What Is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its
own Memory, that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce
results, and Store the results for future use.
Data and Information
Computers process data into information. Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which
can Include text, numbers, images, audio, and video. Information conveys meaning and is
useful to people.
The Components of a Computer
Components of computer can be divided into two categories ; Hardware and software.
Hardware
Physical components of computer that we can touch.
OR
A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as
hardware. These components include input devices, output devices, a system unit, storage
devices, and Communications devices.
I. Input Devices
An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions
into A computer. Five widely used input devices are the keyboard, mouse, microphone,
scanner, and Web Cam.
II. Output Devices
An output device is any hardware component that conveys information to one or more
people. Three commonly used output devices are a printer, a monitor, and speakers.
III. System Unit
The system unit is a case that contains electronic components of the computer that are used
to Process data. e.g motherboard.
Two main components on the motherboard are the processor and memory. The processor,
also Called the CPU (central processing unit), is the electronic component that interprets and
carries Out the basic instructions that operate the computer. Memory consists of electronic
components that Store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those
instructions. Most memory keeps Data and instructions temporarily, which means its
contents are erased when the computer is shut off.
IV. Storage Devices
Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use. For example, computers can
store Hundreds or millions of customer names and addresses. Storage holds these items
permanently. A computer keeps data, instructions, and information on storage media.
Examples of storage Media are USB flash drives, hard disks, optical discs, and memory cards.
A storage device records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media.
Storage devices often function as a Source of input because they transfer items from storage
to memory.
V. Communications Devices
A communications device is a hardware component that enables a computer to send
(transmit) And receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more
computers or mobile devices. A widely used communications device is a modem.
Computer Software
Software, also called a program, is A series of related instructions, organized for a common
purpose, that Tells the computer what task(s) to Perform and how to perform them. The two
categories of software Are system software and application Software.
1. System Software
System software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the
Computer and its devices. System software serves as the interface between the user, the
application Software, and the computer’s hardware. Two types of system software are the
operating system and Utility programs.
a) Operating System
An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities Among computer
hardware devices. It provides a means for users to communicate with the computer And other
software. Many of today’s computers use Microsoft’s Windows, the latest version , or Mac
OS, Apple’s operating system.
b) Utility Program
A utility program allows a user to perform main tenance-type tasks usually Related to
managing a computer, its devices, or its programs. For example, you can use a utility Program
to transfer digital photos to an optical disc.
2. Application Software
Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or
assist Them with personal tasks. A widely used type of application software related to
communications is A Web browser, which allows users with an Internet connection to access
and view Web pages or Access programs. Other popular application software includes word
processing software, spreadsheet Software, database software, and presentation software.
Many other types of application software exist that enable users to perform a variety of tasks.
These Include personal information management, note taking, project management,
accounting, document Management, computer-aided design, desktop publishing,
paint/image editing, audio and video Editing, multimedia authoring, Web page authoring,
personal finance, legal, tax preparation, home Design/landscaping, travel and mapping,
education, reference, and entertainment (e.g., games or Simulations).

TYPES OF COMPUTERS

▪ Personal Computers
A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, Processing, output, and
storage activities by itself. A personal computer Contains a processor, memory, and one or
more input, output, and storage devices. Personal computers also often contain a
communications Device.
i. Desktop Computers
A desktop computer is designed so that the system unit, input devices, output devices, and
any Other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table. In some models, the monitor sits on
top of The system unit, which is placed on the desk. The more popular style of system unit is
the tall and Narrow tower, which can sit on the floor vertically.
▪ Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
A mobile computer is a personal computer you can carry from place to place. Similarly, a
mobile Device is a computing device small enough to hold in your hand. The most popular
type of mobile Computer is the notebook computer.
I. Notebook Computers
A notebook computer, also called a laptop computer, Is a portable, personal computer often
designed to fit on Your lap. Notebook computers are thin and lightweight, Yet can be as
powerful as the average desktop computer.
II. Tablet PCs
Resembling a letter-sized slate, the Tablet PC, Or tablet computer, is a special type of
notebook computer You can interact with by touching the screen with your Finger or a digital
pen. One design of Tablet PC, called A convertible tablet, has an attached keyboard. Another
Design, which does not include a keyboard, is called a slate Tablet and provides other means
for typing.
III. Mobile Devices
Mobile devices, which are small enough to carry in A pocket, usually store programs and data
permanently On memory inside the system unit or on small storage Media such as memory
cards. You often can connect a Mobile device to a personal computer to exchange
information.
▪ Servers
A server controls access to the hardware, software, and Other resources on a network and
provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information . Servers support
from two to several Thousand connected computers at the same time.
▪ Mainframes
A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer That can handle hundreds or thousands
of connected users Simultaneously.
▪ Super computers
A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful Computer — and the most expensive The
fastest supercomputers are capable of processing More than one quadrillion instructions in a
single second.

The Internet
Internet, also called the Net, is a worldwide collection of networks that links millions of
businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.

The World Wide Web

The World Wide Web (WWW), or Web, A widely used service on the Internet, consists of a
worldwide collection of electronic documents. Each electronic document on the Web, called
a Web page, can contain text, graphics, animation, audio, and video. Additionally, Web pages
usually have built-in connections to other documents.
Websites
Web site is a collection of related Web pages and associated items, such as documents and
pictures, Stored on a Web server. A Web server is a Computer that delivers requested Web
pages to your computer.

Browsing the Web

A Web browser, or browser, is application Software that allows users to access and view Web
pages or access Web 2.0 programs. To browse the Web, you need a computer Or mobile
device that is connected to the Internet and that has a Web browser. The more widely used
Web browsers for personal Computers are Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and
Google Chrome.

Search engine
A search engine is a program that finds Web sites, Web pages, images, videos, news, maps,
and other information related to a specific topic.
Example are, Google, google chrome, Firefox, yahoo etc.

Computer Network
A computer network is a group of computers linked to each other that enables the computer
to communicate with another computer and share their resources, data, and applications.
A computer network can be categorized by their size. A computer network is mainly of four
types:
• LAN(Local Area Network)
• PAN(Personal Area Network)
• MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
• WAN(Wide Area Network)
LAN(Local Area Network)
Local Area Network is a group of computers connected to each other in a small area such as
building, office.

PAN(Personal Area Network)

Personal Area Network is a network arranged within an individual person, typically within a
range of 10 meters. Personal Area Network is used for connecting the computer devices of
personal use is known as Personal Area Network. Personal Area Network covers an area of 30
feet.

MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)

A metropolitan area network is a network that covers a larger geographic area by

interconnecting a different LAN to form a larger network. Government agencies use MAN to
connect to the citizens and private industries. In MAN, various LANs are connected to each
other through a telephone exchange line.

WAN(Wide Area Network)

A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large geographical area such as states
or countries. A Wide Area Network is quite bigger network than the LAN. A Wide Area
Network is not limited to a single location, but it spans over a large geographical area through
a telephone line, fibre optic cable or satellite links. The internet is one of the biggest WAN in
the world. A Wide Area Network is widely used in the field of Business, government, and
education.

OS and its basic functions

An operating system is a software package that runs applications and serves as a

communication link (interface) between the computer hardware and the user.

The allocation of services and resources, like devices, memory, processors, and information,
is the primary duty of an operating system.

Functions

• Memory management
• Process management
• Managing files
• Searching files
• Viewing images
• Securing computer
• Uninstalling programs
• Disk clean up
• Disk defragmentation
• Backup and restore

Malicious software

A software that is created or use for harmful purposes such as disrupt computer operation,
damage /destroy data, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer
system.

Malware is a general term used to refer to a variety of hostile, intrusive or annoying software.

Types of Malware

▪ Viruses

A program or piece of code that is loaded into your system without your knowledge and runs
against your wishes. It replicate themselves and attach themselves to other files.

▪ Trojan Horse
A trojan horse program has the appearance of having useful or desired function.