Computers and IT

COMMON COMPUTER COMPONENTS

 Information is an amusing thing. All the information for the web page is recorded on a
hard disk inside a computer. The information is copied from physical device to other
physical devices perhaps hundreds of times before it gets to your computer where your
web browser is using it to exhibit these words on your monitor. Undoubtedly, information
is something different from the devices used to store and transmit it.
 A computer system comprises of both hardware and software. The information stored in
computer hardware is often called software. The hardware elements of a computer system
are the electronic and mechanical parts. The data and the computer programs are the
software elements of a computer system.
 Processor, Main memory, Secondary memory, Input-devices and Output-devices are the
main hardware elements of a computer system.
 The processor, main memory, secondary memory, power supply, and supporting
hardware are accommodated in a metal case for a typical type of desktop computer. Many
of the components are connected to the main circuit board of the computer, called the
motherboard.
 The power supply provides power to most of the components. Other input devices (such
as the keyboard) and output devices (such as the monitor) are connected through
connectors at the rear of the case.
 Computer cases can be of different shapes and sizes. The computer case is the metal and
plastic box that carries the main components of the computer, including the motherboard,
central processing unit (CPU), and power supply. The front of the case usually has an
On/Off switch and one or more optical drives.
 A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case
is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor. All-in-one computers come with the
internal parts built into the monitor, which does not require the need for a separate case.
Monitor
 The monitor works with a video card which is placed inside the computer case. It displays
images and text on the screen. There are control buttons in most of the Monitors that
permit you to change your monitor's display settings, and some monitors also have built-
in speakers.
 Latest monitors generally have LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light-emitting diode)
displays. These can be made very slim, and they are often called flat-panel displays.
Older monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. CRT monitors were much larger and
heavier, and they needed more desk space.
Keyboard
 The keyboard is a very important part of a computer. It is one of the main ways to
communicate with a computer. There are many different types of keyboards, but have a
similar kind of function to fulfil the basic tasks.
Mouse
 The mouse is commonly known as a pointing device. It is another major tool for
communicating with computers. It allows you point to objects on the screen, click on
them, and drag them.
 There are two main types of mouse: optical and mechanical. The optical mouse runs on
electronic eye to find movement and is easier to clean. The mechanical mouse uses a
rolling ball to detect movement and needs regular cleaning so that it work properly.
Mouse Alternatives
 There are other devices that have similar functioning as a mouse. Many people find them
easier to use, and they also need less desk space than a traditional mouse. The most
common mouse choices are below.
Trackball
 A trackball has a ball that can rotate easily. You can roll the ball with your thumb to
move the pointer, instead of moving the device like a mouse.
Touchpad
 A touchpad—also known as a trackpad—is a touch-sensitive pad that allows you control
the pointer by making a pattern movement with your finger. Touchpads are common on
laptop computers.

BUTTONS AND PORTS ON A COMPUTER

 Computers are of many kinds. Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and
sockets will differ from computer to computer. However, there are certain ones you can
expect to find on most desktop computers. If you want to learn how these ports work will
help whenever you need to link something to your computer, like a new printer,
keyboard, or mouse.
Back of a computer case
 If you look at the rear of a computer case you will find that it has connection ports that
are made to fit certain devices. The placement will differ from computer to computer, and
many companies have their own particular connectors for specific devices. Some of the
ports may be color coded to help you find which port is used with a specific device.
Other types of ports
 FireWire, Thunderbolt, and HDMI are some types of ports. If you face any problem in
acknowledging the ports, you should consult your manual for further information.

PERIPHERALS USED WITH YOUR COMPUTER

 A basic computer setup mainly comprises of the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and
mouse, but you can plug various types of devices into the extra ports on your computer.
These devices are called peripherals.
Printers:
 As its name suggests, a printer is used to print documents, photos, and anything else that
comes on your screen. Inkjet, laser, and photo printers are some commonly used printers.
There are even all-in-one printers, which can also scan and copy documents.
Scanners:
 A scanner enables you to copy a physical image or document and also allow you to save
it to your computer as a digital image.
Speakers/headphones:
 Speakers and headphones are output devices, which means they send information from
the computer to the user—they enable you to hear sound and music. Based on the model,
they may connect to the audio port or the USB port. Some monitors also have built-in
speakers.
Microphones:
 Many laptop computers come with built-in microphones. A microphone is a kind of input
device, or a device that gets information from a user.
Web cameras:
 A web camera—or webcam—is a type of input device that can record videos and take
pictures. It can also transmit video over the Internet in real time, which enables for video
chat or video conferencing with someone who is sitting far off.
Game controllers and joysticks:
 As the name suggests, a game controller is used to control computer games. Many other
types of controllers like joysticks, although mouse and keyboard can also be used to
control most of the games.
Digital cameras:
 A digital camera helps you take pictures and videos in a digital format. By connecting the
camera to your computer's USB port, you can transfer the images from the camera to the
computer.

INSIDE A COMPUTER
Motherboard
 The computer's main circuit board is the motherboard. It's a thin plate that holds the CPU,
memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the
video and audio, and connections to computer's ports (such as USB ports). The
motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer.
CPU
 The central processing unit (CPU), also sometimes called the brain of the computer or
called as a processor, is placed inside the computer case on the motherboard. Its job is to
carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application,
you're sending instructions to the CPU.
 The CPU is usually a two-inch ceramic square with a silicon chip located inside. The chip
is normally about the size of a thumbnail. The CPU fits into the motherboard's CPU
socket, which is protected by the heat sink, an object that absorbs heat from the CPU.
 A processor's speed is measured in megahertz (MHz), or millions of instructions per
second; and gigahertz (GHz), or billions of instructions per second. Instructions can be
executed more quickly by a faster processor. However, the actual speed of the computer
depends on the speed of various other components—not just the processor.
RAM (random access memory)
 RAM is system's short-term memory. Whenever your computer executes calculations, it
temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed.
 This memory is short term as it vanishes when the computer is turned off. If you're
working on a document, spreadsheet, or other type of file, you'll need to save it all the
time to avoid losing it. When you save a file, the data is written to the hard drive, which
serves long-term storage
 Megabytes (MB) or Gigabytes (GB) are the units of measuring RAM. The more RAM
you have, the more things your computer can do at the same time. If your computer is
short of RAM, you may notice that your computer is slow when you have several
programs open.
Hard drive
 For storing documents and other files of software you need a hard drive. The hard drive
is a long-term storage, which means the data is still saved even if your computer is turned
off or unplugged.
 When you run a program or open a file, the computer copies some of the data from the
hard drive onto the RAM. When you save a file, the data is copied back to the hard drive.
The performance of your computer depends upon the hard drive.
Power Supply Unit
 The power supply unit changes the power according to the requirements of the computer.
It transmits power through cables to the motherboard and other components.
Expansion cards
 To attach various types of expansion card most of the computers have expansion slots on
the motherboard that permit you to attach various types of expansion cards. These are
sometimes called PCI (peripheral component interconnect) cards. You usually need not to
add any PCI cards because most motherboards have built-in video, sound, network, and
other potentials.
Video Card
 The video card is liable for what you see on the monitor. Most computers have a GPU
(graphics processing unit) built into the motherboard instead of having a separate video
card. A faster video card can be added If you like playing graphics-intensive games, to
one of the expansion slots to get better results.
Sound card
 What all you hear in the speakers or headphones is due to the Sound card also known as
audio card. Most motherboards have integrated sound, but you can upgrade to a dedicated
sound card for higher-quality sound.
Network card
 The network card allows your computer to interact over a network and access the
Internet. It can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through a wireless connection
(often called Wi-Fi). Many motherboards have built-in network connections, and a
network card can also be attached to an expansion slot to have internet access.
 Bluetooth card (or adapter)
 Bluetooth technology is used for wireless communication over short distances. It's usually
used to communicate with wireless keyboards, mice, and printers. It's usually built into
the motherboard or included in a wireless network card. For computers that don't have
Bluetooth, you can add a USB adapter, called a dongle.

GENERATION OF COMPUTERS
 The history of the computer is several decades old. There are five definable generations
of computers. Each generation of computer is defined by a remarkable technological
development that changes basically how computers operate – leading to more compact,
less expensive, but more powerful, fast, efficient and robust machines.
First Generation – Vacuum Tube (1940 – 1956)
 Early computers were very huge, literally taking up whole rooms and need a lot of
expense to run. They used vacuum tubes as circuitry and magnetic drums for memory.
These were incompetent materials which huge electricity and subsequently generated a
lot of heat which caused frequent breakdowns.
 These first-generation computers depend on ‘machine language’. These computers had
some limitations. They could solve one problem at a time. Input was based on punched
cards and paper tape. Output came out on print-outs. The two remarkable machines of this
age were the UNIVAC and ENIAC machines – the UNIVAC is the first every
commercial computer which was bought in 1951 by a business – the US Census Bureau.
Second Generation – Transistors (1956 – 1963)
 Vacuum tubes were then replaced by transistors. It witnessed the origin of the second
generation of computing. Although first invented in 1947, transistors weren’t used
significantly in computers until the end of the 1950s. They were a big development over
the vacuum tube, despite still causing computers to damaging levels of heat. However
they were enormously superior to the vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster,
more efficient, cheaper and less heavy on electricity use. They still relied on punched card
for input/printouts.
 The language also saw development from cryptic binary language to symbolic
(‘assembly’) languages. This meant that the programmers could generate instructions in
words. About the same time high level programming languages were being developed
(early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN). Transistor-driven machines were the first
computers to store instructions into their memories – moving from magnetic drum to
magnetic core ‘technology’. The early versions of these machines were evolved for the
atomic energy industry.
Third Generation – Integrated Circuits (1964 – 1971)
 By this phase, transistors were now being miniaturized and put on silicon chips (called
semiconductors). It increased speed and efficiency of these machines. These were the
first computers where users communicated using keyboards and monitors which
interfaced with an operating system, a remarkable turn from the punch cards and
printouts. This let these machines to run various applications at once using a central
program which functioned to monitor memory.
Fourth Generation – Microprocessors (1972 – 2010)
 This revolution can be defined in one word: Intel. The chip-maker developed the Intel
4004 chip in 1971, which placed all computer components (CPU, memory, input/output
controls) onto a single chip. What needed a room to fit in the 1940s now shrunk to the
size of the palm of the hand. Microprocessors even moved beyond the domain of
computers and into an increasing number of everyday products.
 The increasing power of these small computers meant they could be linked, creating
networks Which eventually led to the development, origin and fast evolution of the
Internet.
Fifth Generation – Artificial Intelligence (2010)
 Devices with artificial intelligence are still in development, but some of these
technologies are beginning to originate and be used such as voice recognition. Artificial
Intelligence is fictitious reality made possible by using parallel processing and
superconductors. The essence of fifth generation will be using these technologies to
eventually design machines which can process and respond to natural language, and have
capability to learn and organize themselves.
KINDS OF COMPUTERS
Notebook
 A notebook is a small sized portable computer but has a processing power just like a
desktop computer. It weighs around 5kgs and has batteries competent enough of running
it for 4 to 5 hours without any external power source. It has a screen than 15 inches and
supports high resolution displays. It has a touchpad instead of a mouse, keeping in mind
the portability factor.
 Notebooks allow most characteristics that a normal desktop provides. It basically comes
with built-in multiple USB ports and contains a CD drive (including DVD and Blu-Ray
disk read/write capability). Some laptops also have a VGA slot to connect an external
display or even a projector. Notebooks also offer features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
support.
Ultrabook
 Ultrabook has been launched recently. It’s a new series of laptops. An Ultrabook is a thin,
lightweight and portable device with the processing power of a notebook. Ultrabook
features Solid State Drives (SSDs) for faster disk operations, greater resolution and better
performance.
Tablet PC
 Another type of portable computer is tablet PC. These are of two types: The folding type
(normal foldable laptops), and the slate form (the iPad, ePad, etc).
 Tablet PCs having the folding form factor usually have rotating screens which can be
fully flipped over around a central axis. These tablets have a full-size physical keyboard
and usually support Desktop OSs like Windows.
 The slate form factor tablet PCs (sometimes referred to as “Pads“) are without a physical
keypad and rather depend on an entirely touch based interface (virtual keyboard). These
Pads usually run on Mobile Operating Systems (like iOS, Android) and include in-built
peripherals like GPS, G-Sensor, etc.
 As compared to the general notebooks, tablet PCs have the additional feature of
processing touch inputs. The screens are touch sensitive and users can interact with either
bare hands or a pen-shaped stylus. Many of the modern touchscreens are also able to
perform processing multi-touch gestures. Tablet PCs are generally equipped with
powerful processors to let the users have an easy and hassle-free interactive experience.
PC or Desktop
 Desktop computers are the most suitable type of computers for performing different
tasks like documentation, accounting and internet browsing, etc. in offices, schools and
other work places. It consists of a desktop display known as Monitor with a key board
placed on table top and a case containing mother board with processing unit known as
CPU normally placed under the table. Desktops are usually cheaper than laptops and
palmtop computers.
Laptop
 Laptops are thin and light weighted as compared to desktops. They can be easily placed
on the lap to work comfortably. Laptop mother boards have built in wireless technology.
Therefore they can be easily carried and run on rechargeable battery. Unlike desktops,
laptops do not need any extra space for storage.
Palmtop
 A palmtop is also known as PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). It is very small in size and
can be placed on the palm as its name suggests. Palmtops make use of an electronic pen
 known as stylus in place of key board for operating. Data feeding is done through hand
written messages using this pen. It is also known as hand held or pocket computer. But a
palmtop has some limitations. It can perform limited functions and is mostly used as a
phone book, diary or note book and for sending and receiving mails and playing games.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Analog
 Analog computer works on range of values which keep changing continuously and give
approximate results of the computations. These computers are used for calculating
temperature, pressure, voltage and speed.
Digital
 Digital computers are mainly used in technology and in engineering fields. Digital
computers operate on digital data using binary number system. They are more exact and
give quick results.
Hybrid:
 Hybrid computers operate on a compound version of analog and digital features. These
computers are mostly used for exclusive tasks like automatic operations of machines and
monitoring of complicated physical processes.
Super Computer
 It has a large processing capacity. It can process hundreds of millions of instructions at a
single moment. It is very expensive and is helpful for nuclear technology, scientific
research, geological surveys and weather reports.
Mainframe
 Mainframe computer is a computer with a large CPU for processing all operations linked
with many hundreds of other computers in its frame work. They are capable for
efficiently monitoring hundreds of millions of transactions simultaneously. They are
extensively used in banks, schools, offices, railways and airlines.
Mini Computer
 A minicomputer is smaller than mainframe computer in operations and is not very
expensive. But it can support more than 100 users at a single time.
Micro Computer
 A microcomputer is based on one single microprocessor chip for its operations. Desktop
PC, Laptop and palmtop computer are microcomputers. Other microcomputers are note
books, tablets, game computers, smart books and smart phones, etc.

COMPUTER LANGUAGES
 Programming language is the main medium of communicating between the Computer
systems. As we know a Computer only understands binary numbers that is 0 and 1 to
conduct various operations but the languages are evolved for different types of work on a
Computer.
 A language consists of all the instructions to make a request to the system for processing
a task. From the first generation and now fourth generation of the Computers there were
several programming languages used to communicate with the Computer. Here we will
read in the detail of the Computer language and its types.
 A Computer language consist of various languages that are used to communicate with a
Computer machine. Some of the languages like programming language which is a set of
codes or instructions used to communicate with the machine. Machine code is also known
as a computer language that can be used for programming.
Low Level Language
 In Low level languages the commands are given in machine language which are the
machine codes in the form of 0 and 1 to a Computer system. It is mainly designed to
perform and handle all the hardware and instructions set architecture of a Computer.
 The main task of the Low level language is to perform, control and manipulate the
hardware and system components. There are various programs and applications written in
low level languages that are directly workable without any definition or translation.
 The most popular and the base of all programming languages “C” and “C++” are mostly
used Low level languages till today. Low level language is also categorized into two parts
- Machine language and Assembly language.
 The best use of using Machine language is that there is no need of any interpreter or
translator to translate the code as it is directly understood by the computer.
 But there are some drawbacks also like you have to remember the operation codes,
memory address each time you write a program and also difficult to find errors in a
written program. It is a machine dependent and can be used by a single kind of Computer.
High Level Language
 The most widely used languages are the high-level languages and also more considered
programming languages that helps a programmer to read, write and maintain.
 It is also the third generation language that is used and also running till now by many
programmers. They are less independent to a particular type of Computer and also need a
translator that can convert the high level language to machine language.
 The translator may be an interpreter and Compiler that helps to convert into binary code
for a Computer to understand.
 There are other high level programming languages like C, FORTRAN or Pascal that are
less independent and also let the programmer to write a program.

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