What is a COMPUTER?

What is a computer?

• Computers are machines that perform tasks or calculations according to a set of instructions, or programs.
• The first fully electronic computers, introduced in the 1940s, were huge machines that required teams of people to operate.
• Computers work through an interaction of hardware and software.
• Hardware refers to the parts of a computer that you can see and touch, including the case and everything inside it.
• The most important piece of hardware is a tiny rectangular chip inside your computer called the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor. It's the "brain" of your computer—the part that translates instructions and performs calculations.
• Hardware items such as your monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other items are often called hardware devices, or devices.
• Software refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do. A word processing program that you can use to write letters on your computer is a type of software.
• The operating system (OS) is software that manages your computer and the devices connected to it. Two well-known operating systems are Windows and Macintosh operating system. Your computer uses the Windows operating system.
• A computer is a device that takes input such as numbers, text, sound, image, animations, video, etc., and converts it, returning the changed input (processed input) as output.

What can you do with computers?

In the workplace, many people use computers

·         to keep records

·         analyze data

·         do research

·         manage projects

At Home, You Can Use Computers

·         to find information

·         store pictures

·         music

·         track finances

·         play games

·         communicate with others

Components

a.      Hardware

The physical parts of the computer, it is the equipment itself.

b.     Software       

Instructions that tell the computer hardware to perform the specific task

c.      Peopleware

Person who manipulates and use the computer.

Input Devices

·         Keyboard (PSP, USB)

·         Mouse (PSP, USB)

·         Scanner

·         PC Camera

·         Digital Camera

·         Microphone

Output Devices

·         Monitor    (a.) CRT – Cathode Ray Tube (b.) LCD – Liquid Crystal Display

·         Projector

·   Printer (Laser Printer, Impact Printer, DeskJet Printer, Plotter, Dot-Matrix Printer)

·         Speakers

Storage Devices

·         Floppy Disks

·         Hard Disk Drives

·         Tape Drives

·         Zip Drives

·         Mobile Enclosures/External Hard Drives

·         Flash Drives/Universal Serial Bus(USB)

·         Memory Cards

·         Compact Discs (CD)

·         Digital Versatile Discs (DVD)

Types of computers

The personal computer, or PC, is designed to be used by one person at a time. This section describes the various kinds of personal computers: desktops, laptops, handheld computers, and Tablet PCs.

Desktop computers are designed for use at a desk or table. They are typically larger and more powerful than other types of personal computers. Desktop computers are made up of separate components. The main component, called the system unit, is usually a rectangular case that sits on or underneath a desk. Other components, such as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard, connect to the system unit.

Laptop computers are lightweight mobile PCs with a thin screen. They are often called notebook computers because of their small size. Laptops can operate on batteries, so you can take them anywhere. Unlike desktops, laptops combine the CPU, screen, and keyboard in a single case. The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use.

Handheld computers also called personal digital assistants (PDAs), are battery-powered computers small enough to carry almost anywhere. Although not as powerful as desktops or laptops, handhelds are useful for scheduling appointments, storing addresses and phone numbers, and playing games. Some have more advanced capabilities, such as making telephone calls or accessing the Internet. Instead of keyboards, handhelds have touch screens that you use with your finger or a stylus (a pen-shaped pointing tool).

Tablet PCs are mobile PCs that combine features of laptops and handhelds. Like laptops, they're powerful and have a built-in screen. Like handhelds, they allow you to write notes or draw pictures on the screen, usually with a tablet pen instead of a stylus. They can also convert your handwriting into typed text. Some Tablet PCs are “convertibles” with a screen that swivels and unfolds to reveal a keyboard underneath.