Basics of Computer
What is a Computer
A
computer is a programmable machine. The two principal characteristics of a
computer are: it responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined
manner and it can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).
Modern
Computers Defined :-
Modern
computers are electronic and digital. The actual machinery wires, transistors,
and circuits is called hardware; the instructions and data are called software.
All
general-purpose computers require the following hardware components:
Memory :-
Memory enables a computer to store, at least temporarily, data and
programs.
Mass
storage device :-
Mass storage device allows a computer to permanently
retain large amounts of data. Common mass storage devices include disk drives
and tape drives.
Input
device :-
Input device usually a keyboard and mouse, the
input device is the conduit through which data and instructions enter a
computer.
Output
device :-
Output device a display screen, printer, or other
device that lets you see what the computer has accomplished.
Central
processing unit (CPU) :-
CPU is the heart of
the computer, this is the component that actually executes instructions.
In
addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic
components to work together efficiently. For example, every computer requires a
bus that transmits data from one part of the computer to another.
Computer
Classification, By Size and Power :-
Computers
can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is
considerable overlap:
Personal
computer :-
Personal computer is 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 :-
Workstation is 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 :-
Minicomputer is a multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to
hundreds of users simultaneously.
Mainframe:-
Mainframe is a powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many
hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
Supercomputer :-
Supercomputer is an extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of
millions of instructions per second.
Posted by Gurneet Singh
on 12:17
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