COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

Computer

Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and saves output for the future use. It can process both numerical and non-numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations.

A computer has four functions:

            A. accepts data                           Input

            B. processes data                       Processing

            C. produces output                    Output

            D. stores results                         Storage

Input (Data):

Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the collection of letters, numbers, images etc.

Process:

Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of the computer system.

Output:

Output   is   the   processed   data   given   by   computer   after   data   processing.   Output   is   also called as Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the future use.

3 Computer Systems

1.     Software

It is a collection of computer programs and related data that provides the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it.

2.     Hardware

The physical machine, consisting of electronic circuits, is called the hardware. It consists of several major units: the Central Processing Unit (CPU), Main Memory, Secondary Memory and Peripherals.

3.     Peopleware

Peopleware can refer to anything that has to do with the role of people in the development or use of computer software and hardware systems, including such issues as developer productivity, teamwork, group dynamics, the psychology of programming, project management, organizational factors, human interface design, and human-machine-interaction.