Introduction to Computer

What is a computer?

It is an electronic device for storing and processing data,

typically in binary form, according to instructions given

to it in a variable program.
 4 Basic Functions of a Computer

 Takes data as input

 Processes the data and converts it into useful

information.

 Generates the output.

 Stores data/instructions in its memory and use them

when needed.
Computer Components
 Computer Hardware

 Computer hardware refers to the

physical parts or components of
a computer.
 Physical parts that can be
touched.
1. Central Processing Unit • The brain of the computer.
(CPU)
• The modern processor consists of
millions of semiconductor transistors.

Examples of CPUs are Intel Pentium,

Intel Celeron, Dual-Core processors
, etc.
2. Motherboard

• The motherboard is the primary printed

multilayered circuit board.

• It holds all the associated components of a

computer system such as processor, memory,
SMPS, input-output ports, etc.
3. Main
(RAM) Memory

 The purpose of the main memory also called RAM in a

computer system is to store information. It cannot
retain its memory when the system is powered off.

 RAM stores all the files and programs that are currently
running.

 Examples: DDR, DDR2, DDR3 SDRAM,

4. BIOS (ROM)
 BIOS stands for Basic Input Output

System.

 Stores firmware to start up the computer

system.

 Performs a POST (Power On Self-Test)

initially to test all the hardware and then

performs booting processing with the help

5. Secondary Storage Device

Used to store data in large quantities for long-

term use.

Examples are hard disk, optical disk, floppy

disk
6. Input Devices

The primary function of an input device is to receive the raw data from the user for
processing.

Examples: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, etc.

8. Output Devices

Display meaningful results after processing are done. The different output

devices used in the computer are monitor printer, multimedia projector, speakers,

etc.
9. SMPS

 SMPS stands for Switched Mode Power

Supply. It provides a regulated power
supply to the sensitive parts of the computer.

 The main DC-regulated voltages generated

by SMPS are 5-volt DC, 12-volt DC, 3-volt
DC, power good signal,
 Computer Software
• A set of instructions or codes which tell the computer to work or
perform a certain task.

• The software includes computer programs, data, and instructions that

electronically reside inside the computer memory in the digital format
i.e. in the form of binary digits: 0s (ones) and 1s (zeros
System Software

• A type of software whose basic function is to operate and control the

computer.
• The system software provides an interface between the user and the
computer hardware. It also provides a platform to run all kinds of
application software
• Examples are operating systems, device drivers, utility software,
compiler, assembler, etc.
Operating System
The operating system manages the overall functionalities of the
computer.

 Memory management  Provides interaction between user and

 File management computer

 Process management  Controls input-output operation

 Device management  Provides a platform for application

software
 Application Software

• It is installed on the existing system software (operating system).

Application software is mostly written in high-level languages like C++, Java, .Net,
etc.

• EXAMPLES: PDF reader, to read PDF documents, MS Word for preparing the
document, MS Excel for spreadsheet, MS PowerPoint for presentation, MS
outlook for mail