TRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Introduction Dear learner, welcome to Unit One. In this unit you will study two lessons including the Basic Concepts of Computers and Computer Peripherals.
1 Basic Concepts of Computers
Introduction Dear learner, welcome to Lesson One. In this lesson you will study the term “Computer”, types of computers, basic parts of a computer, basic elements of a computer and uses of computers.
What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that you can use to manipulate information, or data. The Computer has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data and hence give you an output which is also known as information.
Types of Computers
Computers can be classified into different types depending on their purposes, uses, capabilities and costs.
The four basic types of computers are:-
- Super computer
- Mainframe Computer
- Minicomputer
- Microcomputer
1.Supercomputer
The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing are the supercomputers. These are specialized and task specific computers used by large organizations. These computers are used for research and exploration purposes, like NASA uses supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling them and for space exploration purpose.
Supercomputers are very expensive and very large in size. It can be accommodated in large air conditioned rooms; some super computers can span an entire building.
Uses of Supercomputer
The following are the uses of Supercomputers:
Space Exploration
They are used to study the origin of the universe, the dark-matters. For these studies scientist use IBM’s powerful supercomputer “Roadrunner” at National Laboratory Los Alamos.
Earthquake studies
They are used to study the Earthquakes phenomenon. Besides that supercomputers are used for natural resources exploration, like natural gas, petroleum and coal.
Weather Forecasting
They are used for weather forecasting, and to study the nature and extent of Hurricanes, Rainfalls and windstorms.
Nuclear weapons testing
They are used to run weapon simulation that can test the Range, accuracy & impact of Nuclear weapons.
2.Microcomputers
A microcomputer is a complete computer on a smaller scale and is not expensive to buy. Microcomputers are also called Personal Computers or PC Microcomputers include desktop computers, tower model computers, notebook or laptop computers, handheld computers, and Internet appliances.
3.Minicomputer
A minicomputer is a computer a bit more powerful than a microcomputer but not powerful than a mainframe computer. Minicomputers are also known today as mid-range servers, which can normally support up to several thousands users at the same time.
4.Mainframe computer:
A mainframe is a larger, expensive, more powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users at the same time.
Computer Hardware and peripherals
Hardware is the physical components that make up the computer system. Hardware is useless without software to run on it.
Basic components of computer hardware
The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
You have learned about the System Unit. This is also known a computer case. It holds or contains all internal hardware components of a computer that help the Computer to operate. Including the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
Monitor
The monitor a device through which you see what the computer is doing. That means the monitor displays information. Using the monitor you can easily operate your computer
Mouse
You can use this device for pointing and selecting objects on the screen. You can use the mouse to open programs and files, close programs and files and shut down the computer.
Keyboard
The Keyboard is a device that helps you to type text that you want to enter into the computer system.
A Power Supply Unit
A Power Supply Unit (PSU) is the component of a computer that supplies power to all other components of a computer. The Power Supply pulls the required amount of electricity and converts the AC current to DC current. It also regulates the voltage to eliminate spikes and surges common in most electrical systems.
The Motherboard
Definition of Motherboard: A motherboard is the main circuit board inside a computer that connects the different parts of a computer together.
It has sockets for the CPU, RAM and expansion cards (e.g. discrete graphics cards, sound cards, network cards and storage cards) and it also hooks up to hard drives, disc drives and front panel ports with cables and wires. Also known as a mainboard, system board, mobo or MB.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is the computer system's short-term memory. Whenever a CPU process instructions, the computer temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed
Hard Drive
Is the data center of the computer. This is where the software is installed, and it's also where your documents and other files are stored.
Optical Drive
Optical drives retrieve and/or store data on optical discs like CDs and DVDs.
Speakers
To play sound. They can be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to