INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

 What is a Computer?

A computer is a general purpose electronic device that accepts

data as input, processes that data using programs, and outputs the
processed data as information.
Many computers can store and retrieve information using
hard drives. Computers can be connected together to form
networks, allowing connected computers to communicate with
each other

1. TYPES OF COMPUTERS
There are mainly 4 types of computers:
1. Desktop
2. Laptops
3. Notebook
4. Net book

 1.1 Desktop
Many people use desktop computers at
work, home, and school. Desktop
computers are designed to be placed on a
desk, and they're typically made up of a
few different parts, including
the computer case, monitor, keyboard,
and mouse. 1
  1.2 Laptops

The second type of computer you may

be familiar with is a laptop
computer, commonly called a laptop.
Laptops are battery-powered
computers that are more
portable than desktops, allowing you
to use them almost anywhere.

 1.3 Notebook

A notebook computer is a
battery - or AC-powered
personal computer generally
smaller than a briefcase that can
easily be transported and
conveniently used in temporary
spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices, and at
meetings.
A laptop computer, or simply laptop, is a portable computer
which usually weighs 2 to 4 kilograms, depending on display size
(below 13inch), hardware, and other factors.

 1.4 Net book

A netbook is a type of laptop that is

slimmer, lighter, and offers a more simplified
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set of tools. Netbooks have a smaller screen
size (less than 12-inches) and smaller
keyboard size.
 Laptop computers, notebooks and netbooks use the same
basic form factor. The main differentiator is size. In
general, netbook computers are smaller and lighter
than notebook computers, which in turn are smaller and lighter
than laptops. But there are no specific size or weight classes for
computers.

2. HARDWARE V/S SOFTWARE

Computer hardware is any physical device used in or with
your machine, whereas software is a collection of programming
code installed on your computer's hard drive.
In other words, hardware is something you can hold in your
hand, whereas software cannot be held in your hand.

 2.1 HARDWARE COMPONENTS:

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2.1.1 Input Unit:
In computing, an input device is a piece of equipment used to
provide data and control signals to an information processing
system, such as a computer or information appliance.
Examples of input devices include keyboards, mouse,
scanners, digital cameras, joysticks, and microphone

2.1.2 Output Unit:

An output device is any piece of computer hardware

equipment which converts information into human-readable form.
It can be text, graphics, tactile, audio, and video. Some of
the output devices are Visual Display Units (VDU) i.e. a Monitor,
Printer, Graphic Output devices, Plotters, Speakers etc.
2.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the electronic circuit
responsible for executing the instructions of a computer program.
It is sometimes referred to as the microprocessor or processor.
CPU consist of two parts.
 2.1.3.1 Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
The ALU allows arithmetic (add, subtract etc) and logic (AND,
OR, NOT etc) operations to be carried out.
 2.1.3.2 Control Unit (CU)
The control unit controls the operation of the computer’s ALU,
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memory and input/output devices, telling them how to respond to
the program instructions it has just read and interpreted from the
memory unit. The control unit also provides the timing and control
signals required by other computer components.
2.1.4. Memory Unit

Memory unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate

results. This unit supplies information to other units of the
computer when needed.
It is also known as internal storage unit or the main memory
or the primary storage or Random Access Memory (RAM). Its
size affects speed, power, and capability.
Primary memory and secondary memory are two types of
memories in the computer.
Primary memory usually refers to Random
Access Memory (RAM), while secondary storage refers to devices
such as hard disk drives, solid state drives, removable "USB"
drives, CDs, and DVDs.

Kilobyte (KB) 1KB 1024Bytes

Megabyte (MB) 1MB 1024KB
GigaByte (GB) 1GB 1024MB
TeraByte (TB) 1TB 1024GB
PetaByte (PB) 1PB 1024TB

 2.2 SOFTWARE COMPONENTS

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Computer software may be broadly classified into 2 categories:

1. System Software
2. Application Software

2.2.1 System Software

System Software is the type of software which is the interface

between user and system. System software is used for operating
computer hardware. System software is installed on the computer
when operating system is installed.
Eg; Operating System, Programs etc..

2.2.2 Application Software

Application software is used by user to perform specific task.

Application software are installed according to user's
requirements. On other hand Application Software is the type of
software which runs as per user request. It runs on the platform
which is provide by system software.
Eg; Word, Excel, Whatsapp, FB etc...

3.OPERATING SYSTEM
An operating system is a program that acts as an interface
between the user and the computer hardware and controls the
execution of all kinds of programs.
An operating system is a software which performs all the 6
basic tasks like file management, memory management, process
management handling input and output, and controlling peripheral
devices such as disk drives and printers.

Some popular Operating Systems include Linux Operating

System, Windows Operating System, VMS, OS/400, AIX, z/OS,
etc ,
4. PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

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 A programming language is a type of written language that
tells computers what to do in order to work. Programming
languages are used to make all the computer programs and
computer software.
Usually, the programming language uses real words for some
of the commands, so that the language is easier for a human to
read.
A programming language is a formal language comprising a
set of instructions that produce various kinds of
output. Programming languages are used in computer
programming to implement algorithms. Most programming
languages consist of instructions for computers.

5.NETWORK
A network consists of two or more computers that are linked
in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange
files, or allow electronic communications.
The computers on a network may be linked through cables,
telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.
Two very common types of networks include:
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide area network (WAN)

You may also see references to a Wireless LAN (WLAN), or a

Wireless WAN (WWAN). 8
  Local Area Network

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to

a relatively small area. It is generally limited to a geographic area
such as a writing lab, school, or building.
LAN is secure because there is no outside connection with
the local area network thus the data which is shared is safe on the
local area network and can’t be accessed outside

 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

MAN network covers larger area by connections LANs to a

larger network of computers. In Metropolitan area network 9

various Local area networks are connected with each other

through telephone lines.
 The size of the Metropolitan area network is larger than
LANs and smaller than WANs(wide area networks), a MANs
covers the larger area of a city or town.

 Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wide area network provides long distance transmission of data.

The size of the WAN is larger than LAN and MAN. A WAN can
cover country, continent or even a whole world.
Internet connection is an example of WAN. Other examples of
WAN are mobile broadband connections such as 3G, 4G etc.

6. CLIENT/SERVER NETWORK

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 A computer network in which one centralized, powerful
computer (called the server) is a hub to which many less powerful
personal computers or workstations (called clients) are connected.
The clients run programs and access data that are stored on the
server.

Advantages Disadvantages
All files are stored in a central A specialist network operating
location system is needed
Network peripherals are The server is expensive to
controlled centrally purchase
Backups and network security Specialist staff such as a network
is controlled centrally manager is needed
Users can access shared data If any part of the network fails a
which is centrally controlled lot of disruption can occur

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