COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS — COMPONENTS, MEMORY, GENERATIONS AND INTERNET

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS — COMPONENTS, MEMORY, GENERATIONS AND INTERNET

1. Meaning of a Computer

• A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data as input, processes it according to instructions, stores information and produces output.
• Its basic functioning can be represented as Input → Processing → Output → Storage.
• NIOS identifies input devices, output devices, memory and the Central Processing Unit (CPU) as the four major functional components of a computer. (NIOS)

2. Hardware and Software

• Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched, such as the keyboard, monitor, processor and storage devices.
• Software consists of programs, operating systems and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
• System software includes operating systems, while application software includes word processors, spreadsheets, browsers and similar programs. (NIOS)

3. Input Devices

• Input devices are used to enter data and instructions into a computer.
• Common examples include keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam, touchscreen and barcode reader.
• A scanner converts printed documents or images into digital form.
• Modern devices may also use biometric sensors, voice input and digital cameras.

4. Central Processing Unit

• The CPU is often called the “brain of the computer” because it controls and processes instructions.
• It broadly contains the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit and registers.
• The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations, while the Control Unit coordinates the activities of different computer components.
• Modern CPUs contain billions of transistors integrated into compact semiconductor chips.

5. Output Devices

• Output devices present processed information to the user.
• Common examples include monitor, printer, speakers, projector and plotter.
• A monitor produces soft-copy output, while printers provide hard-copy output.
• NIOS describes output devices as devices that receive processed information from the CPU and present it in the required form. (NIOS)

6. Computer Memory