Basic Computer Fundamentals

Computer :

A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations, and operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. It has the ability to accept data (input), process it, and then produce outputs.

Computers can also store data for later uses in storage devices, and retrieve it whenever it is necessary.

Components of computer:

There are 5 main computer components that are given below:

• Input Devices
• CPU
• Output Devices
• Primary Memory
• Secondary Memory

Input Devices:

Some of the popular input devices are:

1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. Scanner
4. Joystick
5. Light Pen
6. Digitizer
7. Microphone
8. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
9. Optical Character Reader (OCR)
10. Digital Camera
11. Paddle
12. Steering Wheel
13. Gesture recognition devices
14. Light Gun
15. Touch Pad
16. Remote
17. Touch screen
18. VR
19. Webcam
20. Biometric Devices

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A Central Processing Unit is also called a processor, central processor, or microprocessor. It carries out all the important functions of a computer. It receives instructions from both the hardware and active software and produces output accordingly. It stores all important programs like operating systems and application software. CPU also helps Input and output devices to communicate with each other. Owing to these features of CPU, it is often referred to as the brain of the computer.

Generally, a CPU has three components:

• ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
• Control Unit
• Memory or Storage Unit

Output Device:

Some of the popular output devices are:

1. Monitor
2. Printer
3. Projector

Primary Memory:

Primary Memory is of two types: RAM and ROM.

RAM (Volatile Memory)

It is a volatile memory. It means it does not store data or instructions permanently. When you switch on the computer the data and instructions from the hard disk are stored in RAM.

CPU utilizes this data to perform the required tasks. As soon as you shut down the computer the RAM loses all the data.

ROM (Non-volatile Memory)

It is a non-volatile memory. It means it does not lose its data or programs that are written on it at the time of manufacture. So it is a permanent memory that contains all important data and instructions needed to perform important tasks like the boot process.

Secondary Memory:

The secondary storage devices which are built into the computer or connected to the computer are known as a secondary memory of the computer. It is also known as external memory or auxiliary storage.

Some of the secondary memory or storage devices are described below:

1. Hard Disk
2. Solid-state Drive
3. Pen drive
4. SD Card
5. Compact Disk (CD)
6. DVD