What is a computer?
A computer is a machine / device used to manipulate data or information and perform arithmetical / mathematical and logical operations. Modern computers perform a wide range of tasks, store, retrieve, and process information. Using a computer we can create or modify documents, send or receive emails, browse information on the internet, and play video games and much more. After the invention of computer, science and technology became too advanced and is still advancing with the help of computer science. Today we can not imagine growing our technology without computer systems.
Components of the computer systems are:
The various components of the computer systems are classified into two categories.
- Hardware
- Software
1. Hardware:
Hardware is the physical component of a computer system. This type of component is touchable, like CPU, Mouse, Keyboard. Some of the important hardware of computer science are given below:
Input Device:
Input devices allow the user to enter data in the CPU (Central Processing Unit). Mouse, Keyboard, scanner, barcode reader are few examples of input devices.
Output Device:
After receiving input from input devices the data is processed and output device are used to convert that processed data into human-readable form. Monitor, speaker, projector, printer are the general examples of output devices.
Central Processing Unit (CPU):
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is known as the brain of a computer system. It is used to process data and provides output. The ALU (arithmetic and logical unit), CU (control unit), and registers are components of the CPU.
Storage:
In a computer system, the storage devices are used to store the data or information which is entered with the help of input devices like mouse, keyboard etc., .
2. Software:
Software is a collection of programs or instructions, data, and protocols. It is not in material form so we can not touch such types of components. The execution of all type of software programs is performed by hardware. Firmware, operating systems, applications are examples of software.
Features of Computer
Now we will discuss the features of the computer systems:
Speed:
A computer is a time-saving device. It performs several calculations and tasks in parts of seconds that we take minutes or hours to solve. The speed of a computer is measure in terms of MegaHertz and GegaHertz.
Accuracy:
A calculation or task performed by a computer is accurate, the chances of occurring errors are minimal. The errors occurs in a computer by entering wrong data by a human being. A computer system performs thousands of tasks and calculations so quickly and accurately.
Memory:
A computer can store billions of records as per the requirement of the user and these records can be easily accessible with full accuracy. The storing capacity of computer memory is measured in terms of Bytes.
Versatility:
A computer can perform more than one task at the same time, this feature is called versatility. For example, we can create our project using MS Word while listening to music or we can design a webpage or website while listening to music.
Automation:
Today, the world is rapidly moving toward AI (Artificial Intelligence) based technology. Once instructions are programmed, a computer can perform work automatically by learning. This feature of the computer system has replaced thousands of workers by performing tasks automatically.
Reliability:
A computer is a reliable device or machine. The output results never differ until the input is different. If an input is correct then output would be correct.
Diligence:
A human can not work for several hours without taking a rest whereas a computer system never gets tired. A computer can perform millions of calculations constantly with full accuracy and without taking a rest.
Uses of Computer
Computers are used in every field of life, such as hospitals, homes, businesses, government offices, educational institutions, research organizations, the medical field, entertainment, etc. Today we can not imagine growing our technology without computer systems. The various field where the computer is very essential are:
Role of Computer in Science:
Today, computer system is the primary tool in the field of science. It is the best-suited device for collecting data, analyzing data, classifying data, and storing data. It becomes the most essential medium to spread information or knowledge internally and internationally. It allows scientists from different places to work together and share their ideas on the same project.
Role of Computer in Defense System:
A computer performs a vital role to control defense system. Computers are used to track, airplanes, missiles, tanks, and different kinds of weapons. Once the radar system tracks a missile and artificial intelligence is programmed to target a missile and destroy it before it comes on the surface. Computer systems are also used for GPS tracking, controlling defense vehicles and records of all the members of the military.
Role of Computer in Medical:
The computer plays an important role in medical science such as to record patients’ information, monitoring heartbeat rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure. To conduct various surgeries junior doctors get the help of another professional doctor by web conferencing. Research also spreads with the help of computers in the health sector.
Role of Computer in Education:
Today, learning has become easy because of computers. Anyone employed or student can learn at any stage of life with the help of a computer. Computers are very crucial for online classes, download study material from the internet. Computers can also be used to track student attendance and learning strategies. Coaching and institutes have increased their areas by audio-visual aids using computers.
Role of Computer in Banking:
A computer performs a crucial role in banking sector also, by storing a number of account holder details on a bank server. All transactions such as deposits and withdrawals are performed by a computer. A banking company can easily monitor all ATM's and passbook printing machines.
Role of Computer in Government Sectors:
Government can easily monitor their sectors such as road services, railways, developments, and other rising funds. The information of every citizen is stored on the server through the computer system.
Role of Computer in Entertainment:
Today most of the people are so busy that they do not easily get time to refresh their mind. We can play various interesting video games using a computer. We can watch movies, TV shows, and reality shows on the computer system. A computer is also used to create sarcastic memes which makes us happy.
Sample Problems
Question 1. What is a computer?
Solution:
A computer is a machine or device used to manipulate data and perform mathematical and logical operations and then produces information.
Question 2. Write three components of computer hardware?
Solution:
These are the following three main components of computer hardware.
Input Devices, Output Devices and CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question 3. Write three popular operating systems.
Solution:
These are the following three popular operating systems.
Microsoft Windows, Linux, Unix, Ubuntu, Mac Operating System.
Question 4. What is hardware?
Solution:
Hardware is the physical component of a computer system. This type of component is touchable like CPU, Mouse, Keyboard.
Question 5. What is software?
Solution:
Software is a collection of programs, data, and protocols. It is not in material form so we can not touch such type of components.
