INTRODUCTION To COMPUTER

what is information? Information is that which informs. In other words, it is the answer to a question of some kind. It is thus related to data and knowledge, as data represents values attributed to parameters, and knowledge signifies understanding of real things or abstract concepts

What is Communications? Communications is the field of study concerned with the transmission of information through various means. It can also be defined as technology employed in transmitting messages. It can also be defined as the inter-transmitting the content of data (speech, signals, pulses etc.) from one node to another.

What is System? A system is a collection of elements or components that are organized for a common purpose or perform a task. A computer system consists of hardware components that have been carefully chosen so that they work well together and software components or programs that run in the computer.

Computer The word computer comes from the word “compute", which means, “to calculate". A computer is a machine that can be programmed to accept data, process data into useful information and also store it for later use.

Combination of Computer Computer is the combination of two parts 1) Software 2) Hardware

Software Software is a set of information that tells a computer what to do. A computer works according to the given instructions in the software.

Data and Information in Computer Data A collection of raw facts and figures is called data. The word raw means that the facts have not yet been processed to get their exact meaning. Data may consist of numbers, characters, symbols or picture etc.

Data and Information in Computer Information The processed data is called information. Information is an organized and processed form data. Data is used as input for the processing and information is the output of this processing.

Data Processing to Information

Computer Software Example

Hardware The physical parts of a computer are called Hardware. The user can see and touch hardware.

Computer Hardware Example

Relationship of Software and Hardware Software is a set of instruction that tells computer hardware what to do. The hardware cannot perform any task without software. The software cannot be executed without hardware. Computer becomes useful only when hardware and software are combined.

Difference Between Software & Hardware SoftwareHardware Software is a set of instruction that tell a computer exactly what to do? Hardware is physical parts of computer that cause processing of data. Software cannot be executed without hardware. Hardware cannot perform any task without software. Software cannot be touched.Hardware can be seen and touched. Software is debugged in case of problem. Hardware is repaired in case of problem. Software is reinstalled if the problem is not solved. Hardware is replace if the problem is no solved.

Characteristics of Computers Automatic: Given a job, computer can work on it automatically without human interventions. Speed: Computer can perform data processing jobs very fast then humans. A computer can perform billions of calculation in a second.

Characteristics of Computers Accuracy: Accuracy of a computer is consistently high and the degree of its accuracy depends upon its design. Computer errors caused due to incorrect input data or unreliable programs are often referred to as Garbage-In-Garbage-Out (GIGO).

Characteristics of Computers Diligence: Computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of concentration. It can continuously work for hours without creating any error and without grumbling. Versatility: Computer is capable of performing almost any task, if the task can be reduced to a finite series of logical steps.

Characteristics of Computers Power of Remembering: Computer can store and recall any amount of information because of its secondary storage capability. It forgets or looses certain information only when it is asked to do so. No I.Q.: A computer does only what it is programmed to do. It cannot take its own decision in this regard.

Characteristics of Computers No Feelings: Computers are devoid of emotions. Their judgment is based on the instructions given to them in the form of programs that are written by us (human beings).

Components of Computer 1) Input Device 2) Output Device 3) System Unit 4) Storage Device 5) Communication Device