COMPUTERS

What is a Computer?

The word ‘Computer’ is taken from the word

‘Computation’. A computer is a device or machine for
making calculations or controlling operations that are
expressible in numerical or logical terms.
A Computer is a programmable machine. The two principal
characteristics of a computer are:
It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-
defined manner.
It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a
program).
 Definition of Computer

A computer can be defined as a fast and accurate

electronic machine that is designed to accept data
and instructions, store the data and instructions,
process the data according to the instruction to
produce desired Results.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Characteristics of Computer
 Speed -A computer is a very fast and accurate device. It
can process thousands of instructions within a few
seconds for which a human being can take several days
or months.
 Accuracy – Degree of accuracy of the computer is very
high. Errors can occur in computerized system also but
most of them occur due to human mistakes rather than
technical problems in the computer.
 Versatility – We can perform many different tasks on
the computer. One moment it might be busy in
calculating the statistical data of a business organization
for annual performance evaluation and at next moment
it is capable of working on inventory control
 Permanent Memory – We can store very large
amount of information in the secondary storage
devices. This information stays with the computer
for further use where as humans tend to forget
things.
 No Intelligence – A computer can perform the
information processing and reasoning only on the
basis of the intelligence provided by human
beings but it cannot make decisions on its own.
 Diligence - Computer is free from problems like
exhaustion, lack of concentration, confusion, etc,
unlike human beings.
 APPLICATION OF COMPUTERS
 Computers in Business & Industry
 Computers in Home
 Computers in Education & Training
 Computer in Entertainment
 Computer in Science
 Computer in Medicine
 Computer in Engineering
 COMPUTERS IN BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
 In business & industry, computers &
communication technology (Office
Automation System) helps people to
better use & manage information. It
includes:
 Types of Computers
 Telephones
 Electronic Mails
 PBX
 COMPUTERS AT HOME

Computers are very useful at home:

 Keeping Records of various Bills

 For keeping Reminders

 Checking Email

 Saving Contact address & Contact No.

 For Small Business owners: They keep

record of their business at Home Pc.

 COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION &
TRAINING
 Computers in Schools
 Computers are used as Teaching tools.
 Simulation & Games to Develop Mind
 Distance Learning
 Search Information
 COMPUTERS IN ENTERTAINMENT

 Games On Computers
 Movie On Computers
 Music in Computers
 Internet :Chat, News, Entertainment
source.
 COMPUTERS IN MEDICINE , SCIENCE &
Engineering
MEDICINE
 Computers are used for Diagnosing
Illness.
 Computers are used for Monitoring
Patients.
SCIENCE
 Scientist use computers to collect and
test data & to exchange information
Electronically.
 Computers are used to monitor & Conduct
Nuclear & other tests.
 FIELDS OF COMPUTERS

FIELDS OF COMPUTERS

HARDWARE SOFTWARE HUMAN WARE FIRMWARE

 HARDWARE
 Hardware comprises all of the physical
parts of a computer, as distinguished from
the data it contains or operates on.
Any Physical Entity that one can see or
touch considered as hardware.
Example:
Keyboard
CPU
Monitor
Mouse
 SOFTWARE
Computer instructions and data anything
that can be stored electronically is
software.
Set of Statements is called Instruction.
Set of Instruction is called Program.
Set of Programs is called Software.
A software is a series of programs used to
manipulate data or to control the workings
of a computer system.
 FIRMWARE

Software (programs or data) that has been

written onto read-only memory (ROM).
Firmware is a combination of software and
hardware. ROMs, PROMs and EPROMs
that have data or programs recorded on
them are firmware.
 HUMAN WARE
The design of human ware often begins with
understanding the needs and limitations of the
end user and working backwards to design the
final product. Typically, a great deal of testing is
done on the product to ensure that its design is
enhancing the end user’s experience in the
desired way. For example, technology designed
to aid persons with disabilities typically begins
with understanding the needs of the end user
before designing the product.
 Types of Computers
 Analog Computers:- A computer which measures continuously
changing conditions, such as temperature and pressure and
converts them into quantities. These computers are used in
scientific and engineering fields.
 Digital Computers:- A computer which measures digital data and
performs arithmetic and Logical operations on such data. These
are the most popularly used computers.
 Hybrid Computers:- Computer systems that combine features of
both analog and digital computers.
 Classification of Computers
1) Micro Computers:- A small digital computer based on
a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person
at a time is called a microcomputer. Another general
characteristic of these computers is that they occupy
physically small amounts of space. The world's first
commercial microprocessor was the Intel 4004, released
on November 15, 1971. Microcomputers are of two
types – Personal Computers and Workstations.
 Personal Computers (PCs)

A personal computer is an inexpensive microcomputer,

originally designed to be used by only one person at a
time. All are based on the microprocessor technology
that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one
chip.
Businesses use personal computers for word processing,
accounting, desktop publishing, and for running spreadsheet
and database management applications. At home, the most
popular use for personal computers is for playing games.
Personal computers first appeared in the late 1970s. One of the
first and most popular personal computers was the Apple II,
introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer.

Workstation
The word workstation often refers to a general-purpose
computer designed to be used by one person at a time and
which offers higher performance than normally found in a
personal computer, especially with respect to graphics,
processing power and the ability to carry out several tasks at
the same time. Workstations generally come with a large,
high-resolution graphics screen, at least 64 MB (megabytes) of
RAM, built-in network support, and a graphical user interface.
2) Minicomputers:- A computer that functions as a
multi-user system for up to several hundred
users.. A midsized computer. In size and power,
minicomputers lie between workstations and
mainframes. a minicomputer is a multiprocessing
system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200
users Minicomputers were characterized by short
word lengths of 8 to 32 bits, limited hardware and
software facilities and small physical size. Their
low cost made them suitable for a wide variety of
applications such as industrial control, where a
small, dedicated computer which is permanently
assigned to one application, is needed.
3) Mainframe computers:- Mainframes are large, powerful, and
expensive computers used mainly by large companies for bulk
data processing (such as bank transaction processing, airlines,
railway reservation systems, etc).
In the hierarchy that starts with a simple microprocessor (in
watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to
supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below
supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful
than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous
programs.
4) Supercomputers :- Supercomputers are the fastest type of
computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed
for specialized applications that require immense amounts of
mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting
requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include
animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy
research, and petroleum exploration.
 Personal Computer Types
 Tower model
The term refers to a computer in which the power supply,
motherboard, and mass storage devices are stacked on top of each
other in a cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop models, in which
these components are housed in a more compact box. The main
advantage of tower models is that there are fewer space constraints,
which makes installation of additional storage devices easier.
 Desktop model
A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically with
the monitor sitting on top of the computer. Desktop model computers
are broad and low, whereas tower model computers are narrow and
tall. Because of their shape, desktop model computers are generally
limited to three internal mass storage devices. Desktop models
designed to be very small are sometimes referred to as slimline
models.
Notebook computer
An extremely lightweight personal computer. Notebook computers typically
weigh less than 6 pounds and are small enough to fit easily in a briefcase.
Aside from size, the principal difference between a notebook computer and a
personal computer is the display screen. Notebook computers use a variety of
techniques, known as flat-panel technologies, to produce a lightweight and
non-bulky display screen. The quality of notebook display screens varies
considerably. In terms of computing power, modern notebook computers are
nearly equivalent to personal computers. They have the same CPUs, memory
capacity, and disk drives. However, all this power in a small package is
expensive. Notebook computers cost about twice as much as equivalent
regular-sized computers. Notebook computers come with battery packs that
enable you to run them without plugging them in. However, the batteries need
to be recharged every few hours.
Laptop computer
A small, portable computer -- small enough that it can sit on your lap.
Nowadays, laptop computers are more frequently called notebook computers.
Subnotebook computer
A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-sized
notebook computer. Typically, subnotebook computers have a smaller
keyboard and screen, but are otherwise equivalent to notebook computers.
Hand-held computer
A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one’s hand. Although
extremely convenient to carry, handheld computers have not replaced
notebook computers because of their small keyboards and screens. The most
popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to
provide PIM (personal information manager) functions, such as a calendar and
address book. Some manufacturers are trying to solve the small keyboard
problem by replacing the keyboard with an electronic pen. However, these
pen-based devices rely on handwriting recognition technologies, which are still
in their infancy. Hand-held computers are also called PDAs, palmtops and
pocket computers.
Palmtop
A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size
computers, palmtops are severely limited, but they are practical for certain
functions such as phone books and calendars. Palmtops that use a pen rather
than a keyboard for input are often called hand-held computers or PDAs.
Because of their small size, most palmtop computers do not include disk drives.
However, many contain PCMCIA slots in which you can insert disk drives,
modems, memory, and other devices. Palmtops are also called PDAs, hand-
held computers and pocket computers.
PDA
Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines
computing, telephone/fax, and networking features. A typical PDA can
function as a cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organizer. Unlike
portable computers, most PDAs are pen-based, using a stylus rather
than a keyboard for input. This means that they also incorporate
handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to voice
input by using voice recognition technologies. The field of PDA was
pioneered by Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton
MessagePad in 1993. Shortly thereafter, several other manufacturers
offered similar products. To date, PDAs have had only modest success in
the marketplace, due to their high price tags and limited applications.
However, many experts believe that PDAs will eventually become
common gadgets.
PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket
computers.