What is a computer - Define computer - Computer Definition

Today, computers are being used in every field of life. It can be

used for different tasks.
It is used for data processing. It is used to calculate or perform
some mathematical work. It can be used for word processing,
record keeping, listening music, playing computer games etc.
Above all, it is being used to access and use Internet, a huge
source of information.

What are Characteristics of Computer

Following are the important characteristics of a computer:

1. Speed
Computers work at a very high speed. They are much faster than
humans.
A computer can perform billions of calculations in a second.
Computer speed is measured in Mega Hertz (MHz).

2. Storage
A computer can store large amounts of data permanently.

3. Processing
A computer can process the given instructions for processing of data.
It can perform different types of processing like addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division.
4. Accuracy
Accuracy means the capability to provide results without any errors.
Computer can process large amounts of data and produce 100%
accurate results.

5. Recalling
A computer can recall the stored data and information at any time, as
and when required.
6. Cost Reduction
Computer can reduce cost. We can do a work in less time and cost
by computer. A single person, with computer, can do work of many
people in an office.

8. Versatile
A computer can perform different types of tasks. We can use a
computer in educational institute, in hospital, bank or at home.
Computers are being used in banks industry, medical, science and
engineering fields.

9. No Feelings
Computer has no feelings. It cannot be affected by sorrows and
happiness.

10. No Intelligence
Computer itself is not intelligent. It only follows the given
instructions. If a computer is given a program for addition, it
cannot perform subtraction by itself.

What are the basic units or components of a computer

1. Input Unit

2. Output Unit

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU / Processor)

4. Memory Unit
5. Storage Unit

1. Input Unit
Input unit consists of input devices. Input devices are used to enter
data and instructions into computer memory. Examples of input
devices are Keyboard, mouse, joystick and microphone etc.

2. Output Unit
Output unit consists of output devices. Output devices are used to
show results produced by computer after data processing.
Examples of output devices are Monitor, Printer, plotter
and speaker etc.

3. Central Processing Unit

Central processing unit is also called CPU or Processor. It is the brain of

the computer. It performs data processing. It controls overall
operations and components of the computer.

4. Memory Unit

Memory unit consists of memory devices to store data . For

Example RAM is most common example of memory.

5. Storage Unit
Storage unit consists of storage media. Storage media are used to
store large amounts of data permanently. Examples of storage
media are Hard disk, CD, DVD and Zip disk etc.

What are Different Types of Computer

Computers can be divided into the following 3 types on the basis of
their working mechanism:
1) Analog Computers
2) Digital Computers
3) Hybrid Computers

1. Analog Computers
Analog computer is used to measure continuous values. It
measures a physical property like voltage, pressure, speed, time
and temperature. An analog computer takes input in analog form
and gives output in analog form.
Its output is usually displayed on a meter or scale. Analog
computer has low memory and fewer functions. Analog computer
is mainly used in the field of engineering and medicine. Examples
include:

Examples of Analog Computers include:

1. Thermometer
2. Speedometer
3. Analog clock

2. Digital Computers
A digital computer works with digital data. Digital computer uses
binary number system. Binary number system consists of only two
digits 0 and 1. A digital computer represents data in digital signals.
A 0 represents OFF and a 1 represents ON. Digital computer
performs arithmetic and logical operations on data. It gives output
in digital form.
Digital computers are very fast. These computers can store results.
They have large Memory(that is data storing capacity). Today most
of the computers used in offices and homes are Digital computers.
Examples:

1. Personal Computer-(also called PC or Micro Computer)

2. Digital Score board
3. Digital watch

3. Hybrid Computers

A hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and digital

computer. Hybrid ccomputer can handle both analog and digital
data. A hybrid computer combines the best characteristics of both
the analog and digital computer. It can accept data in both analog
and digital form.
Examples:
1. Hybrid computer devices are used in hospitals that may calculate
patient's heart function, temperature and blood pressure etc. This
calculation may be converted into numbers and shown in digital
form.

For example,

The Vital Signs monitoring unit also called VSM in short. It has
Blood Pressure monitor, ECG monitor, respiratory monitor, and is
used for monitoring anesthesia.

2. Hybrid computers are also used in spaceships and missile

system.
3. Hybrid Computer Machines are generally used in scientific
applications
4. Hybrid computers are used for controlling industrial processes.

Write a note on Classification of Computers

Q. Write a note on Classification of Computers OR Explain Types

of computer on the
basis of Size, Shape and Resources. OR How digital computers are
classified?

Classification of Computers
Computers are classified on the basis of size, speed and price as
under:
• Microcomputer or Personal Computer
• Mini Computer
• Mainframe Computer
• Super Computer
1. Micro Computers

Desktop Model computer

Micro computer is also called personal computer. It was introduced
in 1970. It contains input devices, output device, storage device,
memory and processor. It is used by one person at a time.
Examples of personal computers are PC and Apple Macintosh. The
major types of personal computers are desktop computer and
portable computer.
Desktop Computers
These computers can easily fit on a table or desktop, hence the
name. These computers come in two models or casings. In Desktop
model, the system unit is placed on the desktop or table. Monitor is
placed on the system unit. In Tower model, both monitor and
system unit are placed on the table.

Tower Model computer

Portable Computer
Portable is a personal computer that can be carried from one place
to other easily. Notebook computer and handheld computer (smart
phone) are examples of portable computers. Notebook computer is
also called laptop computer. Laptop computers are very small in
size and can be placed easily on lap.
 Lap top computer or notebook computer

Hand held computer

Handheld Computers (like smart phone) are also potable. Handheld

computer is also known as palmtop computer. It easily fits in the
hand of the user.
Uses of Micro Computer
The PC is the most common type of computer used in the office. It
is now widely used in many homes. These are also used for
business and engineering application.
2. Mini Computers
Mini computers were introduced in the 1960s. Mini computer is
larger and more powerful computer than personal computer. It can
execute five million instructions per second. It generally consists
of two or more processors.
Picture for a note on classification of computers (Mini computers)

Mini computer can serve up to 4000 connected users

simultaneously. It is normally accessed by users via personal
computer or terminal. A device with a monitor and keyboard is
called terminal. It is also known as dumb terminal. It has no
processing power and cannot work as stand-alone computer.
Examples of mini computers are:
• VAX-8800
• AS 400.

Uses of Mini Computers

Mini computers are often used by small and medium-sized
companies to provide centralized store of information.
3. Mainframe Computers
Mainframe computers were introduced in 1975. A mainframe
computer is a very large computer in size. It is more powerful than
mini computer. It consists of multiple processors. It is designed to
perform multiple tasks for multiple users at the same time.
Mainframe computers can serve up to 50,000 users at the same
time.
Picture for a note on classification of computers (Main Frame
computers)

The users access a mainframe computer through terminal or

personal computer. A typical mainframe computer can execute 16
million instructions per second. Examples of mainframe computers
are
• NEC 610
• DEC 10
Uses of Mainframe Computers
Mainframe computers are used in large organizations. For example,
airlines use these computers for ticket reservation system. NADRA
- The Computerized National Idenity Card Issuer in Pakistan - uses
mainframe computers to maintain the information of population.
4. Super Computers
Super computers were introduced in 1980s. Super computer is the
fastest computer. Super computer is the biggest in size and the
most expensive in price than any other computers.
Picture for a note on classification of computers (Super computers)

It is the most sophisticated, complex and advanced computer. It

has a very large storage capacity. It can process trillions of
instructions in one second. Super Computer is the fastest and most
powerful computer of a time. Supercomputers are very
expensive. Supercomputers are used for highly calculation-
intensive tasks. Super computers are used for specialized
applications that require immense amounts of mathematical
calculations. Supercomputers were designed primarily by
computer scientist - Seymour Cray at Control Data
Corporation (CDC).
Uses of Super Compters include:
1. Weather forecasting,
2. animated graphics like in Hollywood movies,
3. fluid dynamic calculations,
4. nuclear energy research,
5. space science
6. Weapon and missile design
7. and petroleum exploration etc.
Today, supercomputers are produced by traditional companies
such as Cray, IBM and Hewlett- Packard, who had purchased many
of the 1980s companies to gain their experience. Since October
2010, the Tianhe-1A supercomputer has been the fastest in the
world; it is located in China.
The main difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is
that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a single
program as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power
to execute many programs concurrently. The modern super
computer consists of thousands of microprocessors. Super
computer uses high-speed facilities such as satellite for online
processing.
Examples of super computers are CRAY-XP, ETA-10, and Deep
Blue and above all Todays number one super computer is Tianhe-
1A supercomputer of China. Aircraft companies use super
computer to simulate aircraft and check its performance.
Many Hollywood movies use it for animation purposes.

The Concept of a Computer System

A system is a set of inter related components that work together to
fulfill a purpose. For example a Road Transportation System will
consist of the parts - roads, vehicles- trucks, buses, vans, cars etc,
passengers, the staff for ticketing and maintenance of vehicles and
roads etc. And the transportation system will fulfill the purpose of
carrying of passengers and luggage from place to place. Similarly,
a computer system consists of many components that work
together to fulfill the purpose of data processing. A Computer
system consists of the following four parts:

1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Data
4. User

1. Hardware
The mechanical devices that makeup the computer are
called HARDWARE, for example, Keyboard, hard disk, monitor,
processor and mother board etc. Hardware are physical devices.
They can be touched. Hardware device are interconnected and
perform input, processing and output operations.

2. Software
Software is the set of instructions given to computer to perform a
task. Software tells the computer what to do. System Software like
operating systems are used to
manage components and operations of computer. Application
Software like MS Word and MS Excel are used to solve specific
problems of the user, for example creating documents or preparing
Student Result Sheet etc. Thousands of different software are
available for use on PC.

3. Data
Data is the collection of raw facts. Data processing is the primary
job of a computer. Computer processes data in many ways to
convert them into useful information. Processed data becomes
information. For example, during census, data of all citizens is
collected. Census data is used to get report/information about total
population of a country and literacy rate etc.

4. Users
People that operate the computer are called computer operators or
computer users. Users use computer to solve different problems.
For example, in a college a computer operator in Examination
Section will feed marks obtained by students in a software like MS
Excel. He/ She will perform certain functions and formulae to
calculate percentage and grade of each student and prepare a
result sheet. This result sheet will show the marks obtained,
percentage, grade and Fail/ Pass status of every student.
COMPUTER HARDWARE
You learned earlier that a computer has electronic and mechanical
parts known as hardware.
Hardware also includes input devices, output devices, system unit,
storage devices and
communication devices. Without these components we would not
be able to use the computer.
Input Devices –
An input device is any hardware component that allows you the
user to enter data into the computer.
There are many input devices. Six of the most widely used input
devices are:
1. A keyboard -- You use the keyboard to type letters,
numbers,and symbols into the computer.
2. A Mouse --The mouse is a pointing device that has a pointer
that changes into different shapes as you use the mouse.
You click the mouse by pressing and releasing the button.
This action allows you to enter data when using a mouse.
3. A Scanner -- This input device copies from paper into your
computer.
4 . A Microphone -- The microphone is usually used for voice input
into the computer.
5. A Digital Camer -- The digital camera allows you to take pictures
that you can input into your computer.
6. A PC Video Camera -- The PC video camera allows you take both
video
and still images that you can input onto your computer.

Output Devices:-
An output device is any hardware component that gives
information to the user.
Three commonly used output devices are as follow:
1. A Monitor -- This output device displays your information on a
screen,
2. A Printer -- This output device prints information on paper.
This type of printed output is called a hard copy
3.A Speaker -- Sound is the type of output you will get from a
speaker.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
The computer will not work without software. Software also call
programs are the instructions that tell the computer what to do and
how o do it. The two main categories of software are system
software and application software. The system software also called
the operating system (OS) actually runs the computer. This
software controls all the operations of the computer and its
devices. All computers use system software and without the
system software the application software will not work. The most
common OS on a PC is the Windows operating system and for the
Mac computer it would be the Mac operating system.
Application software is a program that allows users to a specific
task on the computer. There are a number of different types of
application software available to do many of the tasks we do daily.
Four examples of common application software and what they are
used for are:
Word Processing Application: One word processing program is
Microsoft Word. This program allows you to type letters,
assignments and do any other written activity on the computer.
Spreadsheet Application: Microsoft Excel is an example of a
spreadsheet program. One can use this program to create charts
and do calculations.
E-mail Application: Outlook Express is an e-mail program that
allows you to receive and send e-mails.
Internet Application: Internet Explorer is a program that allows you
to get connected to the Internet and look at Web sites like the one
you are reading now.
It is important to note that when you buy a computer the computer
comes with the operating system and some software already
installed. You may have to buy more software and install them on
the computer. Install means to load the software onto the hard disk
of the computer so that you can run or use the software.
Like any other equipment the computer needs to be cared for; let
us discuss how we should go about caring for our computer.

STORAGE MEDIA
Storage keeps data, information and instructions for use in the
future. All computers use storage to keep the software that makes
the hardware work.
As a user you store a variety of data and information on your
computer or on storage media. Storage media are the physical
materials on which data, information and instructions are kept.
When a user saves information or data to a storage medium he or
she is storing a file, and this process is called writing.
When the file is opened the process is called reading. Common
storage media are:
Hard Drive: This storage medium which looks like the one below, is
a hard drive. This medium comes with the computer and is always
inside the computer.
It stores all the programs that the computer needs to work. In
addition users store their data and information on the hard drive.

Floppy Disk: This storage medium is considered to be a portable

storage medium. You put it into the computer save your
information on it, take it out, and take it with you wherever you go.

CD&DVD: These types of storage media hold much more

information than a floppy disk. They are also considered portable
storage. These types of storage media come in different forms. This
means that there are CDs and DVDs that you can only save
information on but you cannot erase the information. In addition
there are those that can both save information on and erase the
information you have saved.
USB Flash Drive: This is a storage medium that is very easy to
carry around and it also holds more data than a floppy disk. As you
can see from the picture below it is very small when compared with
the others.

COMPUTER CARE
Taking care of your computer is just as important as taking care of
your books. Both the internal and the external parts of the
computer have to be cared for. Scanning, defragging and
reformatting are some of the activities performed to clean up the
hard drive. These activities are best left to a grown up and such
you should not attempt them. However, there are certain tasks you
can perform to ensure you computer is clean; here are a few:
Keep Dust Away: Dust your computer to keep it free of dust and
dirt.
Keep Food Away: Do not eat or drink while working on the
computer.
Use Clean Hands: Make sure your hands are clean before you type
on the keyboard of click the mouse.
Treat With Respect: If you are having problems with your computer,
ask for help. Do not bang or hit the computer.
Keep Off: Seeing that the computer is connected to electricity, this
means that lightning could be conducted to your computer through
the electrical connection. For this reason it is best not to use your
computer during a storm.
Stop Virus Attact: A computer virus is a program written by a
person on purpose to harm other peoples’ computers. A computer
virus is passed from one computer o another when you share and
download files without the protection of an antivirus software. For
this reason you should get permission before downloading files.
Handle With Care: The way you handle your CDs will determine
how log they will last. Always hold the CD correctly as shown in the
picture below.