COMAP REVIEWER
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.
-can also store data for later uses in appropriate
storage devices, and retrieve whenever it is
necessary.
MODERN COMPUTERS are electronic devices
used for a variety of purposes ranging from
browsing the web, writing documents, editing
videos, creating applications, playing video
games, etc.
COLOSSUS- The earliest digital electronic device
that could be defined as the first modern
computer.
Built in 1943-44, the Colossus was devised to
crack the Lorenz SZ 40/42, a German encryption
machine used to support military
communications during World War II.
COMPUTERS AS WELL:
-grocery scanners
-ATMs
-smart TVs
Things you have to know about Computers:
• The first computer weighed more than
27 tons
• About 90% of the World’s Currency Only
Exists on Computers
• The first 1-gigabyte hard drive
(IBM3380) weighed as much as a
refrigerator.
Block Diagram of a Computer
Computer is an electronic device; it comprises of
many units. These units work in coordination
with each other to perform the given task. Block
diagram of computer is shown in figure.
INPUT UNITS
The role of input unit in computer is to provide
means for supplying data or instructions to the
computer. In other words, you can say that what
you supply to the computer for processing is
supplied through input unit.
Keyboard – an input device used to enter
characters and functions into the computer
system by pressing buttons, or keys. It is the
primary device used to enter text. A keyboard
typically contains keys for individual letters,
numbers and special characters, as well as keys
for specific functions.
Mouse - is a hand-held pointing device that
detects two-dimensional motion relative to
surface. This motion is typically translated into
the motion of a pointer on a display, which
allows a smooth control of the graphical user
interface of a computer.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE MOUSE
’64- THE DOUGLAS ENGELBART INVENTION
(First prototype for the mouse)
’82- LOGITECH P4 (Logitech’s first mouse)
’83- MICROSOFT “GREEN-EYED” MOUSE
(Microsoft’s first mouse)
’85- LOGITECH C7 (First mouse with separate power source)
’87- MICROSOFT “DOVE BAR” MOUSE (Microsoft’s first
ergonomically designed mouse)
’89-LOGITEH TRACKMAN (First mouse with a thumb
operated track ball)
’91-LOGITECH MOUSEMAN (First mouse with cordless RF
technology)
’95-GENIUS EASYSCROLL (First mouse with scroll wheel)
’99-MICROSOFT INTELLIMOUSE EXPLORER (Microsoft’s
first mouse with optical tracking)
’04-LOGITECH MX 1000 (First mouse with laser tracking)
’17-LOGITECH LIGHTSPEED G903 (Fastest wireless mouse
for competition level gaming)
Compact Disc, read only memory (CD-ROM) is
an adaptation of the CD that is designed to store
computer data in the form of text and graphics,
as well as hi-fi stereo sound.
Scanner - A scanner is a digital input device that
is used to scan hard copy images, printed text,
and objects and then convert it to a digital
format.
Microphone - device that converts sound
vibration into an electronic signal which listens
through speakers. Such applications and
software have significantly contributed to the
filmmakers.
OUTPUT UNITS
Any peripheral that accepts data from a
computer and prints, projects, or reproduces it is
known as an output device. The output may be
audio, video, hard copy – printed paper, etc.
Output devices convert the computer data to
human understandable form.
Monitor - A computer’s principal output device
is a monitor, often known as a Visual Display Unit
(VDU). It displays the processed data like text,
images, videos, audios, etc. It makes images by
arranging microscopic dots in a rectangular
pattern, known as pixels. The sharpness of an
image is determined by the number of pixels.
Printer - is an external hardware output device
that takes the electronic data stored on a
computer or other device and generates a hard
copy.
Plotter - A plotter is a device that prints high-
quality graphics in a variety of color formats. It
works in a similar way to a printer, although it
has more advanced features.
Projector - A projector is a device that allows
users to project their output onto a large area,
such as a screen or a wall. It can be used to
project the output of a computer and other
devices onto a screen. It magnifies texts, photos,
and movies using light and lenses. As a result, it’s
an excellent output device for giving
presentations or teaching big groups of people.
Speaker - are connected to computers to allow
sound to be output. For the working of speakers,
sound cards are required. From simple two-
speaker output devices to surround-sound multi-
channel sets, speakers come in a variety of
shapes and sizes. They take audio input from the
computer’s sound card and output sound waves
as audio output.
Headphones - It enables you to hear the sound
without causing any inconvenience to others. To
translate electronic signals into sounds without
causing inconvenience to others. They can be
wired or wireless and can be connected to
computers, laptops, mobile phones, etc.
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
Central Processing Unit (CPU-) is the primary
component of a computer that acts as its
“control center.” The CPU, also referred to as the
“central” or “main” processor, is a complex set of
electronic circuitries that runs the machine's
operating system and apps.
Computer Memory - is divided into main (or
primary) memory and auxiliary (or secondary)
memory. Main memory holds instructions and
data when a program is executing, while auxiliary
memory holds data and programs not currently
in use and provides long-term storage.
Types of Memory
Depending upon the nature and behavior of
memory, computer memories could be
categorized into following categories:
1. Primary Memory (RAM & ROM)
2. Cache Memory
Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of non-
volatile memory used in computers and other
electronic devices. Data stored in ROM cannot
be electronically modified after the manufacture
of the memory device. Read-only memory is
useful for storing software that is rarely changed
during the life of the system, also known as
firmware.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal
memory of the CPU for storing data, program,
and program result. It is a read/write memory
which stores data until the machine is working.
As soon as the machine is switched off, data is
erased.
Cache memory is a chip-based computer
component that makes retrieving data from the
computer's memory more efficient. It acts as a
temporary storage area that the computer's
processor can retrieve data from easily.