Computer Fundamentals
Computer Fundamentals
Introduction to Computer
The modern world is called the age of science and
technology. We cannot imagine life without science and technology. The modern
world of advanced technology could not have been established without the
development of computer technology. There is rapid development in computer.
Computer is used in many different fields for varieties of tasks. It is used
all over the world, no matter whether a country it is developed, developing or
underdeveloped. Computer is also used in Nepal various fields like: business, bank,
education, entertainment, scientific research, law, airlines, traffic control,
etc. So, the computer is now affecting every sphere of human activities and
leading to many changes.
It has brought enormous changes in the world.
Introduction
The word "Computer" is derived from the
Latin word "Computare" which means 'to calculate'. Nowadays, computer
has become an indispensable part of our life. Computer is used in various
places like: home, school, college, offices etc. Computer can perform complex
mathematical calculations accurately in a short period of time. The modern
computer has lots of capabilities like creating documents, videos, games, music
presentation, etc. It can use AI (Artificial Intelligence) for understanding
natural language, taking self-decision capabilities, analysing graphs and
patterns, etc.
Data is
raw facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalized manner, which should be
suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by computer. Data is
represented with the help of characters such as alphabets (A-Z, a-z), digits
(0-9) or special characters (+,-,/,*,<,>,= )
Information
is organized or classified data, which has some meaningful results for the
receiver. Information is the processed data or meaningful results on which decisions
and actions are based.
A
computer is an electronic device that accepts raw data and instructions from
users; processes it according to the given set of instructions, stores and
gives meaningful information.
A computer is an electronic device that accepts raw data and instructions as input from user, process it and provides meaningful information as output to the user.
Working Principle of a Computer
Computer is an electronic device that converts raw
data into meaningful information carrying out various processes as instructed
by the programme. Every computer has the ability to:
a.
Input: Enter raw data into the computer.
b.
Process: Process according to the given set of
instructions to produce the required result.
c.
Output: Get meaningful information from the
computer.
d.
Storage: Store data and information for future
use.
Characteristics of a Computer
A computer is powerful and useful in all areas. The
use of computer is increasing with time. The main features or characteristics
of computer are described below:
i. Automatic
A computer is an automatic device. It can do tasks
automatically as instructed by software. It can automatically control various
devices attached with computer system.
ii. Speed
A computer performs tasks accurately. The operations on
data in computer are performed through electronic circuit according to given
instructions. Computer can perform millions and billions of operations on data
within a second. The speed of computer is measured in MegaHertz (MHz) or
GigaHertz (GHz). The time taken to perform a task is measured in fraction of
second. The smaller units of second are given below:
|
Unit of Time |
Meaning |
Part of Second |
Power of 10 |
|
Millisecond (ms) |
One
thousandth of second |
1/1000 |
10-3sec. |
|
Microsecond(us) |
One
millionth of second |
1/1,000,000 |
10-6sec. |
|
Nanosecond(ns) |
One
billionth of second |
1/1,000,000,000 |
10-9sec. |
|
Picosecond
(ps) |
One
trillionth of second |
1/1,000,000,000,000 |
10-12sec. |
|
Femtosecond (fs) |
One quadrillionth of second |
1/1,000,000,000,000,000 |
10-15sec. |
iii. Accuracy
A computer performs t4asks accurately. If data and
instructions given to the computer are correct then it gives an accurate
output. It means output totally depends on the given instructions and input
data. If input data is incorrect then the output will be incorrect which is
called GIGO
(Garbage in Garbage out).
iv.
Storage
Computer system consists of data storage unit. A
computer has main storage and secondary storage. A large amount of data can be
stored in secondary storage like hard disk, pen drive, CD/DVD, etc. for future
use. The main memory (RAM) stores currently used data. Computer stores data in
term of 0 and 1. The different units of storage in computer are given below:
|
S.No. |
Memory Unit |
Description |
|||
|
1 |
Bit |
1 Bit = 0 or 1 |
|||
|
2 |
Nibble |
1 Nibble = 4 Bits |
|||
|
3 |
Byte |
1 Byte = 8 Bits |
|||
|
4 |
Kilobyte (KB) |
1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 Bytes |
|
|||
|
5 |
Megabyte (MB) |
1 Megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB |
|
|||
|
6 |
Gigabyte (GB) |
1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB |
|
|||
|
7 |
Terabyte (TB) |
1 Terabyte (TB)= 1024 GB |
|
|||
|
8 |
Petabyte (PB) |
1 Petabyte (PB) = 1024 TB |
|
|||
|
9 |
Exabyte (EB) |
1 Exabyte (EB) = 1024 PB |
|
|||
v.
Diligence
A computer can continuously work for a long time
without losing its speed and accuracy.
So it is called diligent device. It doesn’t get
tired or bored or lazy while working.
vi. Versatile
A computer is a versatile device which means it is
flexible. It has capability of performing different types of tasks like drawing
paints, playing games, music, calculations, sending an e-mail, desktop
publishing work, etc. in different field efficiently. So it is used in
different fields to perform varieties of tasks.
Application of Computer
A computer is given great importance in every field
of work. Nowadays, it is impossible to find where computer are not used.
Computer and its technology are used in education, agriculture, industries,
banking, engineering, scientific research and many more. The main applications
of computer are described below:
i.
Education
Nowadays, computer and Internet technology have
changed the present education system. Computer technology can be used for
visual illustration like smart classroom and distance learning education
system. Today, school and colleges use computer in computer lab and multimedia
to teach students. A teacher can teach by using computer based presentations.
Students can study various subject and complete assignment by using Internet.
Computer in Education
ii.
Communication
A computer plays a key role in the field of
communication. The Internet and computer are used to send and receive
information. A computer uses various communication services like e-mail, video
conferencing, net phone, chatting, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Computer in Communication
iii. Banking Sector
A computer has brought revolution in the banking
sector. The different services like accounting, customer records to update,
bank statement etc. are performed by using computer in banking sector. ATM
(Automated Teller Machine) allows 24 hours banking services to their customers
so that they can withdraw money at any time.
Computer in Banking Sector
iv. Medicine
A computer is used in scanning and diagnosing of
various diseases through CT scan (Computed Tomography scan),
ultrasounds, ECG (Electro Cardio Graph)
etc. It is also used in hospitals to keep records of patients and medicines.
Nowadays, computer is used in surgery too. Doctors use computer and Internet
services to provide telemedicine services to remote areas of our country,
Nepal.
Computer in Medicine
v. Entertainment
A computer is used to entertain people. It is used to
play games, listen to music, watch videos, movies and cartoon etc. It is used
to watch online movies and play online games by using Internet.
Computer in Entertainment
vi. Scientific
Research
A computer is used in all types of scientific
research. Scientists collect the latest information by using internet all over
the world. It is used in weather forecasting, space research, complex research
in various scientific fields etc.
Computer in Scientific Research
vii. Agriculture
Computer has not only made changes in modern
occupation but also made changes in the traditional occupation sector like
agriculture. Through the social networking site, farmers can get connect with
other experts and exchange their views and other details when they have
internet connected computers. Farmers can get information on different
agricultural issues through internet surfing. Farmers can get connect with
foreign customer which can help to improve their product and increase their
production capacity. Farmers can use the computer to keep financial record,
production record, online banking, online sales, onlne purchased the required
resources through the internet. The amount of water sprinkled in a balanced
quantity can also computerized.
Computer in Agriculture
u The
word "Computer" is derived from the Latin word "Computare"
which means to calculate.
u A
computer is an electronic device that accepts the raw data and instructions
from the user; processes raw data according to the given set of instructions,
stores and gives meaningful information.
u The
speed of computer is measured in MegaHertz (MHz) or GigaHertz (GHz).
u A
large amount of data is stored in secondary storage like hard disk, pen drive,
CD/DVD, etc. for future use.
u Computer
and its technology are used in education, medicine, banking sector,
entertainment, scientific research and agriculture.
|
Computer
|
: An electronic device
that processes raw data to give information. |
|
Input
|
:
Enter raw data and instruction into the computer. |
|
Output
|
:
Display meaningful information from the computer. |
|
Process
|
: Computation according to given set of instructions to
produce |
required result.
Storage
: Keeping data and
information for future use.
GIGO
: If inputted data is
incorrect then output will be incorrect.
Byte : The combination of eight
bits.
Exercises
1.
Answer the
following questions.
a)
Define Computer and list its capabilities.
b)
Write the limitations of computer.
c)
What is GIGO?
d)
Explain working principles of computer with
block diagram.
e)
List any four features of computer.
f)
Why is computer called diligence machine?
g)
Describe the use of computer in education field.
h)
Mention any four uses of computer.
i)
State different units of storage in computer.
2.
State
'True' or 'False'.
a)
Computer is an electrical machine which can
perform a task.
b)
Computer processes raw data according to the
given set of instructions.
c)
The speed of computer is measured in MegaHertz
(MHz).
d)
A large amount of data is stored in secondary
storage.
e)
Computer is a versatile device which has the
capability of performing different types of tasks.
f)
The combination of 1025 Megabyte is equal to one
Gigabyte.
3.
Match the
following.
Group 'A'
Group 'B'
i) Microsecond a) Raw facts or
figures ii) Data b) Application
of computer iii) GIGO c) One
millionth of second iv) Education d) Error
due to wrong input
f)
RAM
4.
Choose the
best answer from the list.
a)
The measurement of second equal to one-millionth
of a second is called...
i) millisecond
ii) microsecond iii) nanosecond iv) picosecond
b)
When the input is wrong, then the output will
also be wrong, it is termed as
i) FIFO
ii) LIFO iii) GIGO iv)
None of above
c)
How many kilobytes make one megabyte?
i) 1030
ii) 1000 iii) 1048 iv) 1024
d)
Repeatedly working capability of computer is
known as
i) storage
ii) speed iii) diligence iv)
versatility
5.
Fill in the
blanks with appropriate words:
a)
The word "Computer" is derived from
the Latin word………
b)
The speed of computer is measured in…………..
c)
Nowadays, computer and……… technology has changed
the present education system.
d)
……allows 24 hours banking services to their
customers to withdraw money at any time.
6.
Write the
full form of.
i) GIGO ii) GB iii) TB iv) PB v)
EB vi) KB vii) AI viii) MHz ix)
GHz x) ATM
