Computer Definitions

Computer

          A computer is a machine that can be programmed to accept data, process data into useful information and store it for later use. A computer consists of hardware and software. The machine is known as hardware. The programs are called software. The processing of input to output is directed by the software but performed by the hardware.

Computer word is derived from compute that means to calculate. Computer is used to perform arithmetic and logical operations. Calculation is not the only use of computer. It can be used for different purposes.

The term computer literacy refers to the knowledge and understanding of computer and its uses. A person is computer literate if he understands computer and its applications.

 

What is Computer

Computer is an electronic device which process data (input) and give result (output).

      Input…………………………Processing………………………….Output

Why we use Computer

                             We use computer because

1)      It is an electronic machine.

2)      It works speedily.

3)      It works accurately.

4)      It has large memory.

5)      It saves out time.

Main parts of a Computer

A Computer has following main parts.

1.      Keyboard    …….    Input device

2.      Mouse         …….    Input device

3.      Monitor       …….    Output device

4.      C.P.U          ……..    Central Processing Unit.

Q. Define computer Hardware and Software.

Computer Hardware

                                The physical parts of a computer are called computer hardware.

                                These parts can be seen and touched.

                                 Examples of computer hardware are Mouse, Keyboard, and Monitor etc.

Computer Software

       

                              Software is a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.

                               A computer works according to the given instructions in the software.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE

There are two main types of software’

1)      System Software.

2)      Application Software.

Input and Output devices

Input Devices

                      The devices which are used to feed or store data into computer are called input devices e.g. Keyboard, Mouse, Digital Camera, Microphone, Joystick and Scanner.

Output Devices

                         Devices which are used to show or produce result after processing the data are called output devices e.g. Monitor, Printer, Speaker.

Q. How many input devices are in common used?

Mouse

          Mouse is an input device of computer used to control the position of a pointer on the computer screen. A mouse has usually two or three buttons that perform different functions.

Keyboard

               Keyboard is most popular input device used to enter all types of data, information and instructions into the computer.

It is helpful to enter alphabets, numbers and symbols into the system/computer.

What is a Monitor and how many types of Monitor are there?

MONITOR

             Monitor is a soft copy output device.

It is also known as Visual Display Unit (VDU).

There are two main types of Monitor.

      Monochromes Monitor.

      Colors Monitor.

Q. What is a printer? How many types of printers is there in common use?

PRINTER

           A printer is a hard copy output device of a computer which produce result on paper.

      Dot Matrix Printer

      Ink jet Printer

      Laser Printer