Basics of Computers - Detailed Notes
1. Introduction to Computers
A computer is an electronic device that processes data and performs tasks according to
a set of instructions called programs.
2. Components of a Computer System
- Hardware: The physical parts of a computer.
- Input Devices: Mouse, Keyboard, Scanner, Microphone
- Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speaker
- Storage Devices: Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), USB Drives
- Processing Unit: Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Software: Set of instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
- System Software: Operating Systems (Windows, Linux)
- Application Software: MS Office, Web Browsers
- Utility Programs: Antivirus, File Management Tools
3. Functions of a Computer
1. Input: Receiving data
2. Processing: Manipulating data
3. Storage: Saving data
4. Output: Displaying results
5. Control: Directing tasks
4. Types of Computers
1. Supercomputers: Used for complex scientific calculations
2. Mainframes: Handle large data processing for organizations
3. Minicomputers: Mid-sized processing power
4. Microcomputers (PCs): Laptops, Desktops
5. Embedded Systems: Found in appliances like microwaves
5. Computer Generations
1. First Generation (1940-1956): Vacuum tubes
2. Second Generation (1956-1963): Transistors
3. Third Generation (1964-1971): Integrated Circuits
4. Fourth Generation (1971-Present): Microprocessors
5. Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond): AI and Quantum Computing
6. Types of Software
- System Software: Manages hardware resources
- Application Software: For specific user tasks
- Utility Software: Performs maintenance tasks
7. Data Representation
- Binary System: 0s and 1s
- Data Units: Bit, Byte, KB, MB, GB, TB
- Character Encoding Systems: ASCII, Unicode
8. Computer Networks
- LAN (Local Area Network)
- WAN (Wide Area Network)
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
- Internet and Intranet
9. Operating Systems
- Functions: Process Management, Memory Management, File Systems
- Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux
10. Basic Security Measures
- Use of strong passwords
- Installing antivirus software
- Regular updates
- Avoiding suspicious links