Chapter-1 Basic Computer

Computer: – A computer is an electronic machine that takes input and process input after that give us the output.
Input
Characteristics of Computer
  • SPEED: In general, no human being can compete in solving the complex computation, faster than the computer.
  • ACCURACY: Since Computer is programmed, so whatever input we give it gives the result with accurately.
  • STORAGE: Computer can store mass storage of data with appropriate formate.
  • DILIGENCE: Computer can work for hours without any break and creating an error.
  • VERSATILITY: We can use the computer to perform a completely different type of work at the same time.
  • POWER OF REMEMBERING: It can remember data for us.
  • NO IQ: Computer does not work without instruction.
  • NO FEELING: Computer does not have emotions, knowledge, experience, feeling.

Function of computer-
  • Accept data input from the user
  • Process the input using instruction
  • Displays processed data on output devices
Uses of computer:-
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Accounting
  • Traveling
  • Hotel
  • Bank
  • Health
  • Security
  • Television etc.
Define –
The term computer is used to describe a device made up of electronic and electromechanical components. The computer itself cannot perform any task and is referred to as hardware.
Types of computer: –
Microcomputer: – Microcomputer is also called a personal computer or pc.
It has a processor based on a single silicon chip. Personal computers come in
Three different physical sizes, pocket pc, laptop pc, and desktop pc.
  • Digital computer that works on a microprocessor.
  • Used in homes and offices or business.
  • Performs tasks such as word processing, desktop publishing, accounting and editing of film and many more.
Advantages
  • Small size
  • Low cost
  • Portability
Disadvantages
  • Low processing speed
Minicomputer – Minicomputer is a simple small mainframe computer. It is a reduced version of the mainframe. Attached printers are not so fast. So, it has less storage capacity less processing speed of that of mainframe computers. They are usually used by small businesses. For example research groups, engineering firms, colleges etc, use minicomputers.
  • Known as the mid-range server
  • Medium sized multiprocessing and multi-user computer
  • Used by small-sized companies
Mainframe – A Mainframe computer is a large expensive machine whose processing speed is very high and has a large amount of secondary storage and fast printers. A large mainframe computer may be used to meet the data processing requirements of the entire organization.
Ex: Airline booking system, Railway booking system, weather forecast etc.
  • Known as enterprise servers
  • Occupies entire rooms or floors
  • Used for centralized computing
  • Serve distributed users and small servers in a computing network
Supercomputer:
  • Fastest and expensive
  • Used by applications for molecular chemistry, nuclear research, weather reports, and advanced physics
  • Consists of several computers that work in parallel as a single system.
       Advantage
  • Speed
      Disadvantages
  • Generate a large amount of heat during operation.