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CHAPTER 1

COMPUTER

1.1 Introduction

Definition: The word computer is derived from the word

“compute” which means device used to calculate. Computers

are devices used to perform tasks efficiently and quickly.

Types of Computers

Computers not only include PCs, there are many more

computing devices. For example:

• Calculators

• Smart Watches

• Palmtops

• Super Computers

• Mobile Phones

• Servers

• Laptops

• Personal Computers

1.2 Parts of Computer

A Computer performs its function with a number of different

parts. These parts include

• A CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• Devices (Input and Output devices)

• Memory or Storage

• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

• CPU: It is the “Brain of Computer”. It processes all the

basic functions and tasks that are to be performed by the

computer. The main part of CPU is a Motherboard, which

consists of many Integrated Circuits (IC), to compute a

given command.

• Input Devices

• Output Devices

• GPU: It is a device used to process high quality of

Graphics, commonly used in games, machine learning and

other AI functions. Multiple industries are manufacturing

Graphic Cards of Graphic Processing Unit. E.g. Intel,

Radeon, Mali, Snapdragon etc.

1.3 Computer System – The Hardware

Definition: Is a collection of entities (hardware, software and

live ware) that are designed to receive, process, manage and

present information in a meaningful format.

Components of Computer System

Computer hardware – Are physical parts/tangible parts of a

computer. E.g. Input devices, output devices, central

processing unit and storage devices.

Computer software – also known as programs or applications.

They are classified into two classes namely – system software

and application software.

Live ware – is the computer user. Also known as organware

or the humanware. The user commands the computer system

to execute on instructions.

Input Devices

Definition: Devices that are used to give an information or a

command to the computer are known as Input Devices. It

converts command into digital signals.

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For Example

• Mouse

• Keyboard

• Scanner

• Joystick

• Microphone

• Light pen

• OCR Optical Character Recognition

• Bar Code Scanner

Mouse

A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on

your computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes,

the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse. It’s

small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire

that resembles a tail and the connector. Some newer mice are

wireless.

A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the

left button) and a secondary button. The primary button is the

one you will use most often. Most mice also include a scroll

wheel between the buttons to help you scroll easily. On some

mice, the scroll wheel can be pressed to act as a third button.

Advanced mice might have additional buttons that can perform

other functions.

Keyboard

Keyboard is the main input device of a computer. It contains

three types of keys—alphanumeric keys, special keys and

function keys.
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• Alphanumeric keys are used to type all alphabets, numbers

and special symbols like $, %, @, etc.

• Special keys such as <Shift>, <Ctrl>, <Alt>, <Caps

Lock>, <Scroll Lock> etc. Are used for special functions.

• Function keys such as <F1>, <F2>, <F3> etc. are used to

give special commands depending upon the software used

e.g. F5 reloads a page of an internet browser.

• Cursor (Navigation) keys. These keys are used for moving

around in documents or Webpages and editing text. They

include the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, PAGE

DOWN, DELETE, and INSERT and ARROW KEYS.

• The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers

quickly. The keys are grouped together in a block like a

conventional calculator or adding machine.

The function of each and every key can be well understood only

after working on a PC.

Scanner

Scanners are used to capture a source document and convert it

into an electronic form. A hardcopy version is converted into

soft copy usually as an image. Some of the modern types of

scanner are Bar Code Scanner, Magnetic Ink Scanner, etc.

A bar code scanner scans information coded in form of bars

usually seen on purchase products. Magnetic Ink Scanner reads

data using magnetic ink. It uses principle of magnetism to sense

data which have been written using magnetised ink.

Joystick

In past, mouse were used for gaming controls, however,

nowadays they are replaced by joysticks. A joystick is a

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controlling device used for movement in games. It is better than

a mouse for its user friendly controls and grip.

Microphone

Microphone is an input device to input sound that is then stored

in a digital form. The microphone is used for various

applications such as adding sound to a multimedia presentation

or for mixing music. It is used for communication in meetings,

video calls and conferences and games.

Light Pen

A light pen is a computer input device in the form of a light-

sensitive wand used in conjunction with a computer’s cathode-

ray tube display. It allows the user to point to displayed objects

or draw on the screen in a similar way to a touchscreen but with

greater positional accuracy. It is used to select text, draw

pictures and interact with user interface elements on a computer

screen or monitor. Nowadays, light pens are replaced by

styluses.

OCR

Some input devices exist in a software form. Best and most

common example is an OCR. OCR is an input device used to

read a printed text. OCR scans the text optically, character by

character, converts them into a machine readable code, and

stores the text on the system memory. OCR is available in both

hardware software form.

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Output Devices

Definition: Devices that are used to show the result or output

of a given information or a command are called Output

Devices.

E.g.

• Monitor

• Headphone

• Screen Projector

• VR

• Speakers

• Printer

• Plotter

• Touchscreen

Monitor

The most common example of an output device is a monitor. It

is also known as VDU (Visual Display Unit). It consists of

several components, such as screens, circuitry, power supplies,

screen adjustment buttons, and more, which are assembled into

a casing. The monitor provides output from a computer on a

screen so that users can interact with or view data digitally.

The monitor typically provides output in symbolic and

graphical form, generated using several small dots, known as

pixels. These pixels are usually arranged in a rectangular form.

That way, the monitor creates real-time video pictures and

other contents with the help of a video card. The more pixels

we have, the better the sharpness and quality of images.

 Touchscreen

Touchscreens are output devices seen in various devices due to

the use of portable devices. It is a thin, lightweight panel

developed to receive output from a computer. In particular, the

touch screen is a touch-sensitive surface or monitor that can

display visuals or graphics.

Nowadays, touch screens can be easily found in modern

devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. Because we

can also use touchscreens to give input, these devices are also

known as input-output devices.

Headphone

Headphones, also known as earphones, are output devices that

allow us to listen to audio from a computer. These devices are

mainly used to listen to audio privately or without disturbing

others around. Headphones come in a variety of sizes and

designs and can connect with supported devices via both wired

or wirelessly.

Headphones primarily receive audio input from connected

devices and convert them into audio output in waveforms.

Many headphones come with a microphone, making them a

great device for communicating with family or friends. These

output devices are mostly used to communicate in gaming and

on bulk calls.

Screen Projector

A projector is a display output device because it receives

images from a computer and transfers those computer images

to a wall, surface, or projection screen. Specifically, the

computer first sends the signal to the video card, which then

transmits the signal to the projector to project the images on the

surface.

Previously, projectors used lens systems that produced images

by shining light through transparent lenses. Modern projectors

use laser systems to directly project images using lasers.

Modern projectors are also called video projectors because

these projectors can also project moving images along with still

images.

Speaker

Output devices that convert electronic signals from audio, a

video or games to sound are called speakers. I'm modern

computers, pre-installed speakers are available she additional

speakers can be attached for even better sound quality.

SGD or Text-to-speech Device

Speech Generating Devices are output devices that help generate

voice output from the text displayed on a computer screen. In

particular, these devices convert text to speech. Additionally,

whenever a user enters something from the keyboard and when

the command is executed, SGD can help listen to the entered

data as sound output.

Printer

The printer is another most common example of output devices

that can be easily found in homes and many workplaces. The

primary function of a printer is to make a copy (usually called

‘Hard copy’ or ‘Xerox copy’) or print the information on paper

that is sent from the computer to the printer. The printer

receives electronic data from the computer and produces a hard

copy of the processed data.

Earlier printers were only able to make black and white prints;

however, today’s printers can produce monochrome and colour

prints with high quality. Additionally, they are now available

with wireless support, making the print job much easier.

Plotter

A plotter is an output device that is almost identical to a printer.

However, it is primarily used to print vector graphics with high

quality. Unlike a printer, a plotter has various advanced features

and can also print on cardboard, film, fabric, and many other

synthetic surfaces.

The plotter helps to produce large-size hardcopies of graphics

or designs. It derives the design from the graphic card and then

interprets the vector graphics. A plotter usually uses colour

pens to draw multiple lines between different points to create

the entire design. Plotters are expensive compared to printers.

VR

VR is abbreviation for Virtual Reality. Many modern devices

are an input and an output device simultaneously. VR is one of

them. It creates a virtual interactive 3D for the user, where VR

shows the computer programmed output and user interactions

functions as an input device.

1.4 Computer System – The Software

Other than input and output devices (hardware), software is

also an essential part of computer system. Software is a set of

instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and

execute specific tasks. It is the opposite of hardware, which

describes the physical aspects of a computer. Software is a

generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs

that run on a device. It can be thought of as the variable part of

a computer, while hardware is the invariable part.

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Kinds

1. Application software

The most common type of software, application software is a

computer software package that performs a specific function

for a user, or in some cases, for another application. An

application can be self-contained, or it can be a group of

programs that run the application for the user. Examples of

modern applications include office suites, graphics software,

databases and database management programs, web browsers,

word processors, software development tools, image editors

and communication platforms.

2. System software

These software programs are designed to run a computer’s

application programs and hardware. System software

coordinates the activities and functions of the hardware and

software. In addition, it controls the operations of the computer

hardware and provides an environment or platform for all the

other types of software to work in. The Operating System is the best example

of system software; it manages all the other computer

programs. Other examples of system software include the

firmware, computer language translators and system utilities.

3. Driver software

Also known as device drivers, this software is often considered

a type of system software. Device drivers control the devices

and peripherals connected to a computer, enabling them to

perform their specific tasks. Every device that is connected to

a computer needs at least one device driver to function.

Examples include software that comes with any nonstandard

hardware, including special game controllers, as well as the

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software that enables standard hardware, such as USB storage

devices, keyboards, headphones and printers.

4. Middleware

The term middleware describes software that mediates between

application and system software or between two different kinds

of application software. For example, middleware enables

Microsoft Windows to talk to Excel and Word. It is also used

to send a remote work request from an application in a

computer that has one kind of OS, to an application in a

computer with a different OS. It also enables newer

applications to work with legacy ones.

5. Programming software

Computer programmers use programming software to write

code. Programming software and programming tools enable

developers to develop, write, test and debug other software

programs. Examples of programming software include

assemblers, compilers, debuggers and interpreters.

1.5 Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Computer

A Computer is a machine that can solve difficult and different

problems; process data; and store and retrieve data and perform

calculations faster and accurately as compared from humans.

• Multitasking Multi-tasking

Multitasking Multi-tasking is one among the main advantage

of computer. Person can do multiple task, multiple operation at

a same time, calculate numerical problems within few seconds.

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Computer can perform millions or trillions of work in one

second.

• Speed

Now computer isn’t just a calculating device. Now a day’s

computer has vital role in human life. One of the most

advantages of computer is its incredible speed, which helps

human to finish their task in few seconds.

• Cost/Stores huge

Amount of knowledge it’s a coffee cost solution. Person can

save huge data within a coffee budget. Centralized database of

storing information is that the major advantage which will

reduce cost.

• Accuracy

Among the basis advantage of computer, the most important

point is that it will not only perform calculations but also with

accuracy.

• Data Security

Protecting digital data is understood as data security.

• Task completer

Computers complete tasks that might be impossible for humans

to complete.

• Communication
Computer helps the user in better understanding and

communication with the other devices.

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• Productivity

The level of productivity gets automatically doubled as the

computer can done the work at very fast.

• Reduces work load

Information are often accessed by more than one person with

the necessity for work to be duplicated.

• Reliability

Computers can perform same sort of work repeatedly without

throwing up errors thanks to tiredness or boredom, which are

quite common among humans.

• Storage

Every PC has an in-built memory where it can store an outsized

amount of knowledge. You can also store data in auxiliary

storage devices.

Disadvantages of computer

• Virus and hacking attacks

Virus may be a worm and hacking is just an unauthorized

access over computer for a few illicit purpose. Virus can go to

other system from email attachment, viewing an infected

website advertisement, through removable device like USB etc.

• Online Cyber Crimes

Online cyber-crime means computer and network may have

utilized in order to commit crime. Cyberstalking and fraud are

the points which comes under online cyber-crimes.

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• Reduction employed opportunity

Mainly past generation wasn’t used of the pc or they need the

knowledge of computer they faced an enormous problem when

computer came in field.

• High cost

Computers are expensive. Even the foremost affordable

computers are still very expensive for the typical person in

South Africa. Since computers empower people.

• Distractions/disruptions

If you’ve got ever spent hours browsing the web or watching

videos on YouTube, then you recognize how distracting

computers can be! Because of their high entertainment value.

• Increases waste and impacts the environment

With the speed that computers and other electronics get

replaced, all of the old devices that get thrown away have a big

impact on the environment.

Uses of Computer in Various Fields

• Web Development

• Computer Graphics

• Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning)

• Information System

• Information Technology

• E-Commerce

• E-Banking
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