INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING

What is a Computer?

A Computer is an electro – mechanical device/machine which accepts data as input. Processes the data according to a set of previously stored instructions called program and produces the result as output in form of information.

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A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data." It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You can use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the internet. You can also use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more.

Computer accepts data as an input through an input device e.g. keyboard process the data through an output device e.g. monitor/printer.

Computer is defined as an electro – mechanical device/machine because its principle of operation is based on electronics. Computer is a machine because like any other machine, a computer requires a steady supply of energy and skilled personnel for its operation. For instance, the Registers, Counters, RAM, ROM etc all operate on the principle of electronics. However, the movements of papers in the printers, the insertions of diskettes from drive are mechanical.

Data and Information

Data is referred to as raw facts/figure which when processed give us meaningful information. That is, Data are facts that are yet to be processed while information is the result obtained from processed data. For instance, the marks obtained by a particular student in his or her six examination courses are 30, 60, 65, 70, 80 and 40. These figures are raw facts described as data. However, if these marks are added together and the total mark and percentage of the mark scored obtained, then such total and percentage of the mark is the information obtained from the data.

What are the Different Types of Computers?

When most people hear the word "computer" they think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer. However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, buy fuel from a fuel dispenser or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.

Desktop Computers

Many people use desktop computers at work, home, school, or the library. They can be small, medium, or large in style, and usually sit on a desk. Once you add a monitor, mouse, and a keyboard, you have what is typically known as a Desktop Computer.

Most desktop computers are easy to upgrade and expand, or add new parts. Another benefit of desktop computers is the cost. If you compare a desktop and a laptop with the same features, you will most likely find that the desktop computer is priced lower.

Some desktop computers have a built-in monitor to save space. These are often called all-in-one desktop computers.

Laptop Computers

The second type of computer that you may be familiar with is a Laptop Computer or laptops as they are often referred to. Laptops are battery or AC-powered personal computers that are more portable than desktop computers, allowing you to use them almost anywhere.

Since a laptop is smaller than a desktop, it's more difficult to access the internal components. That means you may not be able to upgrade them as much as a desktop. However, it's usually possible to add more RAM or a bigger hard drive. A laptop computer is sometimes called a notebook computer because of its size.

Servers

A Server is a computer that "serves up" information to other computers on a network. Many businesses have file servers that employees can use to store and share files. A server can look like a regular desktop computer, or it can be much larger.

Servers also play an important role in making the internet work: they are where web pages are stored. When you use your browser to click a link, a web server delivers the page you requested.

Other Types of Computers

Today, there lots of everyday devices that are basically specialized computers, even though we don't always think of them as computers. Here are a few common examples:

• Tablet Computers: These use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. Since they don't require a keyboard or mouse, tablet computers are even more portable than laptops. The iPad is an example of a tablet computer.
• Mobile Phones: Many mobile phones can do a lot of things a computer can do, such as browsing the internet or playing games. These phones are often called Smartphone.
• Game Consoles: A game console is a specialized kind of computer that is used for playing video games. Although they are not as fully-featured as a desktop computer, many newer consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii, allow you to do non-gaming tasks like browsing the internet.
• TVs: Many TVs now include applications (or apps) that let you access various types of online content. For example, you can view your Facebook news feed or watch streaming movies on Netflix.