The mouse is a peripheral that is known as

a pointing device. It lets you point to
objects on the screen, click on them,
and move them.
There are two main types of mice: optical and mechanical. The opticalmouse uses
an electronic eye to detect movement and is easier to clean. The mechanical
mouse uses a rolling ball to detect movement. Generally, a mechanical mouse is
less expensive, although it may require regular cleaning to keep it working properly.

Traditionally, a mouse connects to the computer using

a USB or PS/2connection. However, you can also buy a wireless mouse, which
can reduce clutter on your desktop.

KINDS OF COMPUTER

Let us take a look at the different types of computers which will help us understand
their functions and what they are used for.

Personal Computer or PC A PC is a computer that is used by someone for his

personal use. It is a complete system in itself and its convenient size, price and
simple functions make it easy for the end-user to work on it without any
intervention from computer operators.
Desktop Any PC that is designed to be placed on a desk and not for portability is
called a desktop. Such computers are kept in a somewhat permanent location and
can be a little bulky. They usually have more power and storage compared to their
movable counterparts.
Laptop or Notebook A PC that can be moved around is called a laptop. It gets its
name from the fact that you can keep it on your lap and use it. It is also called a
notebook because you can carry the battery-operated device to classes or meetings
conveniently and store any notes or information in it. It integrates the monitor,
keyboard, pointing device, CPU, memory and hard drive in one system.
Netbook This is similar to a laptop, the only difference being that it is smaller in
size, which makes it even more portable. It is also less expensive and performs the
basic functions, but its internal parts are not as powerful as a desktop or laptop.
Workstation This computer is a desktop which is larger, consists of a more
powerful processor, greater memory space and extra ability to do specific kind of
work. Such a computer is used by programmers, game developers, video or sound
editors and graphic designers.
PDA A Personal Digital Assistant is a small, highly integrated computer usually
using flash memory for storage instead of a hard drive. It uses touchscreen
technology and doesnt have a keyboard. Those which use a digital pen for input are
called handheld computers. It is light, portable, has good battery life and fits within
your palm, because of which it is also called a palmtop.
Server The servers main purpose is to provide certain services to other
computers or a whole network of computers. It is much larger than any average
computer and generally a whole room is necessary to fit the whole server. It has
powerful processors, additional amount of memory and bigger hard drives.
Mainframe Mainframe computers are used by large companies and organisations
to perform critical tasks that involve bulk data processing like transaction
processing, census information, statistical data and so on. They consist of extensive
input and output facilities, are very stable and dependable and handle millions of
transactions every day.
Supercomputer This type of computer processes data much faster than a regular
system. It is the leader in processing capacity and costs millions of dollars. A
supercomputer is used for sensitive and calculation-intensive work such as scientific
research, physical simulation, climate studies, oil and natural gas exploration,
weather forecasting, quantum physics, to name a few.
Wearable Computer This device is worn on the body like a watch or visor and is
often used by military professionals or doctors to track human actions if their hands
are engaged in other activities. Smart watches and fabric PCs are examples of
wearable computers.