Author: Admin

Basic Structure of Computers

by Admin, posted in Uncategorized

Computer is an electronic device that receives data as input, processes using processing device and stores data and gives the desired output. The Basic structure of a computer includes various units such as input, output, storage and processing device to perform arithmetic and logical operations.

A.1 Input Devices

Computer needs input to perform a particular task. Information or data that is entered into the computer using Input device is called as Input. Input device is the computer unit that sends data and set of instructions to the computer system. The computer accepts the set of instructions in the form of coded information which the computer understands. A computer would simply be a display device without an input device.

Fig A.1 Mouse

The most commonly used input devices are keyboard, mouse and scanner. The keys pressed on the keyboard provide information as input to the computer. Whenever a key is pressed, the corresponding letter or digit is automatically translated into its corresponding binary code and transmitted over a cable to the memory or processor. Some more examples of input devices are joystick, trackball, light pen, web cameras, and microphones.

Fig A.2 Keyboard

Basic Working of Computer

by Admin, posted in Computer

Introduction:

Computer is an integral part of everyday life. Computer processes the data according to the set of instructions and performs a specific task using its various applications such as Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Database, Graphics, and Web browsers.
Computer has a basic structure that includes various units such as input, output, storage and processing device to perform arithmetic and logical operations. There are several components of a Personal Computer (PC). The internet components of a PC include CPU, Motherboard, RAM, Storage devices and Power supply to perform various functions.

Electricity is a from of energy with the flow of electrons and protons. The flow of electron and protons results in an electrical charge which is known as the current. It is not possible to have a current flow without voltage. Voltage is the difference between the two terminals. The current that flows across the circuit can be alternating or direct current.

Further, we will see the use of AC and DC and their requirements in computers along with the advantages and disadvantages of AC and DC.

A.1 Computer Fundamentals

Computer is one of the miracles of modern technology. In today’s worlds, computer has become very essential. Computer is an electronic device that receives data, processes the data according to the set of instructions, stores data and gives the desired output. Computer can be used to perform various tasks. Data storage and processing are the important tasks performed by the Computer.

Computer is widely used in each and every aspect of our day-to-day life by millions of people in the whole world. It is used to perform various mathematical calculations and financial transactions quickly in Bank. Scientist use computer for scientific applications like analyzing the weather condition, research and chemical. Computer provides the speediest means of communication through internet. We can use internet for education and training purposes. We can use the Computer for entertainment, such as for watching movies using DVDs, listening to music using CDs and MP3s. We can also download software, graphics, music, and movies from the internet using the computer. Computer can be used for booking railway and airline tickets, printing receipts at the chemist and retail stores etc. It would be difficult to imagine today’s world the Computer.

A.2 Types of Computer

A computer is one of the bright creations of mankind. Computers perform a vast range of functions. Some computers are so powerful that hundreds or even thousands of users can use them at a single instant. Computers have different types of capabilities and are of different sizes. Classification of computers is based on the usage, speed, and size of computers. There are four main types of computers, namely Microcomputers, Minicomputers, Mainframes, and Supercomputers.

Fig A.1 Classification of Computers

A.1.2 Microcomputer

Microcomputer, also known as a Personal Computer, is a digital computer that works on a microprocessor. Microcomputers are small machines designed for individual users Average people who have a basic knowledge of computers can use microcomputers. Individual in homes and offices are the major users of the microcomputer. It is an inexpensive computer that performs tasks such as word processing, desktop publishing, and accounting. It is also useful for running spread- sheets and databases management applications.

Fig A.2 Microcomputer

Microcomputers are widely used for entertainment purposes as well as for playing games, listening music, and watching movies. The microcomputer is also widely used to access the Internet. Examples of microcomputer are IBM PC Analog I/O Cards, Panel PC, eBox-Embedded PC Series etc.

Benefit:

A. Small Size

B. Low Cost

C. Portable

A.2.2 Minicomputer

Minicomputer is a midsized multiprocessing and multi-user computer. Multiprocessing is the process of running multiple programs or processes at a given time. The minicomputer is a medium range computer. It is also known as the mid-range server. Minicomputers fall in between the microcomputers and the mainframes It is used in business organizations for the maintenance of accounts and finance data and applications. Minicomputers are more powerful and it is compatible with microcomputer.

Fig A.3 Minicomputer

Minicomputers are ideal for small-sized companies, in the manufacturing processes, and scientific research. As compared to microcomputer, they are large. Examples of minicomputers are A Open Mini PC, Fit-PC, MSI Mini PC etc.

A.2.3 Mainframe

Initially, mainframes were huge computers occupying entire rooms or floors. Mainframes were used to serve as the center of large systems in companies. They were designed to serve the purpose of centralized computing instead of the distributed computing. With the development in the field of computing, the size of Super syster single by a gene effe mainframes has reduced and the processing efficiency has increased.

They now serve distributed users and small severs in a computing network. They are also known as enterprise servers. Mainframes are very large and expensive computers. Thousands of people can use a mainframe at a time. It can process app millions of transactions everyday.

Fig A.4 Mainframe

Mianframes are widely used in large companies worldwide. Mainframes computers in IBM System z10 Mainframes.

A.2.4 Supercomputer

Supercomputer upercomputer is the fastest and most expensive type of computer. Supercomputers isu specialize in high-speed processing of data. Applications that use large amounts do of calculations use supercomputers. Some of these applications are molecular chemistry, nuclear research, weather reports, and advanced physics.

Fig A.5 Supercomputer

Supercomputer can be a single or multiple computer system. In multiple computer r system, a supercomputer consists of several computers that work in parallel as a es single system. The advantage of supercomputers is their speed, which is unmatched r the by any other type of computer. A major disadvantage of supercomputers is that they e of generate a large amount of heat during their operation. Hence, it is important to use effective cooling solutions. Also, a supercomputer tends to specialize in numerical applications such as mathematical calculations used for weather forecast and it y does not perform as well on other applications. Examples of supercomputer are ive Cray Jaguar, IBM Roadrunner, IBM NORC etc.