Fundamental of Computer
What is Computer ?
The word computer is derived from the Latin word "Computar" which means to
calculate. A Computer is an electronic data processing device, which can perform any
kind of arithmetic and logical operations all under the control of set of instructions
called program. Computer is an electronic device, which can read, write and gives the
valuable result after processing the raw data.
So, a Computer is an electronic machine that helps us to solve the problem.
History of Computer
1. Abacus
In early days, people used pebbles or beads on a counting board to carry out simple
calculating. This tool is called abacus. This device is used to do add and subtraction.
2. Napier's bone
John Napier invented a device in 1614 Called Logarithm to do quick multiplication and
division. The device is more popular with the name of Napier's Bone.
3. Slide Rules
In 1620, Slide rule was developed by William Oughtred, UK which is an analog device.
4. Pascaline
The first real calculating machine that could add and subtract was a mechanical
calculator called Pascal's adding machine or Pascaline invented by a French scientist
Blaise Pascal in 1642. The calculating machine could perform add and subtraction up to
8 digits.
5. Leibniz's Calculator
The first calculator that could perform automatic addition, subtraction as well as
multiplication and division was developed by a German Philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm
von Leibniz.
6. Babbage's Analytical Engine
In 1812, another interesting development took place in the history of computers. Charles
Babbage, an English Mathematicians invented the differential Engine. Babbage still
wanted to design a bigger machine, called Analytical Engine. The idea of an Analytical
Engine developed in 1833 was considered is a most significant step in the history of
computer because of his idea only the dream of modern
Computer has come true. That's why he is famous as a "Father of Computer". The
Analytical Machine can perform difficult calculations quickly and accurately. His
concept of Binary system is still being used in present day computer.
7. Lady Augustaign.
Babbage's idea of analytical engine didn't become reality until his death. But Lady
Augusta was successful in discovering some of the key elements of programming .So
she is known as "First `Programmer" of the world.
8. Dr. Horman Hollerith
In 1880, Dr. Horman Hollerith had developed a series of electrical machines to perform
adding and counting operation on data stored on punched card. In 1896, he formed a
company named Tabulating Machine Company. In 1923, This Company merged with
other two companies, and incorporated as CTR (Computing Tabulating Recording). In
1924 CTR was changed in to the name of International Business Machine (IBM). This
company than and now is the most popular and biggest business equipped company in
the world.
9. Electro mechanical
In 1937, Pro. Howard Aiker built a calculation machine combining electrical and
mechanical technology with Hollerith's punched card techniques. This machine could
perform automatic calculation. This is known as Mark-I. This machine was 51 ft. long 3
ft. wide and 8 ft. height and 7 lakh 50 thousands parts and connecting cables were
nearly 500 miles long. This machine had weight of 32 tones. This machine took 1
second to do three additions and 4.5 seconds for one multiplication.
10. Electronic computer
In 1949, J.P. Eckert and J.W. Mauchly made the very first electronical computer named
UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer). This computer was being used in the
census bureau of U.S.
History of Computer in Nepal
Although the first electronic digital computer was built in the mid of 1940's Computer
was introduced in Nepal in the year 1972 only.
It was introduced by HMG for the Census of 1972. HMG had paid Rs. One lakh twenty
five thousands per month as rent for this computer.
1. Feature of Computer
(A) Speed
The speed of Computer is very fast. The oldest computer is less speed than
today's latest Computer.
(B) Accuracy
The results of the computer is 100% right. Computer process our raw data and
gives the valuable result which never be false.
C) Storage Capacity
Computer has high storage capacity. All data and documents are stored in a
small device which calls "Hard Disk"
1 Character =
1024 bytes = 1K.B (Kilo Byte)
1024 KB = 1M.B (Mega Byte)
1024 MB = 1 G.B (Giga Byte)
1024 GB = 1 T.B (Terra Byte)
D) Consistency
Computer is a machine so it doesn't tired but it doesn't work when many
Programme open at once.
E ) Flexibility
Computer has highly flexibility so many Programmer are add and remove
from it.
2. Parts of Computer
A) Monitor
Monitor is the display device which connected with the CPU. It is also
called visual display unit (VDU)
It displays the result which input from the keyboard and mouse so that it is
called output device.
B) Key board
Key board is a main input device. Key board gives the data to the computer
for processing. In the latest normal keyboard have about 108 keys.
C) Mouse
Mouse is also input Device. In the simple mouse has 3 buttons. In the previous
time computers are used only key boards with out mouse. Now a days we can also
used computer with out mouse beside drawing.
D) CPU Box
The Full form of CPU is Central Processing Unit. It is the body of the computer.
It is called also casing. The CPU performs all the functions of processing,
interpretation before the shows from monitor and after input the data from input
device.
E) CD Rom Device
It is used for reading the data from CD and shows to the screen. It is mostly used
to record the programme and also heard the song and also to see the film. The Full
form of ROM is Read only memory.
F) CD
CD is called Compact Disk. CD store more than 600-700 mb quantity of data. CD
may be programmes CD, films CD, Songs CD.
G) Floppy Drive
Floppy Drive is set in the CPU box. Where we can put the floppy Disk. We can
use 3½ Floppy Disk in floppy drive.
H) Hard Disk
Hard disk is a data storage device where we can store so many bigger sizes of
data permanently.
The capacity of hard disk may be 10gb, 20gb, 30gb, 40gb etc.
I) Sound box
Sound box is a speaker which is in under the CPU box from where the sound was
display.
K) Printer
Printer is that kind of device which prints our document which we want to print.
It is also an output device.
The Mainly used printers are:
1) Dot Matrix
2) Ink jet printer
3) Laser Beam Printer
4) Bubble jet printer
L) Scanner
It is an input device from which pictures, photos send to the computer and which we
can store in our hard disk.
