Name

:-

Bharti S. Chaudhari

Class

:-

Bsc 2nd Year Sem III (CS)

Subject

:-

C.S. Assignment

Submited By

Guided By

Bharti S. Chaudhari

Mr. Dev Shahare

Introduction to Computers

1. Explain the importance of

computer literacy
2. Define the term computer
3. Identify the components of a

Overview

computer
4. Explain why a computer is a
powerful tool
5. Differentiate among the various
types of software

6. Explain the purpose of a

network
7. Discuss the uses of the Internet
and the World Wide Web
8. Describe the categories of
computers and their uses
9. Identify the various types of
computer users
10. Understand how a user can be a
Web publisher

This chapter presents a broad survey of concepts and terminology related to

computers. The idea of computer literacy is introduced. You discover what a computer is and
what it does. You learn about the components of a computer, the power of computers,
computer software, and networks and the Internet. Categories of computers are identified,
including personal computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers.
You discover how people employ computers, from home users to large business users.
Finally, you learn how people use computers to provide information. Reading and
understanding the material in this chapter should help you better understand these topics as
they are presented in more detail in the following chapters.

Explain The Importance Of Computer Literacy

Computers have touched every part of our lives: the way we work, the way we learn,

the way we live, even the way we play. It almost is impossible to go through a single day
without encountering a computer, a device dependent on a computer, information produced
by a computer, or a word that was introduced or whose meaning has changed with the advent
of computers. Because of the significance of computers in todays world, it is important to be
computer literate. Being computer literate means you have knowledge and understanding of
computers and their uses.

Define The Term Computer

A computer is an electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions

stored in its own memory, that can accept data, manipulate the data according to specified
rules, produce results, and store the results for future use. Computers process data to create
information. Data is

collection

of

raw

unprocessed

facts,

figures,

and

symbols. Information is data that is organized, meaningful, and useful. To process data into
information, a computer uses hardware and software.Hardware is the electric, electronic,
and mechanical equipment that makes up a computer.Software is the series of instructions
that tells the hardware how to perform tasks.

Identify The Components Of A Computer

Computer hardware components include input devices, output devices, a system unit,

storage devices, and communications devices. An input device is any hardware component
that allows a user to enter data and instructions into a computer. Six commonly used input
devices are the keyboard, mouse, microphone,
scanner, digital camera, and PC camera.
An output device is any hardware component
that can convey information to a user. Three
commonly used output devices are a printer, a
monitor, and speakers.
The system unit is a box-like case
made from metal or plastic that protects the internal electronic components of the computer

from damage. The system unit contains the central processing unit and memory. The central
processing unit (CPU) is the electronic device that interprets and carries out the basic
instructions that operate the computer. Memory is a temporary holding place for data and
instructions.
A storage device records and retrieves data to and from a storage medium. Six
common storage devices are a floppy disk drive, a Zip drive, a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM
drive, a CD-RW drive, a DVD-ROM drive, and a DVD+RW drive. A communications
device enables computer users to communicate and exchange items such as data, instructions,
and information with another computer. A modem is a communications device that enables
computers to communicate usually via telephone lines or cable.

Types of Computers
Computer: Definition
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to manipulate symbols.
Its principal characteristics are:

It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.

It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).

It can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.

Therefore computers can perform complex and repetitive procedures quickly,

precisely and reliably. Modern computers are electronic and digital. The actual
machinery (wires, transistors, and circuits) is called hardware; the instructions and
data are called software. All general-purpose computers require the following
hardware components:

Central processing unit (CPU): The heart of the computer, this is the
component that actually executes instructions organized in programs
("software") which tell the computer what to do.

Memory (fast, expensive, short-term memory): Enables a computer to store,

at least temporarily, data, programs, and intermediate results.

Mass storage device (slower, cheaper, long-term memory): Allows a

computer to permanently retain large amounts of data and programs between
jobs. Common mass storage devices include disk drives and tape drives.

Input device: Usually a keyboard and mouse, the input device is the conduit
through which data and instructions enter a computer.

Output device: A display screen, printer, or other device that lets you see
what the computer has accomplished.

In addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic
components to work together efficiently. For example, every computer requires a
bus that transmits data from one part of the computer to another.

Computer sizes and power

Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there
is considerable overlap:

Personal

computer:

small,

single-user

computer

based

on

microprocessor.

Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a

personal computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and, in
general, a higher-quality monitor.

Minicomputer: A multi-user computer capable of supporting up to hundreds

of users simultaneously.

Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many

hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.

Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of

millions of instructions per second.

Supercomputer and Mainframe

Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest computers currently
available. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized
applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations (number
crunching). For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses
of supercomputers scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic
calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological
data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting). Perhaps the best known supercomputer
manufacturer is Cray Research.

Mainframe was a term originally referring to the cabinet containing the central
processor unit or "main frame" of a room-filling Stone Age batch machine. After
the emergence of smaller "minicomputer" designs in the early 1970s, the
traditional big iron machines were described as "mainframe computers" and
eventually just as mainframes. Nowadays a Mainframe is a very large and
expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is
that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast
as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs
concurrently. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers
because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can
execute a single program faster than a mainframe. The distinction between small
mainframes and minicomputers is vague, depending really on how the
manufacturer wants to market its machines.

Minicomputer
It is a midsize computer. In the past decade, the distinction between large
minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction
between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is
a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from up to 200 users
simultaneously.

Workstation
It is a type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM),
desktop publishing, software development, and other types of applications that
require a moderate amount of computing power and relatively high quality
graphics capabilities. Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution
graphics screen, at large amount of RAM, built-in network support, and a graphical
user interface. Most workstations also have a mass storage device such as a disk
drive, but a special type of workstation, called a diskless workstation, comes
without a disk drive. The most common operating systems for workstations are
UNIX and Windows NT. Like personal computers, most workstations are singleuser computers. However, workstations are typically linked together to form a
local-area network, although they can also be used as stand-alone systems.
N.B.: In networking, workstation refers to any computer connected to a local-area
network. It could be a workstation or a personal computer.

Personal computer:
It can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an
individual user. In price, personal computers range anywhere from a few hundred
pounds to over five thousand pounds. All are based on the microprocessor
technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip.
Businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop
publishing, and for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At
home, the most popular use for personal computers is for playing games and
recently for surfing the Internet.
Personal computers first appeared in the late 1970s. One of the first and
most popular personal computers was the Apple II, introduced in 1977 by Apple
Computer. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, new models and competing

operating systems seemed to appear daily. Then, in 1981, IBM entered the fray
with its first personal computer, known as the IBM PC. The IBM PC quickly
became the personal computer of choice, and most other personal computer
manufacturers fell by the wayside. P.C. is short for personal computer or IBM PC.
One of the few companies to survive IBM's onslaught was Apple Computer, which
remains a major player in the personal computer marketplace. Other companies
adjusted to IBM's dominance by building IBM clones, computers that were
internally almost the same as the IBM PC, but that cost less. Because IBM clones
used the same microprocessors as IBM PCs, they were capable of running the
same software. Over the years, IBM has lost much of its influence in directing the
evolution of PCs. Therefore after the release of the first PC by IBM the term PC
increasingly came to mean IBM or IBM-compatible personal computers, to the
exclusion of other types of personal computers, such as Macintoshes. In recent
years, the term PC has become more and more difficult to pin down. In general,
though, it applies to any personal computer based on an Intel microprocessor, or on
an Intel-compatible microprocessor. For nearly every other component, including
the operating system, there are several options, all of which fall under the rubric of
PC
Today, the world of personal computers is basically divided between Apple
Macintoshes and PCs. The principal characteristics of personal computers are that
they are single-user systems and are based on microprocessors. However, although
personal computers are designed as single-user systems, it is common to link them
together to form a network. In terms of power, there is great variety. At the high
end, the distinction between personal computers and workstations has faded. Highend models of the Macintosh and PC offer the same computing power and graphics
capability as low-end workstations by Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and
DEC.

Personal Computer Types

Actual personal computers can be generally classified by size and chassis / case. The
chassis or case is the metal frame that serves as the structural support for electronic
components. Every computer system requires at least one chassis to house the circuit boards
and wiring. The chassis also contains slots for expansion boards. If you want to insert more
boards than there are slots, you will need an expansion chassis, which provides additional
slots. There are two basic flavors of chassis designsdesktop models and tower modelsbut
there are many variations on these two basic types. Then come the portable computers that
are computers small enough to carry. Portable computers include notebook and subnotebook
computers, hand-held computers, palmtops, and PDAs.
TOWER MODEL
The term refers to a computer in which the power supply, motherboard, and mass
storage devices are stacked on top of each other in a cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop
models, in which these components are housed in a more compact box. The main advantage
of tower models is that there are fewer space
constraints, which makes installation of additional
storage devices easier.
DESKTOP MODEL
A computer designed to fit comfortably on
top of a desk, typically with the monitor sitting on
top of the computer. Desktop model computers are broad and low, whereas tower model
computers are narrow and tall. Because of their shape, desktop model computers are
generally limited to three internal mass storage devices. Desktop models designed to be very
small are sometimes referred to as slimline models.

 NOTEBOOK COMPUTER
An extremely lightweight personal computer. Notebook computers typically weigh
less than 6 pounds and are small enough to fit easily in a briefcase. Aside from size, the
principal difference between a notebook computer and a personal computer is the display
screen. Notebook computers use a variety of techniques, known as flat-panel technologies, to
produce a lightweight and non-bulky display screen. The quality of notebook display screens
varies considerably. In terms of computing power, modern notebook computers are nearly
equivalent to personal computers. They have the same CPUs, memory capacity, and disk
drives. However, all this power in a small package is expensive. Notebook computers cost
about twice as much as equivalent regular-sized computers. Notebook computers come with
battery packs that enable you to run them without plugging them in. However, the batteries
need to be recharged every few hours.

 LAPTOP COMPUTER
A small, portable computer -- small enough that it can sit on your lap. Nowadays,
laptop computers are more frequently called notebook computers.
SUBNOTEBOOK COMPUTER
A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-sized notebook
computer. Typically, subnotebook computers have a smaller keyboard and screen, but are
otherwise equivalent to notebook computers.
HAND-HELD COMPUTER
A portable computer that is small enough to be held in ones hand. Although
extremely convenient to carry, handheld computers have not replaced notebook computers
because of their small keyboards and screens. The most popular hand-held computers are
those that are specifically designed to provide PIM (personal information manager) functions,
such as a calendar and address book. Some manufacturers are trying to solve the small
keyboard problem by replacing the keyboard with an electronic pen. However, these penbased devices rely on handwriting recognition technologies, which are still in their infancy.
Hand-held computers are also called PDAs, palmtops and pocket computers.
PALMTOP
A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size computers,
palmtops are severely limited, but they are practical for certain functions such as phone books
and calendars. Palmtops that use a pen rather than a keyboard for input are often called handheld computers or PDAs. Because of their small size, most palmtop computers do not include
disk drives. However, many contain PCMCIA slots in which you can insert disk drives,
modems, memory, and other devices. Palmtops are also called PDAs, hand-held computers
and pocket computers.

 PDA
Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing,
telephone/fax, and networking features. A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax
sender, and personal organizer. Unlike portable computers, most PDAs are pen-based, using a
stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This means that they also incorporate handwriting
recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to voice input by using voice recognition
technologies. The field of PDA was pioneered by Apple Computer, which introduced the
Newton MessagePad in 1993. Shortly thereafter, several other manufacturers offered similar
products. To date, PDAs have had only modest success in the marketplace, due to their high
price tags and limited applications. However, many experts believe that PDAs will eventually
become common gadgets.
PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers.