COMPUTER

Introduction Computer is an electronic device that can accept data, process it and give results after that processing. Uses of Computer The computer revolution is transforming the way we communicate, do business and learn. Computers are also widely used in industry for research and manufacturing. We can store data in a computer and retrieve stored data when we needed. We can send massages, to our friends, relatives and family, any where in the world by internet. Characteristics of Computer Speed: Computer works at a very high speed and much faster than human. A second is a large time for computer. Computer speed is measured in megabyte and gigabyte. Accuracy: Accuracy means provide results with out any errors (Computer can process large amount of data and generate error free results). Data Storage: Computer can store large amount of data permanently. Users can use this data at any time. We can store any type of data in computer for example text, graphics pictures, audio and video files can store easily. Efficiency: Efficiency is one of the most wonderful things about the computer. Computer can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Automation: Computer can repeat any option for more than once with a single instruction. Types of Computer Computers are divided into three types: Analog computer Digital computer Hybrid computer 1. Analog Computer Analog computers are devices which are used to measure continuous value thermometer is an example because it measures the length of a mercury column, which varies continuously. 2. Digital Computer
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Digital means discrete with digital signal everything is described in two states either on or off. A digital computer is based on the rule of counting 3. Hybrid Computer A computer that combines and digital computer is known as hybrid computer. Microprocessor Microprocessor of computer is also called CPU (Central Processing Unite) is the brain of computer sometimes referred to as the processor CPU consists of two unite named ALU (Arithmetic & Logic Unit) and CU (Central Unit). 1. Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) The part of CPU where data processing takes place is called ALU. 2. Central Unit (CU) Central Unit doesnt process data. It acts as a central Nervous System for the other data manipulating components of the computer. 3. Memory Unit (MU) CPU has its own memory to store data and instruction at the time of execution. This memory area is called MU or CPU Register. Memory Units are classified in two categories. 1. Primary Storage 2. Secondary Storage 1. Primary Storage Primary Storage or internal memory is computer memory that is accessible to the Central Processing Unit of a computer without the use of input/output channels. Primary Storage can be classified into two types a. Random Access Memory (RAM) b. Read Only Memory (ROM) a. Random Access Memory (RAM) Random Access Memory (RAM) is the specific are inside the computer. It is Read and Write memory, enables data to be both read and written on to the memory. b. Read Only Memory (ROM) A special, type of internal memory, can not be altered by the use. The contents of ROM non-volatile technology, are hard wired by the manufacturer and can be read only. 2. Secondary Storage
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Secondary storage also called auxiliary storage or mass storage holds data, instructions and information for future use. Floppy Disks With the advent of personal computers a way was needed to distribute software. The solution was found in the diskette or floppy disk, a small removable medium so called because the early ones were physically flexible. Hard Disk Hard Disk manufacturer are working continuously to achieve two objectives, to put more information in less disk space and to enable a more rapid transfer of that information to and from RAM. CD Rom With optical laser disk technology the read / write two lasers replace hard use in magnetic storage. USB Flash Drive It is small, light weight, and re-writeable. USB flash drives are faster, generally holds more data, and are more reliable then floppy disks, which were previously used for relatively quick portable storage. Input / Output Devices The devices used in computer system to enter data into a computer or extract data from a computer are known as I/O (Input / Output) devices respectively. Input Devices 1. Key Board The most common device for transferring user input to the computer system is key board. There are two types of key board Alphanumeric Key Board Special Function Key Board 2. Mouse Mouse is a pointing device an arrow appears on the screen which is called pointer. When mouse is rolled on the flat surface the pointer also rolls to the same direction. Left mouse button is used to select menu, object and also to run the application program. Right mouse button is used to display shortcut menus. Following are types of mouse: Joy Stick Track Ball Mouse Pen Track Pads
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3. Image Scanner A scanner uses laser technology to scan and digitize an image. The hard disk copy image is scanned and translated into an electronic format that can be interpreted by and stored on computer. Output Devices 1. Printer Printers are widely used to produce hard copy of image or text. There are two board categories of printers, impact and non-impact printers. It has four types: Dot Matrix Printer Inkjet Printers Laser Printers Plotters 2. Monitor The output device we are all most familiar with is the television like monitor which displays alphanumeric and graphic output. Display screen varies in size from 5 to 30 inches. Types of monitors: Monochrome and Colour Monitors Flat Panel Monitors Touch Screen Monitors 3. Speakers Speakers are also part of output devices. These help user to get the audio output. 4. Projector Projector is one more useful output device. With the help of projector, user can project his assignment, presentation, or simulation on a large screen. It is largely used in conferences, class rooms, and business meetings. Computer Software Computer Software refers to a collective set of instructions called programs that can be interpreted by a computer and cannot be touched by the human. Following are the basic types of software. System Software Application Software Utility Programs System Software System Software, which consist of programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices, service as interface between user and the computers hardware. These programs do not solve specific problems. They are general programs written to assist humans.
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Operating System (OS) / Operating Software An OS is an integrated set of programs that is used to manage the various resources and overall operations of the computer system. It is designed to support the activities of a computer installation. Disk Operating System (DOS) is very much popular operating system.

Contributed by: Attia Rabani