Basic Knowledge of Computers
Basic knowledge of computers is essential in today’s digital age, where computers play a central role in various aspects of life. The computer knowledge website covers fundamental computer knowledge, including the history of computers, basic components, types of software, operating systems, and commonly used applications. This information serves as an essential guide for beginners who want to understand computers better. Understanding the history, components, software, and networking fundamentals helps us to use these machine effectively make our work easy and fast. Whether for work, education, or entertainment, having a basic grasp of computers opens up numerous opportunities for individuals and enhances productivity. As technology continues to evolve, staying updated with the latest computer skills and knowledge will be crucial for future success.
Role of Computer in human life
Computers have become an essential part of daily life, transforming the way we work, communicate, and entertain ourselves. From student life to working person for all types of work these machines play a vital role so we can’t be avoid it’s use. Computer are using at every place which we can think related to education and technology like hospitals, schools, offices, scientific centers, research institutions etc. It makes our works, lifestyle fast and easy. It reduces the time to do any work and manpower also. In early times those works completed by number of persons and days or weeks are now completing in a day and by less people. It is helpful to learn and know about computer for every person makes daily work very easy as well as source of earning and future success also.
Origin of word Computer
The word Computer is derived from Latin word "COMPUTE" which means counting or calculation.
Definition of Computer
Computer can be defined as "Computer is an electronic device which takes the input in the form of instructions from user with the help of input devices, store and process the input data and provide the correct output on screen or print copy from printer or from any other output device".
Full form of Computer
C - CommonO - Operating
M - Machine
P - Particularly
U - Used For
T - Technology
E - Education
R - Research
Father of Computer or Introduction of Charles Babbage
Charles Babbage (26.12.1791 - 18.10.1871) is known as the Father of Computer. He was born in London. He was a mathematician, Philosopher, Inventor and Mechanical engineer. He originated the concept of a digital programmable computer.
First digital programmable computer concept was originated by Charles Babbage.
History of Computers
The History of computers are very old. In ancient times for calculation and mathematics problem different types of devices were using from many years ago. Like sticks, stones and bones were using for counting in earlier times. The development of modern computers began in the 20th century.
Early Mechanical Computers: Charles Babbage the "father of computers." designed the "Analytical Engine" in the 1830s. It was the general purpose automatic mechanical digital computer able to perform any calculation and made up of punched cards and it was programmable.
The First Electronic Computers (1940s-1950s): The first fully functional electronic computer, ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), was developed in the 1940s. It used vacuum tubes to process information. The development of transistors in the 1950s marked a significant leap, allowing computers to become smaller and more efficient.
The Microprocessor Revolution (1970s-1980s): The invention of the microprocessor in the early 1970s opens the way for personal computers. Intel’s 4004 chip was the first commercially available microprocessor.
The Internet and Modern Computers (1990s-Present): With the advent of the World Wide Web in the 1990s, computers transformed from standalone machines to interconnected devices capable of sharing information globally. Technological advancements continue to improve computing power, portability, and accessibility.
Basic Components of a Computer
A computer comprises hardware and software components that work together to perform tasks.
A. Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched. These include:
Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU, often referred to as the "brain" of the computer, executes instructions and performs calculations. It processes data and manages the flow of information.
Memory (RAM): Random Access Memory (RAM) is used for temporary storage while a computer is running. It allows the computer to access data quickly, making it crucial for performance.
Storage Devices: Storage devices, like Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid State Drives (SSDs), and external drives, are used to store data permanently. SSDs are faster and more durable than HDDs.
Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board that houses the CPU, memory, and other essential components. It connects all the parts of the computer and allows communication between them.
Input Devices: It is used to provide to the input to computer. Input devices are keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone etc.
Output Devices: It is used to provide to the output. These include monitors, printers, and speakers that present data to the user in a readable form, such as visual or audio output.
B. Software
Software is the collection of programs, procedures, and instructions that tell the hardware how to perform tasks.
It can be categorized as system software and application software.
a. System Software
System software manages the computer's hardware and provides a platform for applications to run.
Operating System (OS): An OS is a system software that manages all other programs in a computer. Common operating systems include Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux for desktops, and Android and iOS for mobile devices. The OS handles memory management, hardware communication, file management, and user interface.
Device Drivers: These are programs that control specific hardware devices. For instance, a printer driver enables the computer to communicate with the printer.
Utility Programs: Utilities perform specific tasks that help in managing, maintaining, and controlling computer resources, such as antivirus programs, disk cleanup tools, and backup software.
b. Application Software
Application software helps users perform specific tasks such as word processing, browsing the internet, or gaming.
Office Applications: Programs like Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are designed to help users complete tasks like writing documents, creating spreadsheets, or making presentations.
Web Browsers: Browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari allow users to access and browse the internet.
Media Players: These applications, such as VLC and Windows Media Player, are used to play audio and video files.
Graphics and Design Software: Programs like Adobe Photoshop and CorelDRAW are used for creating and editing graphics.
Gaming Software: Games are also a type of application software, used for entertainment and leisure activities.
Characteristics of Computer
1. Speed
Computer can works very fast. It can perform many millions of calculations in a second. Computer operations are performed in micro and nano seconds.
2. Accuracy
Computer work with accuracy. When we work computation or other operation with a computer the chances of error is very low.
3. Reliability
Computers works very reliable. As per given instruction or input its output or calculation is reliable. Output always same if the given input is same it never differs.
4. Versatility
Computers can do unlimited jobs or calculation at a time depends on its hardware and software. Like working on PowerPoint with listening music.
5. Diligence
Computer can do repetition and complicated task with out any error and stop.
6. Logical decision
Computer can do logical decision types works very correctly.
7. Tireless
Human can't do work continuously several hours.. It can work continue with out tired.
8. Memory
Computer can store millions of instructions and calculations in a computer memory or storage devices. Memory measuring units are bits, Byte, Kilobytes(KB), Megabytes(MB), Gigabytes(GB), Terabytes(TB).