Lesson 2

• Computer


  A device that accepts information in the form of digitalized data and manipulates it for some result based on a program or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed
• The computer we know today is a result of various improvements made since the 19th century by an English mathematics professor named Charles Babbage
• Babbage designed the Analytical Engine where the basic framework of computers today are based on
• The first electronic digital computer in 1937 was the Atanasoff-Berry Computer or ABC
• In 1943, a computer called Colossus was built for military
• Since 1963


  1. Computers started becoming smaller and more powerful

  2. The PC or personal computer we know today is introduced in 1980 from the MS-Dos
• Improvements were slowly made

  To give us the Windows operating system we know today and the Macintosh computer from Apple

  
• Analog Computer


  A computing device that works on continuous range of values. The results given by the analog computers will only be approximate since they deal with quantities that vary continuously. It generally deals with physical variables such as pressure, temperature, speed, and voltages
• Digital Computer


  Operates on digital data such as numbers. It uses binary number system in which there are only two digits 0 and 1. Each one is called a bit. It can perform arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and logical operations. Digital computers can give more accurate and faster results and most of the computers available today are digital computers
• Hybrid Computer


  Combines the desirable features of analog and digital computers. It is mostly used for automatic operations of complicated physical processes and machines. It has the speed of analog and the accuracy of digital computer
• Supercomputer


  The largest and most powerful computers. It is also the most expensive because it is custom-made for the needs of governments and international groups and companies. Supercomputers are used for very special purposes and engineering applications, including analyzing data from space probes, researching nuclear energy, creating weather maps and weather forecasting, and finding oil
• Mainframe Computer


  A large and expensive computer capable of handling thousands of users and programs simultaneously. Mainframe computers can handle, process, and store large amounts of data. These are commonly stored in large, air-conditioned rooms because of their big size. It is mainly used by big businesses and companies to process and compute large, bulk amounts of data and handle millions of transactions
• Minicomputer


  Features all the functions of a large size computer, but has a smaller size. Minicomputers can support many users because of their multi-processing system. It is another type of multi-use machine that is smaller, less expensive, and less powerful than the mainframe. This is used in mid-range businesses and companies for their processing needs. Minicomputers have been replaced by network servers, which can also do multi-user and related applications
• Desktop Computers


  The most popular computer systems. Also known as personal computers or simply PCs. They are usually easier to use, upgraded and more affordable. Users can perform several complicated tasks in a few times without getting any hindrance. PCs are normally intended for individual users for their word processing and other small application requirements
• Laptop/Notebook Computers


  Portable computers. They are lightweight computers with a thin screen. They are also called notebook because of their small size and designed like a stylish briefcase. It is battery operated computers that are very popular with travelers. These microcomputers are more expensive than desktop computers because of which various small sizes of components are built. Its best advantage is portability
• Tablet Computers


  Handheld portable devices along with touch screen interface, and they are smaller in size than notebook devices but bigger to Smartphone. In which, users can perform both activities (Input/Output) on its LCD screen and can run several applications such word processing and others
• Modern TVs


  Now have their own applications and interactive features. These features allow users to stream music, movies online or browse the Internet, and view photos
• Smartphone


  A touch screen mobile phone that is capable to perform various advance functions similar to computer such as installs OS (operating system), download different applications, accessibility to internet, and more activities
• Game Consoles


  A special kind of computer primarily used for playing video games. It is a device that outputs a video signal or visual image to display a video game that one or more people can play. It also allows non-gaming activities such watching videos, viewing pictures, or browsing the Internet
• Wearable Computers


  Any small technology device capable of storing and processing data that will be worn on the body. These are designed for accessibility and convenience, as well as improvements to workplaces by making information rapidly and readily available to the wearer
• A computer system is the sum of all the components that makes up a fully functional computer
• Input Hardware


  For users to input data into the computer system. Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner
• Output Hardware


  To translate and display the result of the data processing. Example: Monitor Screen, Printer etc.
• Processing and Memory Hardware


  Where data and information are processed and manipulated to perform the task at hand. It is also the workspace of the computer, where it temporarily stores data. Examples: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Read Only Memory (RAM)
• Secondary Storage Hardware


  Where the computer system stores data permanently. Example: Hard disk, Pen drive etc.
• Software


  A set of programs which helps the user to do a set of specific tasks. It helps the user interact with the computer system with the help of hardware. Software, as you can imagine, is the intangible aspect of the computer system
• Operating System


  Specialized programs that allow the communication between software and hardware. The operating systems run all the other computer programs, and even regulate the startup process of the computer. Examples: Windows XP, Macintosh etc.
• Application Software


  Designed to perform a specific task or a bunch of tasks. They can be user-designed (specific to the user's needs) or readymade application software. Example: PowerPoint, Tally etc.
• Utility Software


  Like operating systems, it is system software. It helps maintain and protect the computer system. Example, Anti-virus software is a utility software
• Language Processors


  Software that interprets computer language and translates it into machine language. It also checks for errors in language syntax and fixes the problems
• System Software


  This type of software controls the hardware, the reading of the data and other such internal functions
• Connectivity Software


  The special software that facilitates the connection between the computer system and the server. This allows the computer to share information and communicate with each other
• Liveware


  The people interacting with the computer system. They are the ultimate "users" of computer systems
• Programmers


  Professionals who write the computer programs that allow users to interact with the computer. They must have technical knowledge of computers and computer languages
• System Analysts


  They mainly design data processing systems and solve problems that arise in data processing
• End Users/Operators


  People who interact with the computer system
• Hardware Oriented Procedure


  Instruct the hardware components of the system, ensure they work smoothly
• Software Oriented Procedure


  Provide instructions to launch and run software program
• Internal Procedure


  Directs the flow of information and sequences the data
• Data


  The raw facts and figures that we input in the computer. The data gets processed via the computer system and becomes information, which is processed and organized data. Information can then be used for decision-making purposes