Today through this blog we will learn about the basic knowledge of computers like definitions and examples.


Basic Knowledge of Computer
Tech Learning Guide

    1. Basic Knowledge of Computer

    A computer is an electronic machine used to calculate data and store information. It is the fastest machine that takes input from the user, processes it according to instructions, and shows the result to the user through its output device.

    You can use a computer to type letters, type an Excel sheet to create data, create presentations, send emails, play games, listen to music, play movies, and do web research.


    2. Who invented the computer and when?

    In the 19th century, a scientist named Charles Babbage invented the computer. We call him the father of the computer because he was the first to design the Analytical Engine (mechanical computer), which is considered the basic structure of today's computers.


    3. Full form of Computer

    Technically, there is no full form of computer, but we have considered a full form of computer in our imagination.

    C – Commonly
    O – Operating
    M – Machine
    P – Purposely
    U – Used for
    T – Technological and
    E – Educational
    R – Research

    4. Generations of computers

    Here we will learn about the five generations of computer.

    Generation Hardware feature Characteristics System Names
    First (1942-1956) Vacuum Tubes, Punch Cards
    Support machine language,
    Very costly, Generate lot of
    heat, Large size,
    Consumed lot of electricity
    ENIAC,
    EDVAC, TBN
    701
    Second (1956-1965) Transistors, Magnetic Tapes
    Batch operating system,
    Faster smaller and reliable
    than previous generation,
    Costly
    Honeywell
    400, CDC
    1604, IBM
    7030
    Third (1965-1975)
    ICs, Large capacity disk and
    Magnetic Tapes
    Time Sharing OS, Faster,
    smaller and reliable
    cheaper, Easier to update
    IBM 360/370,
    CDC 6600,
    PDP 8/11
    Fourth (1975-1988)
    lcs with VLSI Technology,
    Semiconductor Memory, Magnetic
    tapes and floppy us portable
    Multiprocessing & GUI OS,
    Object oriented programs,
    Small, affordable, easy to
    use, Easier to update
    Apple II, VAX
    9000, CRAY 1/2
    Fifth (1988-Present)
    lcs with ULSI Technology, Large
    capacity hard disk with RAID
    Support, Optical disks us portable
    read-only storage media, Powerful
    servers, internet Cluster computing
    Powerful, cheaper, reliable
    easy to use, portable,
    Rapid software
    development possible
    IBM,
    Pentium,
    PARAM


    5. Two important parts of the computer

    A computer system is divided into two categories: hardware and software.


    A. Hardware

    Hardware is the physical part of the computer, and we can see and touch these parts. Hardware is used to make computers. Examples of hardware in a computer are the monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse, and Central Processing Unit (CPU).


    B. Software

    Software is a type of computer program designed to run computer hardware and application programs. We can only see them with our eyes but can't touch them. Examples of software in a computer are MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Chrome, etc.


    6. Computer working process


    Input Processing Output


    1. First step - To input data into the computer, use input devices like a keyboard, or mouse to command the computer through software to input data.
    2. Second step - In this, the command or data given by you is processed by the processor according to the information and instructions available in the software.
    3. Third step - The third and final part of the output is based on the commands you give, which process the data and display the result by the output device.


    List of Output Devices List of Input Devices
    Monitor Mouse
    Speaker Keyboard
    Printer Scanner
    Projector D.V.D. Driver
    Headphone Microphone


    7. Five important internal parts of the computer


    1. Motherboard

    The motherboard is the most important part of the computer. It connects various parts of the computer, such as the CPU, hard drive, memory, video card, sound card, etc., through a single cable.


    2. CPU/Processor

    The full name of the CPU is “Central Processing Unit.”.  It is also called the brain of the computer. The CPU is a chip installed on the motherboard. The speed of a computer depends on its CPU.


    3. GPU

    The GPU is also called a graphics card or video card. The full name of the GPU is “Graphics Processing Unit.”.  A graphics card is like a chip that accelerates the production of videos, ultra-graphics games, and animations. GPU performs very fast calculations and frees up the CPU to do other tasks. 


    4. RAM

    The full name of RAM is "Random Access Memory.".  RAM is also known as volatile memory. RAM is used to store programming data in a computer. RAM helps to start and stop programs and games quickly.


    5. Storage

    Everyone needs somewhere to store their data on the computer. We use either a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD) to store our data in modern computers. We may preserve all types of information, such as videos, documents, pictures, and raw data, in storage.


    8. Other parts of the computer

    The computer has many parts, but some parts are given below.


    1. Monitor

    A monitor is an electronic device that displays the data stored by the user. It is used to display images, video, and graphics information generated by a connected computer via a computer's video card.


    2. Keyboard

    A keyboard is an electronic device used to input data into a computer. A monitor is an electronic device that displays data input by the user.


    3. Mouse

    A mouse is a small hardware input device used by the hand. It is used to transfer and select texts, files, folders, etc. It is an object that is placed on a flat surface. 


    4. Printer

    A printer is an electronic machine that is used to print text and photos from a computer.


    5. Speaker

    A speaker is an output hardware device that connects to a computer to produce sound. Speakers are used for listening to songs, playing games, watching videos, etc.


    9. Different types of computers


    1. Supercomputer

    A supercomputer can perform calculations much faster than normal computers, and their ability to process data is very high.

    It is used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, testing mathematical models, cryptology, and nuclear energy research. The supercomputer was first introduced in 1960 by Seymour Roger Cray.


    2. Mainframe computer

    Mainframe computers process a large amount of data very quickly. Its storage and display capacity is very high. It can work continuously for 24 hours. It is an expensive and heavy-weight computer.

    It is mainly used by large organizations for industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, large-scale transaction processing, banking, the telecom sector, etc.


    3. Mini computer

    Minicomputers are less expensive than mainframe computers. Due to its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere. It works very fast. Minicomputers are used in places like institutes or departments for different work like billing, accounting, inventory management, etc. 


    4. Workstation computer

    Workstation computers are expensive or high cost. They are specially made to solve complex work purposes. It provides large storage capacity, with better graphics, and a more powerful CPU when compared to a PC.

    It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, audio and video creation, and editing. 


    5. Personal computer

    A personal computer is designed for personal use. Their cost is also very low. Their size is also the smallest. It is easy to use. For example, laptops and desktop computers. Use of this type of computer is suitable for doing assignments, watching movies, office work, etc.


    10. Uses of computers

    Uses of computers in various fields. Computers have become pervasive in our lives. It is difficult to imagine modern life without computers and their related equipment. Computers have made our lives easy, simple, efficient, and productive.

    Computers are being used today in almost all fields like education, treatment, administration, transportation, communication, business, entertainment, space, etc. Some examples of which are given below.


    1. Use of computers in homes

    Computers are used in homes for many reasons, like listening to music, watching movies, entertainment, communication, social media, knowledge, playing games, internet access, etc. 


    2. Use of computers in the field of business

    Computers are considered to be the backbone of modern business. Today computers are being used to reduce the cost of business and increase customer satisfaction. Computers are used in business to plan, implement, track, and report sales and marketing activities. Creating websites and starting digital advertisements and campaigns can all be done with the help of a computer.


    3. Use of computers in the field of education

    Computers have completely changed the field of education and have opened many new avenues for imparting education. Today, with the help of computers, traditional classrooms are being converted into modern smart classrooms. Computers have proved to be very useful in smart classes, online education, digital libraries, and research/projects. 


    4. Use of computers in the field of healthcare

    Computers have become an integral part of providing efficient, effective, accountable, and transparent health services. Computers are used in the fields of hospital management, medical laboratories, surgery, diagnostics, etc. Computers have proved to be a boon in the field of medicine.


    5. Use of computers in the field of e-governance

    Today, governments all over the world are using computers to create a better system of in-charge e-governance. Through e-governance, the government offers government services to the citizens in an efficient, accountable, speedy, and transparent manner.


    6. Use of computers in the field of defense

    Computer use is also more prevalent in the military. With its help, the state-of-the-art weapons of the army are controlled.