What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that processes data and performs tasks based on a set of
instructions called a program.
🔍 Definition:
“A computer is an electronic device that accepts data (input), processes it using a set of
instructions (program), stores the data, and gives the result as output.”
🧠 Basic Functions of a Computer:
1. Input – Taking data (e.g., via keyboard, mouse)
2. Processing – Performing calculations or decisions (via CPU)
3. Storage – Saving data temporarily (RAM) or permanently (Hard disk)
4. Output – Showing results (e.g., on monitor or printer)
5. Control – Managing the working of all components
🏗 Components of a Computer:
Hardware – Physical parts (Monitor, CPU, Mouse, etc.)
Software – Set of instructions/programs (Windows, MS Word, etc.)
📚 Types of Computers:
Desktop Computer
Laptop
Tablet
Server
Supercomputer
Embedded Systems (e.g., in washing machines, ATMs)
Computer Networking – Full Theory Notes
🔍 What is Networking?
Networking refers to the practice of connecting two or more computers and other devices to
share data, resources, and information.
“A computer network is a group of interconnected devices that can communicate and share
data and resources such as files, printers, and internet access.”
💡 Benefits of Networking
File and data sharing
Internet sharing
Centralized data management
Printer and device sharing
Communication (email, chat, video calls)
Data backup and security control
🧩 Types of Networks
Network Type Full Form Area Covered Example
Few meters (home,
PAN Personal Area Network Bluetooth headset, mobile
Bluetooth)
LAN Local Area Network Small area (office, school) Computer lab, office setup
Metropolitan Area
MAN City-wide coverage Cable TV network, city Wi-Fi
Network
Internet, bank ATM
WAN Wide Area Network Global coverage
network
🔌 Types of Networking Devices
1. NIC (Network Interface Card) – Enables a computer to connect to a network (wired
or wireless)
2. Modem – Converts digital signals to analog and vice versa (used for internet)
3. Router – Connects different networks and provides internet sharing
4. Switch – Connects multiple computers in a LAN and manages data traffic
5. Hub – Similar to switch but less intelligent; broadcasts data to all devices
6. Access Point (AP) – Extends wireless signal range
7. Repeater – Amplifies signals over long distances
8. Firewall – Controls network security and data access
📡 Transmission Media
A. Wired Media
Twisted Pair Cable (CAT5, CAT6 – Ethernet)
Coaxial Cable
Fiber Optic Cable (very high speed)
B. Wireless Media
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
Bluetooth
Infrared
Satellite
Mobile Networks (3G, 4G, 5G)
🔐 Network Topologies (Structure of a Network)
1. Bus Topology – Single backbone cable, simple but slow
2. Star Topology – All devices connected to a central switch/hub
3. Ring Topology – Data travels in a circular loop
4. Mesh Topology – Every device connected to every other device
5. Hybrid Topology – Combination of two or more topologies
📘 Networking Protocols
Protocol Use
TCP/IP Internet communication
HTTP Web browsing
FTP File transfer
SMTP Sending email
POP3/IMAP Receiving email
DNS Resolves domain names to IP
DHCP Assigns IP addresses automatically
🖧 IP Address
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique number given to every device on a network.
Example: 192.168.1.1
Types:
IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.0.1)
IPv6 (e.g., 2400:cb00:2048:1::c629:d7a2)
Network Security Concepts
Antivirus
Firewall
Password Protection
Encryption
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
🧑💻 Basic Networking Commands (Windows CMD)
ping [website/IP] – Tests connectivity
ipconfig – Shows local IP address
tracert [website] – Shows path to destination
nslookup [domain] – Finds domain's IP
netstat – Shows network connections
