PRACTICAL 8

WHAT IS COMPUTER
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the
ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a
computer to  type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can
also use it to edit or create  spreadsheets, presentations, and even  videos.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER

 SUPERCOMPUTER
When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to mind when
thinking of computers is supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest
computers(in terms of speed of processing data). Supercomputers are
designed such that they can process a huge amount of data, like
processing trillions of instructions or data just in a second.

 MAINFRAME COMPUTER
Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that it can support
hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. It also supports multiple
programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different processes
simultaneously. 
DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER

 Minicomputer:
Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer,
there are two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time.
Minicomputers are used in places like institutes or departments for different work like
billing, accounting, inventory management etc. It is smaller than a mainframe
computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.

  PC (Personal Computer):

It is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a general-purpose computer and
designed for individual use. It consists of a microprocessor as a central processing
unit(CPU), memory,  input unit, and output unit. This kind of computer is suitable for
personal work such as making an assignment, watching a movie, or at office for
office work, etc. For example, Laptops and desktop computers.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTER

  Analogue Computer:
It is particularly designed to process analogue data. Continuous data that changes
continuously and cannot have discrete values is called analogue data. So, an analogue
computer is used where we don’t need exact values or need approximate values such
as speed, temperature, pressure etc.

 Digital Computer:
Digital computers are designed in such a way that it can easily perform calculations and
logical operations at high speed. It takes raw data as an input and processes it with
programs stored in its memory to produce the final output. It only understands the
binary input 0 and 1, so the raw input data is converted to 0 and 1 by the computer and
then it is processed by the computer to produce the result or final output. All modern
computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones are digital computers.
 . Hybrid Computer:
As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining two
different things. Similarly, the hybrid computer is a combination of both
analog and digital computers. Hybrid computers are fast like an analog
computer and have memory, and accuracy like a digital computer. So, it
has the ability to process both continuous and discrete data. For working
when it accepts analog signals as input then it converts them into digital
form before processing the input data. So, it is widely used in specialized
applications where both analog and digital data is required to be processed.
A processor which is used in petrol pumps that converts the measurements
of fuel flow into quantity and price is an example of a hybrid computer. 
 CPU

 A central processing unit (CPU), also called a central processor, main processor or
just processor, is the electronic circuitry that executes instructions
comprising a computer program. The CPU performs basic arithmetic, logic,
controlling, and input/output

 Central Processing Unit (CPU) consists of the following features −

• CPU is considered as the brain of the computer.
• CPU performs all types of data processing operations.
• It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program).
• It controls the operation of all parts of the computer.
 CPU itself has following three components.
• Memory or Storage Unit
• Control Unit
• ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
 Memory or Storage Unit
This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. This unit supplies
information to other units of the computer when needed. It is also known as internal
storage unit or the main memory or the primary storage or Random Access Memory
(RAM).
Its size affects speed, power, and capability. Primary memory and secondary memory
are two types of memories in the computer. Functions of the memory unit are −
• It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing.
• It stores intermediate results of processing.
• It stores the final results of processing before these results are released to an
output device.
• All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main memory.
 Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but does not carry out any
actual data processing operations.
Functions of this unit are −
• It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other
units of a computer.
• It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
• It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them, and directs the
operation of the computer.
• It communicates with Input/Output devices for transfer of data or results from
storage.
• It does not process or store data.
 ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
 This unit consists of two subsections namely,
• Arithmetic Section
• Logic Section
 Arithmetic Section
 Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division. All complex operations are done by making
repetitive use of the above operations.
 Logic Section
 Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing,
selecting, matching, and merging of data.
THANK YOU