COMPUTER INTRODUCTION

BASICS OF COMPUTER AND ITS OPERATIONS

A computer is an electronic device that can receive, store, process, and

output data. In simple terms, it’s a machine that helps us perform all sorts of
tasks, from basic calculations to complex activities like playing games,
watching videos, or even running artificial intelligence programs.

Computers have two main parts: Hardware and Software

 Hardware refers to the physical parts of the computer, like the central
processing unit (CPU), memory, storage devices, input/output devices
(like keyboards and screens), and other peripherals (extra devices
connected to the computer).

 Software refers to the programs and applications that tell the

computer what to do. This includes things like the operating system
(such as Windows or macOS) and the apps you use for schoolwork,
games, and more.

Data and Information

Data and information are related concepts, but they have different
meanings. Data refers to raw facts and figures that are unorganized and
have no meaning on their own. Information, on the other hand, is data that
has been processed, organized, and given context to make it meaningful and
useful.

 Data can be numbers, words, images, or sounds. For example, a list of

sales figures is just data. On its own, it doesn’t tell us much. To make it
useful, we need to process and analyze it.

 Information is what we get after processing data. It’s organized in a

way that helps us understand something or answer a question. For
example, turning the sales numbers into a graph or chart shows trends
over time and gives us useful information about the company’s
performance.

In simple terms, data is just the raw facts, while information is what you
get after processing and organizing the data to make it meaningful and
helpful for making decisions.

Classification of Computers
Computers can be classified based on various factors, including their size,
functionality, purpose, and processing capabilities. Here's a breakdown
of the classification of computers:

 Based on Size and Power

 Based on Purpose

 Based on Data Handling

 Based on Architecture

 Based on Functionality

 Based on Usage

Please refer Classification of Computers for more details.

Peripheral Devices

Peripheral devices are external hardware components that are connected

to a computer to expand its functionality. These devices can be categorized
into input devices, output devices, and storage devices.

Here’s an overview of the main peripheral devices:

1. Input Devices

Input devices allow users to provide data and commands to the computer.

 Keyboard: Used to type text and enter commands into the computer.

 Mouse: A pointing device used to move the cursor and interact with
objects on the screen.

 Scanner: Converts physical documents and images into digital form.

 Microphone: Captures audio and converts it into digital data for the
computer to process.

 Digital Camera/Webcam: Captures video or images, often for video

conferencing or photography.

 Touchpad: A touch-sensitive surface used on laptops to move the

cursor and interact with the computer.

2. Output Devices

Output devices display or produce the results of a computer's processing.

  Monitor: A screen that displays visual output from the computer.

 Printer: A device that produces a physical copy (paper printout) of

documents, images, or graphics.

 Speakers: Convert digital audio data into sound so users can hear
music, videos, or other audio output.

 Headphones: Provide personal audio output by converting digital

sound signals into audible sound.

 Projector: Projects computer content (images, videos) onto a larger

screen or surface.

3. Storage Devices

Storage devices are used to store data for the computer.

 Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A traditional storage device that stores large
amounts of data on rotating disks.

 Solid-State Drive (SSD): A faster and more reliable storage device

that uses flash memory.

 USB Flash Drive: A portable storage device that connects via a USB
port to transfer and store data.

 Optical Disc Drives: Devices like CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives that read

and write data on optical discs.

 Memory Card: Small storage devices, like SD cards or microSD cards,

used in cameras, smartphones, and other portable devices.

4. Communication Devices

These devices help a computer connect with other devices or networks.

 Modem: A device that allows a computer to connect to the internet

over a phone or cable line.

 Router: A networking device that connects multiple devices to the

internet or a local network.

 Bluetooth Adapter: A device that allows a computer to communicate

wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Difference between RAM and Hard-disk

RAM Hard Disk

Hard-disk is an electromechanical
RAM is an electronic device
device

Electronic device are faster in Electro-mechanical device has speed

speed slower than Electronic device.

CPU is an electronic device,so it's Hard disk is an electro-mechanical

speed can match with device.Therefore,it's speed cannot
RAM.Therefore,CPU and RAM have be match by CPU and hence there is
connections and that connections no connection between hard-disk
is known as buses and CPU.

RAM is much faster than a hard- Hard-disk is a type of non-volatile

disk. RAM is a type of volatile storage that is much slower than
memory that can be accessed RAM. It is used for long-term storage
quickly by the CPU. This allows for of data that needs to be preserved
fast data processing and even when the computer is turned
multitasking. off.

Hard-disk is non-volatile, meaning

RAM is volatile, meaning that its that its contents are preserved even
contents are lost when the when the computer is turned off.
computer is turned off. This makes hard-disk an ideal choice
for long-term storage of data.

Note: CPU process the data, and to process that data we need fast speed
memory which is known as RAM.

Types of Software

Here are the main types of software

1. System Software
  Operating Systems (OS): Manages computer hardware and software
resources (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).

 Utility Software: Helps maintain and optimize the system (e.g.,

antivirus software, disk management tools).

 Device Drivers: Enable hardware components to work with the

operating system (e.g., printer drivers, graphics card drivers).

2. Application Software

 Productivity Software: Used for creating documents, presentations,

and managing data (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Docs).

 Multimedia Software: Used for creating, editing, and playing audio,

video, and images (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, VLC Media Player).

 Web Browsers: Software used to access and navigate the internet

(e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).

 Games: Entertainment software designed for gaming (e.g., Fortnite,

Minecraft).

 Educational Software: Used for learning or teaching purposes (e.g.,

Khan Academy, Duolingo).

3. Development Software

 Programming Languages: Tools used for writing software programs

(e.g., Python, Java, C++).

 Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Provide a platform

for developers to write and test code (e.g., Visual Studio, Eclipse).

 Database Management Software (DBMS): Manages data storage

and retrieval (e.g., MySQL, Oracle).

4. Firmware

 Embedded Software: Special software stored in hardware devices to

control them (e.g., software in washing machines, cameras, or smart
thermostats).

Also Read, What is Computer Software?

Difference between Hacker and Cracker

Aspect Hacker Cracker

Definiti Explores or improves Breaks into systems

on computer systems. maliciously.

Intent Ethical or unethical. Always malicious.

Learn, improve, solve Cause damage, gain

Goal problems. unauthorised access.

Basic Computer Operation

1. Booting up: This is the process of starting up the computer by loading

the operating system (OS) into memory. The computer runs a series of
checks to ensure all hardware is working correctly before loading the
OS.

2. Logging in: After booting up, you will need to log in to access your
user account. This requires entering your username and password.

3. Running programs: Once you have logged in, you can run programs
on your computer. Programs can include web browsers, office
applications, media players, and more.

4. Accessing data: You can access data stored on your computer or

other connected devices, such as external hard drives or cloud storage
services. This can include files, documents, photos, and other media.

5. Connecting to the internet: You can connect to the internet to

access websites, download files, and communicate with others online.
This typically involves using a web browser to access websites and
other online services.

6. Communicating with other devices: You can communicate with

other devices connected to your computer, such as printers, scanners,
or other peripherals. This allows you to print documents, scan images,
and perform other tasks.

7. Saving and backing up data: It's important to save and back up

your data regularly to avoid data loss. You can save data to your local
hard drive, external hard drives, or cloud storage services.
 8. Shutting down: When you're finished using your computer, you
should shut it down properly. This involves closing all programs and
files, saving any changes, and shutting down the OS.

9. Troubleshooting: If you experience issues with your computer, you

may need to troubleshoot the problem. This can involve diagnosing
hardware or software issues, performing updates, or reinstalling
drivers.

10. Security: It's important to keep your computer secure by using

antivirus software, firewalls, and other security measures. This helps
protect your data and prevent unauthorized access to your system.

Issues of Basic Computers and Computer Operations

some common issues that can arise with basic computers and computer
operations:

1. Slow performance: Computers can become slow and unresponsive

due to a variety of factors, such as lack of storage space, outdated
hardware, or malware.

2. Malware and viruses: Malware and viruses can infect computers and
cause a range of problems, including data loss, system crashes, and
identity theft.

3. Hardware failures: Computer hardware components can fail over

time, leading to issues like system crashes, data loss, and display
problems.

4. Software glitches: Software applications can sometimes malfunction

or crash, leading to issues like data loss or unresponsive programs.

5. Driver problems: Drivers are software components that enable

hardware devices to communicate with the operating system. If drivers
become outdated or corrupted, it can lead to issues like hardware
failures or system crashes.

6. Compatibility issues: Sometimes software applications or hardware

components may not be compatible with each other, leading to issues
like system crashes or display problems.

7. Internet connectivity issues: Problems with internet connectivity

can lead to issues like slow loading web pages, interrupted downloads,
and difficulty accessing online services.
 8. User error: Users can sometimes make mistakes or accidentally
delete files or programs, leading to issues like data loss or
unresponsive programs.

History of Computers

The history of computers can be traced back to the 19th century when
mechanical devices such as the Analytical Engine and tabulating
machines were developed. However, modern computers as we know them
today were developed in the mid-20th century with the invention of the
transistor and the development of integrated circuits.

Today, computers are widely used in various industries such as education,

finance, healthcare, and entertainment, and they have revolutionized the
way we live, work, and communicate. They have also given rise to a new era
of technology, such as the internet, cloud computing, and mobile devices,
which have further transformed our daily lives.

A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It

processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the
user and gives the desired output quickly.

A Computer can perform the following set of functions:

 Accept Data: A computer takes in data, like when you type on the
keyboard or click the mouse.

 Store Data: It saves the data so it can be used later.

 Process Data: The computer follows instructions to perform tasks, like

calculating numbers or displaying images.

 Retrieve Data: It can get the stored data when you need it again.

 Output Results: The computer shows or prints the results in a way

you can understand, like on the screen or on paper.