<b> Computer fundamentals </b>


<b> Computer fundamentals </b>

Computer fundamentals

What is a Computer?

An electronic device that accepts data and processes it into useful information is called a Computer. There are two main aspects of the computer:

  • Input: The data we enter into the computer is called the input. Input, basically are raw facts for which we want the system to process and give us an outcome
  • Output: The answer that the computer provides in return of the raw data entered, is called output

Evolution of Computer

The computer started as a huge electronic device which took a large area for its instalment, and the mechanism was very complication. Still, then with time, those huge machines were converted into smaller versions of the divide, starting with the monitors, then laptop and later on the invention of tablets.

The first fully electronic computer was introduced in the 1930s, and since then, the development of computer and its related devices has been unstoppable.

Computers are nothing but an advanced version of Abacus, which dates back to almost 5000 years. Further below, we have discussed the five generations of computer and how these generations gradually helped in the development of this electronic device.

Generations of Computer

Generations Period Technology Used
First Generation 1946-1959 Vacuum tube-based
Second Generation 1959-1965 Transistor-based
Third Generation 1965-1971 Integrated Circuit based
Fourth Generation 1971-1980 VLSI microprocessor-based
Fifth Generation 1980-onwards ULSI microprocessor-based

There are a total of five Generations of Computer, with each Generation something new was discovered to improvise the functioning and the use of the computer systems.

First Generation (Vacuum Tubes) – 1940-1956:

This Generation computers relied on Machine Language (the Language of 0s and 1s) and used Vacuum tubes as components of memory. They were huge in size and occupied almost a room-size area to fit in.

Given below are a few characteristic features of the 1st Generation of computer:

  • The price of managing these computers was very high
  • They were huge
  • They were not capable of multitasking, and only one task could be performed at a time
  • There was no use of monitors; the output was directly given in the form of print outs
  • The electricity consumption was very high

Second Generation (Transistors) – 1956-1963:

The first-ever transistor was invented in 1947 but could never be used in the computer until the 1950s. Given below are a few characteristic features of the 2nd Generation computers:

  • The speed of the transistor decided the speed of the computer
  • It was less expensive in comparison to the 1st Generation computers
  • The electricity consumption had also reduced with the use of transistors
  • There was no change in the output as it was still received through a printout
  • From machine language, there was a change to usage assembly language in computers. Thus, now computers could understand words
  • High-level programming languages were used

Two significant developments during this phase include the development of FORTRAN or Formula Translation and COBOL or Common Business Oriented Language, which was developed for business use.

Third Generation (Integrated Circuits) – 1964-1971:

The phase when the usage of keyboards and monitors ha started for the input and output. The transistors had been reduced in size and were placed on silicon chips. This increased the speed of the computer.

Given below are the features of the 3rd Generation of computers:

  • The Integrated circuits were used where small circuits could work as efficiently as the larger ones
  • Multitasking could be done in the computers developed during the 3rd phase
  • Functions of the computer were based on the memory of the monitor

A few examples from this Generation of computer are PDP 8, IBM 360, ICL 2900, etc.

Fourth Generation (Microprocessors) – 1972-2010:

The maximum developments were done during this time phase as technology has advanced many folds. By this time, millions of transistors could be placed on the silicon circuits. 

The characteristic features of this Generation are given below:

  • The first microprocessor, Intel 4004 chip was discovered by Ted Hoff and was made commercially available in 1971. This led to the introduction of personal computers
  • This Generation saw revised versions of computers being introduced in the form of laptops and tablets
  • GUI – Graphical User Interface was developed during this phase
  • Speed, memory and storage had also improved in the computers of this Generation

The computers which were introduced during this Generation include Apple II, the first IBM computer, STAR 1000, and many more.

Fifth Generation (Artificial Intelligence) – 2010-till date: 

The current generation of computers which have made our lives easier and more convenient is all a part of the fifth generation of the computer. 

Given below is some basic information about the 5th generation of computers:

  • Artificial intelligence is being used in devices currently which has enabled millions on tasks to be completed within seconds on a device
  • Advancement in the functioning of laptops, palmtops, etc.
  • Other robotic devices have started being used to reduce human labour
  • The devices from this generation are cost-effective, faster, consume lesser electricity and are easily portable and convenient to use.

Types of Computer

There are majorly 4 types of computers which have been described briefly below. Candidates must know about the different types of computers with respect to the upcoming competitive exams:

  1. Super Computer – The computers which are used to process a huge amount of data at once are called Supercomputers. They are mostly used in scientific and engineering operations where the processing is complex. They are expensive and complicated to work. For example – The computers used by NASA to launch space shuttles.
  2. Mainframe Computer – Computers designed to be used in large firms and organisations where a lot of people have to work on the same database are called mainframe computers. They are almost equally as expensive as Supercomputers and are the fastest working computers at present. They are mostly used in Banks.
  3. Workstation – Usually a single user system is called a work station. The RAM for such systems is more, and the processors are quite fast. They are mostly used by an individual and can be used for multiple purposes.
  4. Microcomputer – Designed for personal use only. This type of computers can easily be moved from one place to the other. They have a personal storage area, input & output unit and a Central Processing Unit. Examples for microcomputer are desktop, laptop, mobile phone, tablets, etc. 

Computer Devices

Examples of Input Devices of Computer
Keyboard Mouse
Joysticks Wii Remote
Light Pen Game pad
Microphone Webcam
Scanner Digital camera
Barcode Reader Portable Media Player
Trackball Graphic Tablet
Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR) Optical Character Reader (OCR)
Optical Character Reader (OCR) Digitizer

 

Examples of Output Devices of Computer
Monitor Speaker
Printer Projector
Plotter Braille Reader
Television Global Positioning System
Headphones Video Card

Functions of Computer

A computer is used in various spheres of life today, and there are multiple advantages that the computer has brought in today.

Given below are the functions of the computer:

  1. Lengthy calculations which may take hours to be completed manually can now be done within seconds
  2. Easy to use and cost-effective. People can buy them at reasonable prices 
  3. Reduced manual labour
  4. Made storing information easier and more convenient
  5. Years of data can be saved in the form of data in computers without the fear of losing it
  6. There can be no question over its accuracy if the input has been given correctly

Computer devices can also be classified into categories:

  • Hardware
  • Software

Difference Between Hardware and Software

A computer system is divided into two categories: Hardware and Software. Hardware refers to the physical and visible components of the system such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard and mouse. Software, on the other hand, refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware to perform a specific set of tasks. The software must be installed in the hardware to function properly and similarly, the hardware must be present for the tasks to be performed. Both are interdependent, yet they are also different from each other.

Differences between Hardware and Software

Hardware

Software
Hardware is further divided into four main categories: 

 

  • Input Devices
  • Output Devices
  • Secondary Storage Devices
  • Internal Components
 Software is further divided into two main categories:

 

  • Application Software
  • System Software
Developed using electronic and other materials Developed writing using instructions using a programming language
When damaged, it can be replaced with a new component When damaged it can be installed once more using a backup copy
Hardware is physical in nature and hence one can touch and see hardware The software cannot be physically touched but still can be used and seen
Hardware cannot be infected by Viruses The software can be infected by Viruses
Hardware will physically wear out over time Software does not wear out but it can be affected by bugs and glitches
An example of Hardware is hard drives, monitors, CPU, scanners, printers etc. An example of software is Windows 10, Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome etc.

Basic Components of Computer

A computer device is made up of various elements which help in its effective functioning and processing. There are five basic components of the computer which help in making this processing of data easier and convenient. 

In this article, we shall discuss the basic computer components along with their functions. Also, for candidates preparing Computer Knowledge for upcoming competitive exams, sample questions based on this concept have been given further below in this article.

By definition, components of a computer system are the primary elements which make the functioning of an electronic device smooth and faster. There are five basic components which include:

  1. Input Unit
  2. Output Unit
  3. Memory Unit
  4. Control Unit
  5. Arithmetical and Logical Unit

Types of Computer

There are majorly 4 types of computers which have been described briefly below. Candidates must know about the different types of computers with respect to the upcoming competitive exams:

  1. Super Computer – The computers which are used to process a huge amount of data at once are called Supercomputers. They are mostly used in scientific and engineering operations where the processing is complex. They are expensive and complicated to work. For example – The computers used by NASA to launch space shuttles.
  2. Mainframe Computer – Computers designed to be used in large firms and organisations where a lot of people have to work on the same database are called mainframe computers. They are almost equally as expensive as Supercomputers and are the fastest working computers at present. They are mostly used in Banks.
  3. Workstation – Usually a single user system is called a work station. The RAM for such systems is more, and the processors are quite fast. They are mostly used by an individual and can be used for multiple purposes.
  4. Microcomputer – Designed for personal use only. This type of computers can easily be moved from one place to the other. They have a personal storage area, input & output unit and a Central Processing Unit. Examples for microcomputer are desktop, laptop, mobile phone, tablets, etc. 

Computer Storage Devices

A storage device for a computer enables its user to store and safely access the data and applications on a computer device. Knowing and learning about these computer storage devices is necessary as it works as one of the core components of the system.

Types of Computer Storage

The computer storage unit is divided into three parts. Given below are details about the three types of computer storage:

  • Primary Storage: This is the direct memory which is accessible to the Central Processing Unit (CPU). 
    • This is also known as the main memory and is volatile. 
    • This is temporary. As soon as the device turns off or is rebooted, the memory is erased
    • It is smaller in size
    • Primary storage comprises only of Internal memory
    • Examples of primary storage include RAM, cache memory, etc.
  • Secondary Storage: This type of storage does not have direct accessibility to the Central Processing Unit.
    • The input and output channels are used to connect such storage devices to the computer, as they are mainly external
    • It is non-volatile and larger storage capacity in comparison to primary storage
    • This type of storage is permanent until removed by an external factor
    • It comprises of both internal and external memory
    • Examples of secondary storage are USB drives, floppy disks, etc.
  • Tertiary Memory: This type of storage is generally not considered to be important and is generally not a part of personal computers.
    • It involves mounting and unmounting of mass storage data which is removable from a computer device
    • This type of storage holds robotic functions
    • It does not always require human intervention and can function automatically

List of Computer Storage Devices

There are four types of devices in which computer data can be stored. Discussed below are the same in detail. 

Magnetic Storage Devices

The most commonly used storage devices in today’s time are magnetic storage devices. These are affordable and easily accessible. A large amount of data can be stored in these through magnetised mediums. 

A magnetic field is created when the device is attached to the computer and with the help of the two magnetic polarities, the device is able to read the binary language and store the information. Given below are the examples of magnetic storage devices.

  • Floppy Disk – Also known as a floppy diskette, it is a removable storage device which is in the shape of a square and comprises magnetic elements. When placed in the disk reader of the computer device, it spins around and can store information. Lately, these floppy disks have been replaced with CDs, DVDs and USB drives
  • Hard Drive – This primary storage device is directly attached to the motherboard’s disk controller. It is integral storage space as it is required to install any new program or application to the device. Software programs, images, videos, etc. can all be saved in a hard drive and hard drives with storage space in terabytes are also easily available now
  • Zip Disk – Introduced by Iomega, is a removable storage device which was initially released with a storage space of 100 MB which was later increased to 250 and then finally 750 MB
  • Magnetic Strip – A magnetic strip is attached in the device comprising digital data. The most suitable example for this is a debit card which has a strip placed on one of its sides which stores the digital data.

Optical Storage Devices

Such devices used lasers and lights to detect and store data. They are cheaper in comparison to USB drives and can store more data. Discussed below are a few commonly used optical storage devices.

  • CD-ROM – This stands for Compact Disc – Read-Only Memory and is an external device which can store and read data in the form of audio or software data
  • Blu-Ray Disc – Introduced in 2006, Blu-ray disk was backup up by major IT and computer companies. It can store up to 25 GB data in a single-layer disc and 50 GB data in a dual-layer disc
  • DVD – Digital Versatile Disc is another type of optical storage device. It can be readable, recordable, and rewritable. Recordings can be done in such devices and then can be attached to the system
  • CD-R – It is a readable Compact Disc which uses photosensitive organic dye to record data and store it. They are a low-cost replacement for storing software and applications.

Flash Memory Devices

These storage devices have now replaced both magnetic and optical storage devices. They are easy to use, portable and easily available and accessible. They have become a cheaper and more convenient option to store data.

Discussed below are the major flash memory devices which are being commonly used by the people nowadays.

  • USB Drive – Also, known as a pen drive, this storage device is small in size and is portable and ranges between storage space of 2 GB to 1 TB. It comprises an integrated circuit which allows it to store data and also replace it
  • Memory Card – Usually attached with smaller electronic and computerised devices like mobile phones or digital camera, a memory card can be used to store images, videos and audios and is compatible and small in size
  • Memory Stick – Originally launched by Sony, a memory stick can store more data and is easy and quick to transfer data using this storage device. Later on, various other versions of memory stock were also released
  • SD Card – Known as Secure Digital Card, it is used in various electronic devices to store data and is available in mini and micro sizes. Generally, computers have a separate slot to insert an SD card. In case they do not have one, separate USBs are available in which these cards can be inserted and then connected to the computer.

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