What is computer?

A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to automatically carry out

sequences of arithmetic or logical operations.

●​ Computer is a machine, its a physical devices made up of hardware components.

●​ Computer processes information, it can take data (like numbers, text, images) as input,
manipulate it, and produce results.
●​ Computer is programmable. You can give computers instructions (called programs or
software) so it knows exactly what to do.

Key things computers can do:

Calculations
-​ Perform complex math problems quickly and accurately.
Store data
-​ Save information like documents, photos, and videos.
Communicate
-​ Send and receive information over networks (like the internet).
Entertainment
-​ Play games, watch movies, and listen to music.

Types of computers:
●​ Desktops
●​ Laptops
●​ Smartphones
●​ Tablets

Significance Of Computer
Computers have become incredibly significant in today's world, impacting nearly every aspect of
our lives.

Automation
-​ Computers automate repetitive tasks, increasing efficiency and productivity in various
sectors like manufacturing, finance, and customer service.
Data Analysis
-​ They allow businesses to analyze vast amounts of data to identify trends, make informed
decisions, and gain a competitive edge.
Communication
-​ Facilitating remote work, online meetings, and global communication, breaking down
geographical barriers.

Development
Artificial Intelligence
-​ Driving advancements in AI, machine learning, and deep learning, leading to
breakthroughs in areas like healthcare, transportation, and entertainment.
Education and Learning
Access to Information
-​ Providing access to a wealth of information and educational resources through the
internet.
Interactive Learning
-​ Enabling interactive learning experiences through simulations, online courses, and
educational software.

Communication and Connectivity

Social Media
-​ Connecting people across the globe through social media platforms.
Global Communication
-​ Facilitating instant communication through email, messaging apps, and video calls.

Entertainment and Creativity

Multimedia
-​ Enabling the creation and enjoyment of multimedia content like movies, music, and video
games.
Digital Art
-​ Providing tools for digital art, design, and creative expression.

In summary, Computers have revolutionized how we work, learn, communicate, and live. They
are essential tools for progress in science, technology, and society as a whole.

Main Functions of a Computer

1.​ Input: This is the process of putting the data into the computer. Data can be in various
forms - numbers, text, images, sound, and video. Input devices such as keyboard,
mouse, scanner, and microphone help in this process.
2.​ Processing: Once the data is inputted, it is processed by the computer's central
processing unit (CPU). The CPU is the brain of the computer so it's responsible for
carrying out all the calculations and operations that make the computer work. This
includes performing calculations (mathematical operations such as adding, subtracting,
multiplying and dividing), comparisons (It can compare data values like checking if one
number is bigger than another), and manipulating data (the CPU can rearrange, change,
or modify data) according to the instructions (program) given by the user.
3.​ Output: The results of processing are shown as output. This can be displayed on the
monitor, printed on a printer, listened to through speakers, or saved in a file.
4.​ Storage: This is where the computer keeps data and programs. The main memory
(RAM) is like a temporary workspace where the computer stores the information it's
currently working with. Secondary storage devices (hard drives, SSDs) are like
long-term storage for files, programs, and operating systems.
 5.​ Control: This is the part of the computer that manages everything else. It ensures that
data flows through the system correctly, following the instructions in the programs. This
is the organizer of the entire computer operation.

Example of 5 functions in Engineering Field:

●​ Computers are used in computer-aided design (CAD) (input and processing), creating
blueprints and simulations (output), storing design files (storage), and managing
engineering projects (control).

Hardware
-​ Computer hardware comprises the physical components of a computer system, including
devices like the monitor, mouse, keyboard, data storage, hard disk drive (HDD), and the
system unit, which contains elements such as graphic cards, sound cards, memory, and
the motherboard. These components are tangible and can be physically handled.

There are two types of computer hardware: external and internal.

Internal hardware
-​ The term 'internal' describes a device installed inside the computer. It includes
components such as memory, a video card, or a CPU; while external hardware
examples include input devices such as keyboards, a mouse, and image scanners; and
output devices such as printers, speakers, and monitors.

External hardware
-​ Also known as 'peripheral devices'. It involves input and output devices.

Input Devices
●​ Input devices are peripherals that provide data and control signals to a computer or
other information systems. They convert information from a human-readable format into
a form that the computer can process.

Examples of input devices

Keyboard Entry Device

Keyboard

Direct Entry Devices

1. Pointing Devices
Mouse
Touchscreen
Graphics Tablet

2. Scanning Devices
Thermal Scanner
Image Scanner
Barcode Scanner

3. Voice Input Device (Voice Recognition System)

Microphone

OUTPUT DEVICES
are hardware that convey results from data processing by converting electronic information into
a human-readable format.

Examples of Output Devices

Printers
Monitor
Speakers

CPU

- A CPU is brain of a computer.

- It is responsible for all functions and processes.
Regarding computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer
system.
-Main function of a Central Processing Unit (CPU) is to carry out instructions stored in a
computer's memory.

The CPU does this by:

Interpreting: The CPU interprets instructions from hardware and software programs

Processing: The CPU processes the instructions

Executing: The CPU executes the instructions

Performing operations: The CPU performs arithmetic, logic, and other operations to transform
data input into more usable information output

The CPU consists of three main parts:

1. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

●​ Performs all arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical
operations (comparing numbers, letters, or special characters).
2. Control Unit (CU)
 ●​ Manages and coordinates the computer's components by reading the next instruction,
updating the program counter, retrieving necessary data from memory, and directing the
ALU or specialized hardware to execute operations.
3. Registers
●​ Fast storage areas that hold data to be executed next.

Primary Memory

1.​ RAM is a temporary memory scheme in computer systems that stores data randomly,
allowing processor access as needed. It is volatile and erases when supply is turned off,
making it a "random access" memory.

2.​ ROM (Read Only Memory) is a permanent storage form that remains active regardless
of power supply, preventing modification of stored data.

Secondary Memory

●​ Stores data and programs permanently :its retained after the power is turned off

1. HARD DRIVE (HD) is a device that stores large amounts of data, allowing for
relatively quick access, using electromagnetically charged surfaces

2. OPTICAL DISK
•An optical disc drive (ODD) utilizes laser light for reading or writing data on optical discs.

•While some drives only read discs, modern versions are often both readers and recorders,
known as burners or writers.

•Common optical media types include CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.

•CDs hold up to 700 megabytes (MB), DVDs offer up to 8.4 gigabytes (GB), and Blu-ray discs
can store up to 50 GB, providing a significant advantage over older floppy disks, which have a
meager capacity of 1.44 MB.

3.​ FLASH DISK are storage modules made of flash memory chips, accessed like hard
drives, without mechanical platters or access arms, emulating the storage structure.

OUTPUT DEVICES are hardware that convey results from data processing by converting
electronic information into a human-readable format.

Comparison between RAM & Hard Disk

RAM (Random-Access Memory) - Significantly faster than a hard disk. It can access data in
nanoseconds, which is crucial for the smooth performance of applications and the operating
system. It is a volatile memory, meaning it loses all stored information when the power is turned
off. RAM is also used by the CPU to store data that is being actively used or processed.
HDD (Hard Drive Disk) - Hard disks (especially traditional HDDs) are much slower compared to
RAM. Access times are in milliseconds, as they rely on mechanical parts. Hard disks are
non-volatile storage, meaning they retain data even when the power is turned off. Used to store
large amounts of data over the long term, including documents, applications, media files, and
the operating system.

Software:
Software refers to organized collections of computer data and instructions, divided into two
main categories:

1. System Software: This type manages and controls the hardware components of a computer,
allowing other software and users to operate the system without needing to understand the
technical details. It includes the operating system and essential utilities like disk formatters, file
managers, and networking software.

2. Application Software: This software is designed for specific tasks beyond just running the
computer. It can range from a single program (e.g., an image viewer) to a collection of related
programs (e.g., a spreadsheet or text processing system) known as software packages. Larger
groups of related applications that share a common interface, like Microsoft Office, are termed
software suites. Additionally, there are software systems, such as database management
systems, which provide services to various independent applications.

Comparison of System Software and Application Software

Definition

System Software
- A type of software designed to manage and control computer hardware and provide a
platform for running application software.

Examples of System Software:

1. Microsoft Windows
2. Linux
3. Unix
4. Mac OSX
5. DOS

Interaction of System Software

- Generally operates in the background; users do not interact directly with it.

Dependency of System Software

 - Can run independently of application software.

Application Software
-Software designed to help users perform specific tasks or activities

Examples of Application Software:

1. Opera (Web Browser)
2. Microsoft Word (Word Processing)
3. Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet Software)
4. MySQL (Database Software)
5. Microsoft PowerPoint (Presentation Software)
6. Adobe Photoshop (Graphics Software)

Interaction of Application Software

- Users actively interact with it to perform various tasks.

Dependency of Application Software

-Requires the presence of system software to function.

Unit of Measurement

●​ Storage Measurement
The basic unit of computer data storage is called a bit (binary digit), which consists of ones and
zeros. Computers utilize these bits to perform tasks and communicate with one another. All files
are stored as binary files, and software translates this binary data into words and images. This
two-digit system is known as the binary number system, in contrast to the decimal number
system, which uses ten unique digits ranging from zero to nine.

Speed measurement
The speed of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is measured by Hertz (Hz), Which represents a
CPU cycle. The speed of the CPU is known as Computer Speed.

Computers classification
Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is

Considerable overlap:
• Personal computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor. In addition to
the microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for
displaying information, and a storage device for saving data.

• workstation : A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer, but it

has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor.
• minicomputer : A multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of users
simultaneously.

• mainframe : A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds

or thousands of users simultaneously.

• supercomputer : An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of

instructions per second.

Laptop and Smartphone Computers

LAPTOP
A laptop is a portable personal computer that operates on battery or AC power, allowing it to be
easily carried and used in various locations. It generally offers the same functionality as a
desktop computer, capable of running the same software and opening similar file types.
However, certain models, such as netbooks, sacrifice some of this functionality to enhance
portability, making them even more convenient for users on the go.

NETBOOK
A netbook is a type of laptop that is designed to be even more portable. Netbooks are often
cheaper than laptops or desktops. They are generally less powerful than other types of
computers, but they provide enough power for email and internet access, which is where the
name "netbook" comes from.

MOBILE DEVICES
A mobile device is a handheld computer designed for portability, easily fitting in your hand or
pocket. Some mobile devices, like tablets, e-readers, and smartphones, offer capabilities similar
to those of desktop or laptop computers.

TABLET COMPUTERS
Tablet computers are portable devices that use a touch-sensitive screen for input, making them
ideal for media consumption, such as web browsing, watching videos, and playing games, while
often serving as a secondary device alongside traditional computers.

SMART PHONES
Smartphones are advanced mobile phones that not only provide phone service but also run
various applications. Essentially, they function like small tablet computers, enabling users to
browse the web, watch videos, read e-books, play games, and perform many other tasks.

Data, Information and Knowledge

Data
 ●​ Data: Unstructured facts and figures with minimal immediate impact.

●​ Information: Processed data that answers questions like who, what, where, when, and
how many; requires context, categorization, calculation, and condensation.

●​ Knowledge: Involves understanding and know-how; applies data and information to

answer "how" questions.

•Characteristics of computer•

●​ Speed
Computers can process data at extremely high speeds, handling millions of instructions per
second.

Examples:
Salary Processing: Calculating and generating salary slips for thousands of employees
in an organization efficiently.

Weather Forecasting: Analyzing vast amounts of data, such as temperature, pressure,

and humidity, to predict weather conditions.

●​ Accuracy
Computers offer high accuracy, such as calculating the division of two numbers with precision
up to 10 decimal places.

●​ Diligence
Computers are diligent, performing long and complex tasks without fatigue, maintaining
consistent speed and accuracy.

●​ Storage Capability
Computers can store large amounts of data, with primary memory for temporary storage and
secondary devices like floppy disks and CDs for permanent storage.

●​ Versatility
Computer is versatile in nature. Computers can handle various tasks easily, such as preparing
documents, playing music, or printing. However, they are limited to performing only programmed
tasks.

Computer viruses
●​ Viruses
A virus is a small software piece that attaches to programs like spreadsheets. When the
program runs, the virus activates, reproduces, or causes damage.

●​ E-mail viruses
An email viruses are attachments in e-mails that replicate by sending themselves to contacts in
the victim's address book. Some viruses activate without needing a click, triggering when the
infected message is viewed in the email preview pane.

●​ Trojan Horses
A Trojan horse is a program that pretends to perform a harmless task, like a game, but instead
causes damage, such as erasing the hard disk. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses cannot replicate
automatically

●​ Worms
A worm is a small software that replicates itself by exploiting network security holes. It scans for
vulnerable machines, copies itself to them, and continues replicating from there.

Tips to Avoid Viruses and Lessen Their Impact:

•Install and Update Anti-Virus Software: Use software from reputable vendors and keep it
up-to-date. here’s the following app you can download:
-virus cleaner
-super virus

•Use On-Access Scanners: Configure on-access virus scanners to check for threats
automatically when starting up or running files.

•Scan New Files Before Opening: Run a virus scan on programs or executable files before use,
even if they come from trusted sources like stores or the internet.

•Be Cautious Online: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or accepting files from unknown sources
in online communities or chat rooms.

•Backup Data Regularly: Keep backups of important files (documents, bookmarks, emails, etc.)
to avoid data loss during a virus infection.