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MEHWISH LAGHARI
BATCH:2024
SEMESTER : ONE
DEPARTMENT : LLB

Subject : Skills Development

Assignment Title
Introduction to Computer and its components

Submitted to Mam Taskeen

Submitted by Mehwish Laghari
Submission date : 6 Sep 2024

ECOLE LAW COLLEGE

Affiliated with University of Sindh , Jamshoro

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Contents
1. Introduction..........3
ABBREVATION OF WORD COMPUTER: 3
Definition of a Computer...........................................................................................................................................4
3. Major Components of a Computer System........................................................................................................5
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1. Introduction

A computer is an electronic device that processes data and performs a wide range of tasks
according to a set of instructions known as programs. Computers have become an integral
part of modern society, playing a pivotal role in fields such as education, healthcare,
business, and entertainment. The ability to perform complex calculations at high speed,
store vast amounts of data, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously makes computers
indispensable tools.

ABBREVATION OF WORD COMPUTER:

The term "computer" is not an acronym, so it doesn't have an official full form. However,
there are creative or unofficial full forms that people sometimes use to describe its
functionality. One such popular full form is:

Common
Operating
Machine
Particularly
Used for
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Technological
Education and

DERIVATION OF WORD COMPUTER :

The word "computer" is derived from the Latin term "computare," which means "to
calculate" or "to count." Historically, the term was used to describe people who performed
mathematical calculations by hand. Over time, as mechanical and electronic devices were
developed to automate these calculations, the term "computer" began to be applied to the
machines themselves. By the mid-20th century, the word "computer" came to refer
exclusively to these programmable electronic devices capable of processing data and
performing a wide range of tasks

Definition of a Computer

A computer is an electronic device that processes data and converts it into meaningful
information. It operates through the interaction of hardware and software, which work
together to perform tasks efficiently. According to Stallings (2019), a computer follows a set
of instructions provided by software to process data, which makes it a versatile tool in the
modern world
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3. Major Components of a Computer System

A computer system consists of several interconnected components that perform specific

functions. These components are broadly categorized into input devices, output devices,
the CPU, memory, storage devices, and communication devices.

1. INPUT DEVICES : Input devices are used to send data to the computer.
Examples include the keyboard, mouse, scanner, and microphone. These devices
convert user actions into data that the computer can process. As explained by
Tanembaum and Wetherall (2020), input devices serve as the first step in the
interaction between the user and the computer. [2]

2. Output Devices: Output devices display or project the results of the computer's
processes. Common output devices include monitors, printers, and speakers. These
devices help in visualizing the data in a human-readable format.
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3. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU, often called the brain of the computer,
is responsible for executing instructions and processing data. It consists of the
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and registers. Patterson and
Hennessy (2021) describe the CPU as the component that manages the flow of data
within the system and performs all computational tasks
4. Memory (Primary and Secondary): Memory is an essential component for
storing data
temporarily or permanently. Primary memory includes RAM (Random Access
Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory), which are used for short-term storage.

Secondary memory, such as hard drives and SSDs (Solid-State Drives), stores data
for long-term use.
5. Storage Devices: Storage devices hold data and programs for future use. These
include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), optical drives, and
external storage devices. The speed and efficiency of a computer often depend on
its storage capabilities
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Communication Devices:
Communication devices such as network cards and modems enable computers to
communicate with other devices over a network. These devices are crucial for internet
connectivity and data sharing.

REFERENCES:
 Stallings, W. (2019). Computer Organization and Architecture: Designing for Performance. Pearson.
 Patterson, D. A., & Hennessy, J. L. (2021). Computer Organization and Design: The
Hardware/Software Interface. Morgan Kaufmann.
 Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. (2020). Computer Networks. Pearson.