computer fundamentals

computer fundamentals. Computer system The computer is an electronic device that can perform a variety of operations according to a set of instructions called programs. The computer system works on the principal of INPUT-PROCESS-OUTPUT (IPO) cycle ..

In this cycle, the computer system receives input in the form of data and instructions processes the data on the basis of the instructions displays the processed data (which is now referred to as information ) as output. We say that a computer is a system because it is a group of integrated parts which work together to give the desired output. The computer system is made up of the following components : 1. software ( the intangible component ) 2. hardware ( the physical component ).

hardware The hardware is made up of : 1. input unit 2. output unit 3. processing unit 4. storage unit.

INPUT UNIT The input unit is formed by the input devices attached to the computer . Commonly used input devices are the : 1. keyboard 2. mouse 3. game controller 4. scanner 5. microphone 6. barcode reader These input devices take input in different forms from the user and convert it into machine-understandable form ..

output unit The output unit displays the output, i.e., information which has been obtained after processing the data. The most commonly used output devices are the : 1. monitor 2. printer 3. speaker 4. plotter.

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer . It controls the working of the entire computer system . The CPU is placed on the motherboard inside the CPU box or the system unit . When the CPU of a computer is on a single chip of silicon, it is called a microprocessor . Chips are the size of a postage stamp. All personal computers have microprocessor inside them. The CPU is made up of : Control Unit (CU) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Main Memory Unit (MMU).

Control unit (cu) The CU sends command signals to the other component of the computer system. It controls and coordinates the varies operations which take place inside the computer. It acts like a traffic signal , controlling the flow of data in the computer. Arithmetic logic unit ( alu ) The ALU is that part of the computer system where all arithmetic calculations and other logical operations such as sorting and comparing of data takes place. Main memory unit ( mmu ) The MMU is also called the primary memory or internal memory of the computer. It is divided into Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM)..

. MEMORY OF THE COMPUTER Units of the computer memory The smallest unit of computer memory is a bit - short form of binary digit . The value of a bit can be either 0 or 1. The memory of the computer is divided into primary memory and secondary memory. Primary memory, or internal memory, is a part of the central processing unit. It can be divided into RAM and ROM. Secondary memory, or external memory, is the memory of the computer which is used for long term storage of data. This is the memory which permanently stores all our files..

storage devices of the computer 1. Secondary memory devices The hard disk is fixed inside the CPU box. It is a magnetic disk where you store data . The hard disk , CD , DVD and pen drive are example of secondary memory devices. 2. Compact disk The compact disk , or CD , can hold around 700 MB of data. CDs are very useful for storing images, music and video files. To read the data stored in a CD, it must be inserted into the CD drive ..

3. Digital video disk A Digital Video Disk (DVD) looks like a CD but its storage capacity is seven times that of a CD. A DVD has 4.7 GB of storage capacity. We can store a whole movie on a DVD drive or DVD player . 4. Flash drive/pen drive The flash drive , or pen drive , is a convenient way of transferring data as it is light and small, almost the size of our thumb. The pen drive is also known as a USB drive. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus . 5. External hard disk An external hard disk lets the user store important information such as large music files, DVD images, movies, disk images and even a backup of the contents of our main internal hard drive..

software Software refers to the programs stored in the computer. It is the intangible component of the computer system. Software can be categorised into three major groups : 1. System software 2. Programming software 3. Application software 1. system software System software is the set of programs written for the functioning of the computer system..

o. Given below are some types of system software DEVICE DRIVERS : are computer programs which let devices such as printers, scanners and digital cameras interact with the computer. OPERATING SYSTEMS : act as an interface between the user and the hardware. UTILITIES : for example, antivirus programs, are software designed to maintain the computer. Programming software Programming softwares are used by software developers to create application software, e.g., C++, Java, Python. APPLICTION SOFTWARE Business software Entertainment software Computer-Aided Design ( CAD ) Database management systems Decision-making software Educational software Multimedia software.

THE END. NAME : OMYA PRAKASH CLASS : VII-B ROLL No. : 37.