A computer is an electronic device

that helps people perform different

tasks.
 an electronic device for storing and
processing data, typically in binary
form, according to instructions given
to it in a variable program.
1. Microcomputers

2. Mini Computers

3. Mainframe Computers

4. Supercomputers

5. Workstations
• Is generally a synonym for the more
common term, personal computer or
PC, a computer designed for an
individual.
Two Classifications of Microcomputers
1. Personal Computer or PC
2. Portable Computer
Have become widely popular with
people of all lifestyles because they
are powerful, affordable and easy to
use .
Include, laptops or notebooks, sub-
notebook, tablet computer and
personal digital assistants.
A midsized computer. In size and
power, minicomputers lie between
workstations and mainframes. In
general, minicomputer is a multi
processing system capable of
supporting from 4 to about 200 users
simultaneously.
A very large and expensive computer
capable of supporting hundreds, or
even thousands, of users
simultaneously.
 Thefastest type of computer.
Supercomputers are very expensive
and are employed for specialized
applications that require immense
amounts of mathematical
calculations.
A terminal or desktop computer in a
network. In this context,
workstation is just a generic term
for a user's machine (client machine)
in contrast to a "server" or
"mainframe."
1. High Speed
2. Accuracy
3. Storage Capability
4. Diligence
5. Versatility
6. Reliability
7. Automation
8. Reduction in Paper Work
9. Reduction in Cost
 Computer is a very fast device.
 It is capable of performing calculation of
very large amount of data.
 The computer has units of speed in
microsecond, nanosecond, and even the
picoseconds.
 It can perform millions of calculations in a
few seconds as compared to man who will
spend many months for doing the same
task.
 In addition to being very fast,
computers are very accurate.
 The calculations are 100% error free.
 Computers perform all jobs with
100% accuracy provided that correct
input has been given.
 Memory is a very important
characteristic of computers.
 A computer has much more storage
capacity than human beings.
 It can store large amount of data.
 It can store any type of data such as
images, videos, text, audio and
many others.
 Unlike human beings, a computer is
free from monotony, tiredness and
lack of concentration.
 It can work continuously without any
error and boredom.
 It can do repeated work with same
speed and accuracy.
A computer is a very versatile machine
& flexible in performing the jobs to be
done.
 It can be used to solve the problems
related to various fields.
 At one instance, it may be solving a
complex scientific problem and the
very next moment it may be playing a
card game.
A computer is a reliable machine.
 Modern electronic components have
long lives.
 Computers are designed to make
maintenance easy.
 Computer is an automatic machine.
 Automation means ability to perform
the given task automatically.
 Once a program is given to computer
i.e. stored in computer memory, the
program and instruction can control
the program execution without human
interaction.
 The use of computers for data
processing in an organization leads
to reduction in paper work and
results in speeding up a process.
 As data in electronic files can be
retrieved as and when required, the
problem of maintenance of large
number of paper files gets reduced.
 Though the initial investment for
installing a computer is high but it
substantially reduces the cost of
each of its transaction.
1. No I.Q
2. Dependency
3. Environment
4. No Feelings
A computer is a machine that has no
intelligence to perform any task.
 Each instruction has to be given to
computer.
 A computer cannot take any decision
on its own.
 It
functions as per a user’s
instruction, so it is fully dependent
on human being.
 The operating environment of
computer should be dust free and
suitable.
 Computers have no feelings or
emotions.
 It cannot make judgment based on
feeling, taste, experience, and
knowledge unlike a human being.
1. System Unit

2. Output Devices

3. Input Devices
 Thesystem unit – the core of a
computer is responsible for
processing and storing data and
controls all computer functions.
 The motherboard is the most important
component of your computer.
 At one point or another, every other
component connects to the
motherboard.
 The motherboard is the largest board
of the computer system.
 iswhere programs and data are kept
when the processor is actively using
them.
 When data become active, they are
copied from secondary memory into
main memory when the processor
can interact with them.
 RAM - A random-access memory device
allows data items to be accessed (read or
written) in almost the same amount of
time irrespective of the physical location
of data inside the memory.
• is the electronic circuitry within a
computer that carries out the instructions
of a computer program by performing the
basic arithmetic, logical, control and
input/output (I/O) operations specified by
the instructions.
 Output device is any peripheral
device that presents, displays,
alters, or records output after it has
left a computer’s system unit.
 When a computer completes a
computation, the resulting data is
sent to an output device.
MONITOR
 The monitor is the most popular output
device.
 The monitor receives signals from a video
card inside of the computer and gives the
user a graphical or textual display.
 Aninput device is any peripheral
appliance that generates input for
the computer and allows users to
enter information into the computer
to be processed.
Keyboard
 External input device used to type data
into some sort of computer system
whether it is a mobile device, a
personal computer, or another.
 is the set of typewriter-like keys that
enables you to enter data into a
computer and other devices.
 is the primary text input device.
Application Software
 Easy-to-use programs designed to
perform specific tasks
System Software
 Programs that support the execution
and development of other programs
 Application software makes computer popular and
easy to use.
 Common application software:
 Microsoft Word, WordPerfect
 PowerPoint
 Netscape, Internet Explorer
 PhotoShop, Photo-Paint
 Quick Time
 Dreamweaver
2 Major Types
 Operating System

 Translation systems (compilers &

linkers)
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Data
4. People
5. Procedures
 Software – also called “Program”, is the
instruction that tells what the hardware what
to do.
 Hardware- refers to physical equipment or
component of the hardware.
 Data – is the raw facts that the computer can
change into useful information.
 People- the “end users”. Most computers need
people to operate them.
 Procedures- are the steps or directions that
the ends user needs to follow in order to
complete a certain task.