Basic Hardware

Introduction to Computer

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What is a Computer

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2

Basic Definition
An electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes
data or which manipulates data according to a list of
instructions and which is composed of hardware and
software.

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3

Characteristics of Computer
Computers are popular because of following characteristics:
Speed: Computer can perform a task much faster than done manually.
Accuracy: Computer gives accurate results compared to task done
manually.
Storage: Computer stores the information in its main memory and the
same can be retrieved based on the requirement.
Multitasking: Computer performs multiple tasks simultaneously. For
example, one can use the computer to take a printout of an inventory
report and at the same time can use it to draft letters.
Communication: Computer can be used to exchange information between
two or more computers. Internet is the best example of this.

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Application Areas of Computers

Business Area
Entertainment Area
Education Area
Medicinal Area
Finance Area

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Basics of Computer Communication

The term communication is defined as the act of transmitting,

receiving ideas or exchanging information

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Early Communication

Telegraph and Radio Communication

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The Language of Computers

Computer being electronic machine it knows only ON or OFF (0
or 1). Any data that is to be fed, processed or stored should be
converted into combination of 0s and 1s. This is called binary
notation and 0 or 1 is called a Bit.
Bit is a basic memory unit.
Byte is unit of data consists of 8 bits
Kilo Byte (KB) equals 1024 Bytes
Mega Byte (MB) equals 1024 Kilo Bytes
Giga Byte (GB) equals 1024 Mega Bytes

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Data Transfer Inside a Computer

Parallel and Serial Communication
X

1001
1011

1001
1011
1

100110
11

100110
11

1
0
1

Serial

1
0
0
1

Parallel

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Basic Elements of Computer

Hardware & Software

Operating System

Application Software

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How Computer Works

Control Unit

INPUT

OUTPUT
Arithmetic and Logical Unit

STORAGE

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Components & Peripherals of Computer

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Primary Components of Computer

Motherboard

Processor

CPU Heat sink & Fan

RAM

Floppy Disk Drive

Hard disk

Optical Drive

SMPS

Port

Connector

Add on Cards - Modem, Network card, PCI Express Card etc.

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Computer Peripherals

Keyboard & Mouse

Printer
Scanner
Output devices Monitor (CRT/LCD)
Power Supply
Joystick
Microphone
Webcam

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Summary

A computer is an electronic machine that accepts input, processes it and

produces the desired result.

A computer is characterized by speed, accuracy, storage, multitasking and

communication.

Computers are used pre-dominantly in most of fields that include business,

entertainment, education, medicine and financial organizations.

The term communication is defined as the act of giving, transmitting, or

exchanging information.

The main form of communication between humans is through words. The

human beings can express their thoughts both verbally and written.

Earlier people used items like lanterns, flags, mirrors and drum beats to send
messages.

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Thank you

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