Computer Fundamentals Part1

Objective:

v To impart in-depth knowledge of computer-related basic terminologies.

v To inculcate the skills of implementation of basic theory in troubleshooting the software & hardware problems.

What is Computer?

The computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes these data under the control of a set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and saves the output for future use. It can process both numerical and non-numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations.

A computer has four functions: a. accepts data	Input
b. processes data	Processing
c. produces output	Output
d. stores results	Storage

Input (Data):

Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the collection of letters, numbers, images etc.

Process:

The process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is a totally internal process of the computer system.

Output:

The output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. The output is also called as Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for future use.

Computer System

All of the components of a computer system can be summarized with the simple equations.

COMPUTER SYSTEM = HARDWARE + SOFTWARE+ USER

• Hardware = Internal Devices + Peripheral Devices

All physical parts of the computer (or everything that we can touch) are known as Hardware.

• Software = Programs

The software gives "intelligence" to the computer.

• USER = Person, who operates the computer.

Generation of computer:

First Generation (1940-56):

The first generation computers used vacuum tubes & machine language was used for giving the instructions. These computers were large in size & their programming was a difficult task. The electricity consumption was very high. Some computers of this generation are ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC & UNIVAC-1.

Second Generation(1956-63):

In 2^nd generation computers, vacuum tubes were replaced by transistors. They required only 1/10 of power required by tubes. This generation of computers generated less heat & were reliable. The first operating system developed in this generation.

The Third Generation(1964-71):

The 3^rd generation computers replaced transistors with Integrated circuit known as chip. From Small scale integrated circuits which had 10 transistors per chip, technology developed to MSI circuits with 100 transistors per chip. These computers were smaller, faster & more reliable. High-level languages invented in this generation.

The fourth Generation(1972- present):

LSI & VLSI were used in this generation. As result microprocessors came into existence. The computers using this technology known to be Micro Computers. High capacity hard disk was invented. There is a great development in data communication.

The Fifth Generation (Present & Beyond):

Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there are some applications, such as voice recognition, that is being used today. The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality. Quantum computation and molecular and nanotechnology will radically change the face of computers in years to come.

ARCHITECTURE OF COMPUTER

Input Devices: Those devices which help to enter data into the computer system. Eg. Keyboard, Mouse, Touchscreen, Barcode Reader, Scanner, MICR, OMR etc.