Definition and Importance of Computer Unit 01: introduction

Defintion of computer A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data." It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You can use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the internet. You can also use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more.

Defintion of computer A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it according to a given set of instructions, provides results as output and can store the data and results for future use. INPUT OUTPUT PROCESSING STORAGE

Importance of computer Computers are important in everyday life. Computers are used in banking, most businesses, schools and hospitals to name a few because of their accuracy and ease of use. Computer is an electronic device used in almost every field even where it is most unexpected. That is why this age is called as the era of IT. And now we cannot imagine a world without computers.

Importance of computer These days computers are the tools for not only engineers and scientists but also they are being used by millions of people around the world.  Computer has become very important nowadays because it is very much accurate, fast and can accomplish many tasks easily. Otherwise to complete those tasks manually much more time is required. It can do very big calculations in just a fraction of a second. Moreover it can store huge amount of data in it. We also get information on different aspects using internet on our computer. 

Importance of computer BANKS  Almost every bank is using computers to keep the record of all the money transaction and other calculations. Moreover it provides speed, convenience and security.  COMMUNICATION  Communication is another important aspect of computer and has become very easy through internet and email. BUSINESS  Computer has now become an integral part of corporate life. They can do business transactions very easily and accurately and keep the record of all the profit and loss. MEDICAL SCIENCE  Diseases can be easily diagnosed with the help of computer and can also know about its cure. Many machines use computer which allows the doctor to view the different organs of our body like lungs, heart, kidneys etc. There is special software which helps the doctor during the surgery.  EDUCATION  Today computer has become an important part of one’s education because we are using computers in every field and without the knowledge of computer we cannot get job and perform well in it. So computers can secure better jobs prospects. Knowledge about computer is must in this time. 

Importance of computer MEDIA  Almost every type of editing and audio- visual compositions can be made by using special software especially made for this purpose. Some software can even make three dimensional figures which are mostly used in the cartoon films. Special effects for action and science fiction movies are also created on computer.  TRAVEL AND TICKETING  Computers do all the work of plane and train reservation. It shows the data for vacant and reserved seats and also saves the record for reservation.  WEATHER PREDICTIONS  Weather predictions are also possible by the experts using supercomputers.  SPORTS  It is also used for umpiring decisions. Many times the umpire has to go for the decision of third umpire in which the recording is seen again on the computer and finally reaches to the accurate and fair decision. Simulation software allows the sportsman to practice and improve his skills.  DAILY LIFE  We operate washing machines, microwave oven and many other products using software. Moreover we can store all the information about our important work, appointments schedules and list of contacts. 

Importance of computer So we can say that today computer is playing very important role in our lives. Now is the time when we cannot imagine the world without computers. And this technology is advancing both in industry and home. It has become necessary for everyone to have the basic knowledge about computer. Otherwise he cannot get a job as computers have invaded almost all the fields.

Basic concepts of computer hardware A computer is mainly the combination of two things. One is the hardware and the other is software. The computer hardware is all the physical things of the computer. They can be categorized in the following main categories: Input Output Processing Storage Communication

input Input devices are those devices that are used to feed data to the computer. They may be textual like keyboard, pointing like mouse, joystick and other like camera for graphics and microphone for sound data.

output Output devices are those devices which provide us the processing results and the data entered.

processing There are different types of processing devices. Processing devices with computers are devices that transform computer data into a usable format for the user. The devices can perform many different functions such as store data, analyze and sort data, record and display data, and calculate and summarize data. The device processes the input into useful output. The central processing unit in a computer processes and stores the data inputted into the computer. It works with the motherboard and the random access memory. Other types include microprocessors and multi-core processors

processing

storage Storage devices are hardware devices that are capable of storing information in a computer. The data storage devices come in several sizes and shapes and some are non-removable while other are removable. Some of the storage devices in a computer include: floppy diskette, CD-ROM disc, CD-R disc, hard disk drive and USB flash drive.

storage

communication A communication device is piece of equipment or hardware designed to move information or data from one place to another, in other words, allowing one computer device to communicate with another. There are many examples of communication devices and we will look at a few below.

communication External ADSL Modem Linksys Router Wireless LAN Card