Table of Contents
COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
INTRODUCTION
The term computer is derived from the word ‘compute’, which means ‘to calculate’. The impact of computers in our day to day life is tremendous and visible in all fields. Similarly in modern libraries, various activities are performed with the help of computers.. In this lesson, you will learn about works, and functions of a computer.
OBJECTIVES
After completing through this lesson, you will be able to:
● define a computer, identify its characteristics and functions;
● list types of computers;
● explain hardware and software;
● recognize Input and Output units and devices; and
● list types of operating systems;
WHAT IS A COMPUTER
Computer is an electronic device which is capable of receiving information or data and perform a series of operations in accordance with a set of operations. This produces results in the form of data or information. Computer is a machine capable of solving problems and manipulating data. It accepts and processes the data by doing some mathematical and logical operations and gives us the desired output.
Therefore, we may define a computer as an electronic device that transforms data into information. Data can be anything like marks obtained by you in various subjects, it can also be name, age, sex, weight, height, etc. of all the students in your class or income, savings, investments, etc. of a country.
BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS
A computer basically performs five major operations or functions such as :
● Accepts data or instructions by way of input.
● Stores data,
● Processes data as required by the user,
● Gives results in the form of output, and
● Controls all operations inside a computer.
Each of these operations are discussed and shown in the figure given below:
Let us know the details of basic computer operations.
1. Input
This is the process of entering data and programs in the computer system. Therefore, the input unit takes data from us to the computer in an organized manner for processing.
2. Storage
The data and instructions are saved/ stored permanently in storage unit. The storage unit performs the following major functions:
● All data and instructions, before and after processing, are stored here,and
● Intermediate results of processing are also stored here.
3. Processing
The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided. After this data is sent back to the storage unit.
4. Output
This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful information. The output produced by the computer after processing is stored inside the computer before it is given to you in human readable form. The output is also stored inside the computer for further processing.
5. Control
Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations inside the computer.
COMPUTER SYSTEM
In order to carry out its operations, a computer system is divided into three separate units. They are: 1) Arithmetic logical unit, 2) Control unit, and 3) Central processing unit. All these three units are known as functional units.
1. Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU)
The processing of the data and instructions are performed by Arithmetic Logical Unit. The major operations performed by the ALU are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, logic and comparison. For processing, data is transferred from storage unit to ALU. After processing, the output is returned back to storage unit for further processing or for storing purpose.
2. Control Unit (CU)
The next component of computer is the Control Unit, which acts like the supervisor seeing that things are done in proper way. The control unit determines the sequence in which computer programs and instructions are to be executed. Activities like processing of programs stored in the main memory, interpretation of the instructions and issuing of signals for other units of the computer to execute them are carried out by CU. It coordinates the activities of computer’s peripheral equipment which include input and output devices. Therefore, it is the manager of all the operations mentioned in the previous section.
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The ALU and the CU of a computer system are jointly known as the central processing unit( CPU) . You may call CPU as the brain of any computer system. It is just like brain that takes all major decisions, makes all sorts of calculations and directs different parts of the computer functions by activating and controlling the operations. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the device that interprets and executes instructions.
A computer system includes a computer, peripheral devices, and software.
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