Computer Fundamentals

Computer Fundamentals Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and saves output for the 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: Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of the computer system. Output: Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also called as result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the 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 Software gives "intelligence" to the computer. ·         USER = Person, who operates computer. Major parts of the Computer Input Devices: 1. Mouse 2. Keyboard 3. Scanner 4. Digital Camera 5. Web Camera 6. Joysticks 7. Track Ball 8. Touch Pad/ Screen 9. Light Pen 10. Bar Code Reader 11. Microphone 12. Graphics Tablets 13. Magnetic Ink Character Reader (Used in Bank) 14. Optical Mark Reader (Used for Answer- Sheet Marking Purpose) 15. Magnetic Card Reader (Used in Shops, Colleges, Stations etc) 16. Biometric Devices 17. Bluetooth Central Processing Unit (CPU): The main unit inside the computer is the CPU. This unit is responsible for all events inside the computer. It controls all internal and external devices, performs arithmetic and logic operations. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the device that interprets and executes instructions. Output Devices: 1. Monitor 2. Printer (Dot Matrix) 3. Projector Ink Jet 4. Plotter Laser 5. Speaker Storage Devices: 1. Primary memory (Main memory) A. RAM (Random Access Memory / Read-Write Memory) B. ROM (Read-Only-Memory) 2. Secondary memory (Storage devices) Hard Disk (Local Disk) Optical Disks: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW Pen Drive Zip Drive Floppy Disks Memory Cards External Hard Disk Peripheral Devices: The Modem/ Internet Adapter Switches/ Hub Router TV Tuner Card Internal Components: The Mother Board Expansion Slots CMOS Battery Cooling Fan Network Card Graphics Card Power Supply Unit (SMPS) Memory Slots