Computer Fundamentals: Quick Overview of Computer

Basics
Computers have become one of the most essential parts of human life. At present, computers can be
easily seen in almost every sector or field even where it is most unexpected. There can be several
different reasons why computers are actually required. We can summarize the reasons for the
requirement of computers in three words: efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.

Nowadays, computers are making jobs easier for people. Computers can be used in everything from
entertainment to communication to navigation to research. That is why this era is called the era of IT
(Information Technology). And now, one cannot imagine a world without computers.

Therefore, it is very necessary to have knowledge of Computer basics. In this article, we have covered all
the basics of the computer such as what is a computer, definition of computer, basic functions of a
computer, generations of computer, classification or types of computer, advantages, and
disadvantages of a computer, etc.

Computer Basics [Show/Hide Index]

 What is Computer
 Basic Functions of the Computer
 Generations of Computer
 Uses of Computer
 Classification of Computer
 Advantages of Computer
 Disadvantages of Computer
 Computer Software
 Computer Hardware
 Summary

What is Computer
In 1640, the term ‘Computer’ was initially referred to as ‘one who calculates’. Later in 1897, it was
called the ‘Calculating Machine’. In 1945, it was indicated as ‘programmable digital electronic
computer’ which is now called a ‘computer’.
What is Computer definition?
“A computer is a programmable electronic machine designed to take input, perform prescribed
arithmetic and logical operations at fast speeds, and provide the output of these operations.”

The term ‘COMPUTER’ is an acronym for ‘Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for
Technological and Educational Research’.

The term ‘Computer’ is derived from the Latin word ‘computare’, which is defined as- “to calculate”, “to
count” or ‘to sum up”, etc. In other words, “a computer is a device that performs computation”.

Note- The first mechanical computer was designed in 1837 by Charles Babbage. It was called 'Analytical
Engine'. It was the first general-purpose computer. Charles Babbage is known as the father of the
computer.

Also Check: Block Diagram of Computer

Basic Functions of Computer

There are four basic functions of the computer: Input, Processing, Output, and Storage.

Input
The data is entered into the computer with the help of input devices. Like other electronic devices, a
computer takes data in raw form (binary form). The user can enter the data in several formats such as
the collection of letters, numbers, images, etc. The input devices convert the data in the binary form so
that the computer can read the data.

Some of the main input devices of computer systems are listed below:

 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Joystick
 Scanner
 Trackball
 Lightpen
Processing
The processing is the core functionality of the computer system. It is the internal process where the data
is processed according to the instructions given to the computer. The data is executed sequentially and
sent for further processing.

The processing speed may vary in different computer systems as the speed mainly depends upon factors
like which type of Motherboard, CPU (Central Processing Unit) or RAM (Random Access Memory) you
are using.

Output
The output is the information provided by the computer after the entire processing. It is also known as
the result that can be stored in the storage devices for further use. The output devices retrieve the
processed data from the computer and convert the data into a human-readable form.

The widely used output devices of computer systems are listed below:

 Monitor
 Printer
 Projector
 Speakers

Storage
Storage is a crucial part of the computer system. It is used to store data or instructions before and after
processing.

There are two types of storage:

Primary Storage

Primary storage devices store the inputted data and immediate calculation results. The data stored in
primary storage is temporary and will be lost if they are disconnected from the power source. Random
Access Memory is an example of primary storage.

Secondary Storage

Secondary storage devices are used to store the data permanently for future use. The data stored in the
secondary storage devices is secure even if there is no power supply. Hard Disk Drive is the widely used
secondary storage.
Generations of Computer
Each generation of computers is a major technological development in technology a computer is/was
being based on. Initially, the term ‘generation of computer’ was used to distinguish between different
hardware technologies. At present, the term concludes both the hardware and software. More
precisely, the term ‘generation’ is the development that changes the way computers operate. There can
be different changes like making the device smaller, cheaper, more smart or powerful, etc.

There are five generations of the computer, which are listed below with approximate period:

First Generation (1946 - 1959)

Based on- Electronic Valves (Vacuum Tubes).

Example- ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC, etc.

Second Generation (1959 – 1965)

Based on- Transistors.

Example- IBM 1620, IBM 1400 and 7000 series, CDC 3600, etc.

Third Generation (1965 – 1971)

Based on- Integrated Circuits (ICs).

Example- IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP, etc.

Fourth Generation (1971 – 1980)

Based on- Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) Circuits.

Example- DEC 10, STAR 1000, CRAY-1 and CRAY-X-MP, etc.

Fifth Generation (1980 – Present)

Based on- Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Parallel Processing
Hardware.

Example- Desktop, Laptop, NoteBook, ChromeBook, and UltraBook, etc.

Uses of Computer
As we have discussed above, the computer is the need for the digital era. It is helping people to
complete their tasks in hours that were before taking several days or months. Here, we have explained
the most important uses of the computer system:

 can store important data.

 can communicate with people around the world.
 used for the educational system.
 used for office works like data entry, support, development, etc.
 used in banking, finance, and marketing.
 used in government sectors.
 used in sports.
 used for Press and publishing.
 Used for entertainment.

Classification of Computer
According to usage and functionalities, computers can be classified as:

Analog Computer – The computers used to process analog data (continuously varying data) are called
‘Analog Computers’. Analog computers are the most complicated machines for computation and
process control. Examples of continuous data are pressure, temperature, voltage, weight, and speed,
etc.

Digital Computer – Digital computers are personal computers. These are the widely used computers.
These are commonly used for processing the data with a number using digits by utilizing the binary
number system. These computers are intended to perform arithmetic and logical operations at a very
high rate.

Hybrid Computer – Hybrid computers are the combination of analog computers and digital computers.
These are as fast as analog computers and include memory and precision as digital computers.

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Types of Computer
Supercomputer – Supercomputers are large and require huge space for the installation. They are the
fastest and most expensive computers compared to others. They are used for performing huge complex
calculations.

Mainframe Computer – Mainframe Computers are smaller than supercomputers, still, they
comparatively huge. These are not as fast as supercomputers. These are expensive as well as take huge
space for the entire setup. Mainframe computers can store huge amounts of data and they are capable
to handle large calculations. These computers are usually found in banks and educational sectors.

Microcomputer – Microcomputers are inexpensive and support multi-user platform. These types of
computers are mostly used by small organizations. Microcomputers are slower compared to
supercomputers and mainframe computers. Microcomputers are called Personal Computer (PC).

Mini Computer – Mini computers are cheaper and easy to carry. Notebook and Tablet are examples of
minicomputers.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer

Just like a coin, a computer system also has two sides: Advantages and Disadvantages. While there are
several disadvantages of a computer system, but, the advantages overcome them. Let's discuss both
advantages and disadvantages of the computer system:

Advantages of Computer
The main advantages of the system are listed below:

 Amazing Speed
 Accuracy
 Huge Storage
 Multitasking Support
 Data Security
 Automation
 Reduced Cost
Disadvantages of Computer
The main disadvantages of the computer system are listed below:

 Unemployment
 Health Issues
 Cyber Crimes
 Virus and Hacking Attacks
 Improper Use
 Spread of False or Inappropriate Content
 Negative Impact on the Environment

Read More >>> Advantage and Disadvantages of Computer

Computer Software
Computer software is a group of programming instructions designed to instruct the computer to
perform specific tasks. Typically, a computer system is useless without software.

System Software
System software connect the user and the hardware of the computer to interact with each other.
System software provide the basic functionalities required to operate the computer system. These type
of software provide an environment or platform for the other software to work on. System software run
in the background.

Example: Operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux, Android, etc.), Device Drivers, Firmware, and Utility
software.

Application Software
Application software are customized software designed for personal use. These type of software help
users for performing basic tasks such as online research, setting an alarm, designing, or even playing
games. The application software runs in the frontend and mostly used by the end-users. Therefore,
these are also called ‘end-user programs’.

Example: Word Processors, Multimedia Software, Web Browsers, Graphics Software, Photoshop
Software, etc.
Read This >>> Difference Between System Software and Application Software

Computer Hardware
Computer hardware are the physical components or parts that jointly form a computer system. There
are different types of hardware. Depending on the structure of the computer system, hardware can be
installed inside or outside of the computer physical body.

Components of the Computer Hardware

The basic components of the computer hardware are listed below:

 Monitor
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
 Motherboard
 RAM (Random Access Memory)
 Hard Disk Drive
 Printer, etc

{IMG}: To view images, please Click Here

Take Test >>> Basic Computer Questions (MCQ)

Summary
The computer plays an important role in our day-to-day life and we cannot think of life without it. While
there are some disadvantages of computers, however, the advantages of computers overcome those
disadvantages. Therefore, it is very important to have at least basic knowledge of computers to
complete in this era of technology.

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