Computer

• Computer is an electronic device that performs arithmetic operations at very high speed, also known as a calculating machine
• The term "Computer" originates from the Latin word "Computare"
• The Central Processor Unit (CPU) and Internal memory are essential components of a computer, responsible for arithmetic and logical operations
• Hardware components of a computer include:

  • Input devices: keyboard, mouse, light pen, touch screen
  • Output devices: screen display, printer, speaker
  • CPU: the brain of the computer
  • Control Unit: manages hardware operations
  • ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): performs actual computations
  • Registers: temporary storage for holding data
• Main memory in a computer is typically an integrated circuit (chip) and there are two main types of memory:

  • Random Access Memory (RAM): most common, volatile form of memory
  • Read Only Memory (ROM): non-volatile, information is pre-recorded
• Functions of a computer include Input, Processing, Output, and Storage
• Peripheral equipment refers to the hardware devices attached to the computer, including input, output, and secondary storage devices
• Software in a computer system includes System Software (e.g., Operating System, Compilers) and Application Software (e.g., word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, graphics programs)
• Charles Babbage is known as the Grandfather of Computers and is associated with the Analytical Engine that used ROM punch cards
• A Database Management System (DMS) is a collection of programs that enable the storage, modification, and extraction of information from a database, examples include Microsoft Access and Oracle
• Data Processing involves the manipulation of data into a more useful form and includes steps like Collection, Preparation, Input, Processing, Output, and Storage
• Information is processed data that is organized, meaningful, and useful, while Information Technology involves the use of systems for storing, retrieving, and sending information
• History of Computers:

  • Mechanical Computers (1600-1900): Abacus, Slide Rule, Pascal Calculator
  • Electronic Computers (1937-1953)
  • Generations of Computers:
  • First Generation (46-56): Vacuum Tubes
  • Second Generation (59-65): Transistors
  • Third Generation (65-72): Integrated circuits
  • Fourth Generation (72-Present): Microprocessor
• Types of Computers:

  • Analog Computers: recognize data as a continuous measurement of a physical property, output in meter/graph
  • Digital Computers: operate with numbers, have two states (ON or OFF), fast and have big memory
• 5 Categories of Data Processing:

  • Collection
  • Conversion
  • Communication
  • Manipulation
  • Storage
• Steps of Data Processing:

  • Collection
  • Preparation
  • Input
  • Processing
  • Output
  • Storage
• Data Processing Methods include:

  • Manual Data Processing
  • Mechanical Data Processing (typewriters)
  • Electronic Data Processing (modern technique)
  • Real Time Processing
  • Batch Processing
  • Electronic Data Processing (EDP)
• Electronic Data Processing (EDP) involves the use of automated measures using simple, repetitive actions and computer technology to organize, store documents, and sometimes transfer them from paper to a digital format