Introduction To Computing Applications

Chapter No.1.
Computer And Its Components

Computer
A computer is an electronic device designed to process data and perform a variety of tasks based on a set of
instructions called programs.

Components :
It consists of two components: hardware
Components
of Computer
software

1. Hardware:
- **Central Processing Unit (CPU):** The brain of the computer that performs calculations and executes
instructions.

- **Memory (RAM):** Temporary storage for data and instructions currently in use.

- **Storage:** Long-term data storage devices like hard drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD).

- **Input Devices:** Tools used to input data into a computer, such as a keyboard and mouse.

- **Output Devices:** Tools that output data from a computer, such as monitors and printers.

2. Software:
_System software

Operating System (OS):Manages hardware resources and provides a user interface (e.g., Windows, mac
OS, Linux).

- Applications software :

Programs designed to perform specific tasks (e.g., word processors, web browsers).

Types of Computers:
Computers can be classified into various types;

_personal computers (PCs)

_laptops
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_ tablets

_servers

_super computers

Input Devices:

Input devices are hardware components used to provide data and control signals to a computer system. They
allow users to interact with the computer and enter information for processing.

1. **Keyboard**

- **Description**: A device with keys for typing text, numbers, and special characters.

- **Use**: Text input, command execution, data entry.

2. **Mouse**

- **Description**: A pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion.

- **Use**: Navigating the graphical user interface (GUI), selecting objects, executing commands.

3. **Touchscreen**

- **Description**: A display screen that also serves as an input device by responding to touch.

- **Use**: Direct interaction with the display, common in smartphones, tablets, and some laptops.

4. **Scanner**

- **Description**: A device that captures images, text, or objects and converts them into digital format.

- **Use**: Digitizing documents, photos, barcodes.

5. **Microphone**

- **Description**: A device that captures audio input.

- **Use**: Voice recording, voice commands, communication.

6. **Webcam**
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- **Description**: A camera that captures video input.

- **Use**: Video conferencing, streaming, recording.

7. **Game Controller**

- **Description**: A device used to control video games, including gamepads, joysticks, and steering
wheels.

- **Use**: Gaming input, controlling in-game actions.

8. **Graphics Tablet**

- **Description**: A device that allows users to draw on a flat surface and have their drawings appear on
the computer screen.

- **Use**: Digital art, design, handwriting input.

9. **Biometric Devices**

- **Description**: Devices that capture biometric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris
scans.

- **Use**: Security authentication, access control.

Output Devices:

Output devices are hardware components that convey information from a computer system to the user or
another device. They present processed data in a human-readable or machine-readable form.

1. **Monitor**

- **Description**: A display screen that presents visual output from the computer.

- **Use**: Viewing text, images, videos, and the graphical user interface.

2. **Printer**

- **Description**: A device that produces a physical copy of digital documents or images.

- **Use**: Printing documents, photos, reports.

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3. **Speakers**

- **Description**: Devices that produce audio output.

- **Use**: Listening to music, audio from videos, alerts, and notifications.

4. **Headphones**

- **Description**: Personal audio output devices worn over or in the ears.

- **Use**: Private listening to audio from the computer, gaming, communication.

5. **Projector**

- **Description**: A device that projects visual output onto a larger surface, such as a screen or wall.

- **Use**: Presentations, watching videos, educational purposes.

6. **Plotter**

- **Description**: A device that produces large-scale graphics or designs, often used in engineering and
architecture.

- **Use**: Printing blueprints, CAD drawings, posters.

7. **Braille Reader**

- **Description**: A device that converts digital text into braille, allowing visually impaired users to read
via touch.

- **Use**: Accessibility for visually impaired users, reading digital content.

8. **VR Headset**

- **Description**: A device that provides immersive virtual reality experiences.

- **Use**: Gaming, virtual tours, simulations, training.

Combination Input/Output Devices

Some devices function as both input and output devices, allowing for interactive and bidirectional
communication.
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1. **Touchscreen**

- **Description**: Acts as both an input device (touch interaction) and output device (display).

- **Use**: Smartphones, tablets, interactive kiosks.

2. **Network Interface Card (NIC)**

- **Description**: Enables computers to connect to a network, transmitting and receiving data.

- **Use**: Internet access, file sharing, network communication.

3. **Multifunction Printers**

- **Description**: Devices that combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing.

- **Use**: Office tasks, document management.

Note: Understanding input and output devices is essential for effectively interacting with and utilizing
computer systems.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) :

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is often referred to as the “brain” of a computer. It is responsible for
executing instructions from computer programs, performing calculations, and managing data flow within
the computer system. The CPU plays a crucial role in the overall performance of a computer.

1. **Functions of a CPU**

- **Instruction Fetching**: The CPU retrieves instructions from the computer’s memory. These
instructions are part of the software applications running on the computer.

- **Instruction Decoding**: Once an instruction is fetched, the CPU decodes it to understand what action
is required. This step involves translating the instruction into a series of signals that can be executed by
the CPU’s components.

- **Instruction Execution**: The decoded instructions are then executed. This could involve performing
arithmetic operations, moving data from one location to another, or controlling other parts of the
computer.
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- **Data Storage and Retrieval**: The CPU temporarily stores data in registers, which are small, fast
storage locations within the CPU. It also interacts with the main memory (RAM) to read and write data as
needed.

- **Control Unit Operations**: The CPU’s control unit coordinates the actions of the CPU and other
components of the computer. It manages the flow of data and instructions, ensuring that all parts of the
system work together efficiently.

- **Arithmetic and Logic Operations**: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) within the CPU performs
mathematical calculations and logical operations, such as addition, subtraction, AND, OR, and NOT
operations.

2. **Types of CPUs**

- **Single-Core CPUs**:

- **Description**: These CPUs have a single processing core that can handle one task at a time. They
were common in earlier computers.

- **Usage**: Single-core CPUs are less common today but may still be found in some very basic or older
devices.

- **Multi-Core CPUs**:

- **Description**: Multi-core CPUs contain two or more cores on a single chip. Each core can
independently execute instructions, allowing the CPU to handle multiple tasks simultaneously (parallel
processing).

- **Usage**: These are common in modern computers, smartphones, and tablets, improving performance
for multitasking and complex applications.

- **Examples**: Dual-core, quad-core, hexa-core, octa-core processors.

- **Hyper-Threading CPUs**:

- **Description**: Hyper-threading is a technology that allows a single CPU core to handle two threads
simultaneously, effectively allowing the CPU to perform more tasks at once.

- **Usage**: Found in many Intel processors, hyper-threading improves performance, especially in

multitasking environments.

- **Example**: Intel Core i7 processors with hyper-threading technology.

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- **RISC vs. CISC CPUs**:

- **RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)**:

- **Description**: RISC processors use a small set of simple instructions that can be executed very
quickly.

- **Usage**: Common in mobile devices, embedded systems, and some servers. ARM processors, used in
most smartphones, are based on RISC architecture.

- **CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer)**:

- **Description**: CISC processors use a larger set of more complex instructions, which can
accomplish more in a single command.

- **Usage**: Common in personal computers and laptops. Intel and AMD x86 processors are based on
CISC architecture.

- **Integrated vs. Discrete CPUs**:

- **Integrated CPUs**:

- **Description**: These CPUs have the graphics processing unit (GPU) integrated into the same chip,
sharing resources like memory.

- **Usage**: Common in laptops, tablets, and budget desktops, where power efficiency and cost are
important.

- **Discrete CPUs**:

- **Description**: Discrete CPUs do not have an integrated GPU, so they are used in systems with
separate, dedicated graphics cards.

- **Usage**: Common in high-performance gaming PCs, workstations, and servers, where graphics
and processing power are paramount.

- **Server CPUs**:

- **Description**: Designed for use in servers, these CPUs are optimized for handling multiple tasks,
virtual machines, and heavy workloads simultaneously.

- **Usage**: Found in data centers and enterprise environments.

- **Example**: Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC processors.

- **Mobile CPUs**:

- **Description**: Mobile CPUs are designed for power efficiency, balancing performance with battery
life in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

- **Usage**: Found in smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

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- **Examples**: Qualcomm Snapdragon, Apple A-series, ARM Cortex processors.

3. **Specialized CPU Types**

- **FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) CPUs**:

- **Description**: These are customizable processors that can be programmed after manufacturing to
perform specific tasks.

- **Usage**: Often used in research, prototyping, and specialized industrial applications.

- **DSP (Digital Signal Processor) CPUs**:

- **Description**: DSPs are specialized for processing real-time signals, such as audio, video, and
communications data.

- **Usage**: Common in audio equipment, telecommunications, and image processing devices.

4. **Modern Trends in CPUs**

- **Heterogeneous Computing**: This involves using a combination of different types of processors (e.g.,
CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs) to optimize performance for specific tasks. It’s common in high-performance
computing and machine learning.

- **Power Efficiency**: Modern CPUs, especially those in mobile devices, focus on reducing power
consumption while maintaining performance, using technologies like dynamic voltage and frequency
scaling.

The CPU’s type and architecture significantly influence a computer’s performance, capabilities, and
suitability for different tasks.

Memory:
memory refers to the hardware component that stores data temporarily or permanently.

Types of Memory:
There are two main types of memory:
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1. **Primary Memory (RAM):**
- **RAM (Random Access Memory):** This is volatile memory, meaning it loses its content when the
computer is turned off. RAM is used by the system to store data and instructions that are currently being
processed by the CPU.

- **ROM (Read-Only Memory):** This is non-volatile memory, meaning it retains its contents even when
the computer is turned off. ROM stores essential programs, like the BIOS, which are required for the
computer to boot up.

2. **Secondary Memory (Storage):**

- **Hard Drives (HDDs) and Solid-State Drives (SSDs):** These are non-volatile memory types used to
store data permanently, such as files, applications, and the operating system.

- **External Storage:** Includes USB drives, external hard drives, and cloud storage.

**Cache Memory:** This is a small amount of faster memory located inside or very close to the CPU. It
stores copies of frequently accessed data to speed up processing.

Functions of memory;
_Memory plays a critical role in a computer's performance.

_More RAM allows a computer to handle more tasks simultaneously.

_Faster storage (like SSDs) can significantly reduce load times.