Basic concept of the computer

Understanding of the computer

An electronic device which accepts data as its input, process it by doing some kind of manipulation and converts data into information (human readable and meaning). Thus, a computer is a high-speed electronic data processing machine which accepts information in the digital form and manipulates it for a result based on a program or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed.

Two kinds of inputs are required on the computer:

• Basic raw data
• Set of instruction containing methodology to process the data known as program.

Initially,  computer was designed as a machine to manipulate numbers (Addition, subtraction) and to solve the arithmetic problem according to algorithms based on numerical methods. Now, the computer can process alphabets as well as numbers and special characters with the development of the technology.

Generally, computer means a programmable machine. It is high-speed electronic data processing machine. The two principal characteristics of a computer: it responds to a specific set of instructions which is well-defined and executes a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).

Function of computer

1. Input: The primary task is to accept data from the users as input. The users enter the data through an input device such as keyboard, touch-screen, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen etc.
2. Processing: Processing is the stage in which the input data is manipulated to produce meaningful information or output. Processing refers to doing work (Sorting, searching, calculating and graphing input to produce output). CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a processing device on a computer.
3. Storage: The result obtained by processing as well as input from the user should be stored in the computer permanently or temporarily. This is done by storage device like RAM, ROM, hard disk, floppy disk, etc.
4. Output: The final result from processing (work performed) is known as output needs to be displayed. Users can easily know the result. Output may be on monitor, speaker, etc.

Components of computer

1. Hardware: Computer parts which can be physically touched is known as hardware. Some hardware components are easy to recognize, such as the computer case, keyboard, and monitor. Simply, the electronic/digital device which covers the computer is called hardware. Shapes and sizes of hardware are easily noticeable and identified.
2. Software: A set of instructions/rules which makes the computer do a task effectively is known as software.
3. People: Without people, computer can’t perform their activities. People are the users who operate the computer. They are the major components of the computer.
4. Data: Raw facts and figures are data. Data may be letters, numbers, audio, graphics, video, images or animations. Data lacks meaning. Computers stores and reads the data in the binary form.

Advantages

• People are using computers to perform different tasks quickly as well as easily with high accuracy. The use of computers makes different task reliable.
• The computer can perform tasks in nanoseconds/picoseconds. So, it saves time and effort and reduces the overall cost to complete a particular task.
• It is very effective to use computer for doing repeated tasks.
• Some people can use the computer as refreshment sources such as listening music, watching videos, playing games, etc.
• The computer can be used in communication. Online services are only possible with computers and the internet. Skype and other social media websites have become source for effective communication and information sharing purposes.
• The computer can be used as a great educational tool. Students can have access to all sort of information on the internet. Some websites like Wikipedia, Code, Khan’s Academy, etc.

Disadvantages

1. Unemployment: Nowadays, various tasks can be performed automatically by operating computers which reduce the need for people in an organization. It directly increases unemployment in society.
2. Data Security: Sometimes, unauthorized users get involved and access data stored on a computer for illegal purpose through networks. In this era of technology, data security is the serious problem and concern for the large organization.
3. Computer Crimes: We can’t only argue computer makes our life easier and comfortable. Sometimes, people use the computer for negative purpose. They hack confidential data and personal information of the people and misuse them. Hackers can steal important information from big organizations/company which can be great loss for the organizations.
4. Privacy violation: The computers are used to store personal data of the people. The privacy of a person can be violated if the confidential personal records lack proper security system.
5. Health risks: The improper and prolonged use of a computer can result in injuries or disorders of hands, wrists, elbows, eyes, necks and back. The users can avoid health risks by using the computer in a proper position.
6. Impact on Environment: The computer manufacturing processes and computer waste will pollute the surrounding as well as the whole ecosystem. The wasted parts of the computer can release dangerous toxic materials.

Basic terminology

1. Hardware: Physical components of the computer system which can be seen and touched. Example: Desktop, mouse, keyboard, speaker, printer, modem, etc.
2. Software: Programs/instructions that perform certain tasks. Example: MS-Excel, MS-Word, MS-PowerPoint, etc.
3. Program: Sequence of instructions that can be executed by a computer.
4. Command: Instruction, when issued by the user, causes an action to be carried out. It is generally typed at the keyboard or chosen from a menu.
5. CPU (Central Processing Unit): It is a control unit of a computer. It interprets and executes instructions.
6. Data: It is raw facts and figures which don’t provide complete meaning to the end users.
7. Information: It is a processed data which provide meaning to the users.
8. Memory: It is the area or place in the computer where information can be stored or retained. It can store information for temporary or permanent depending upon nature.
9. RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a volatile memory. The contents of RAM are lost as soon as the power is cut off. We can perform both read and write operation on ROM.
10. ROM (Read Only Memory): It is a non-volatile memory. The contents in ROM are not lost as the power is cut off. We can perform only the read operation on ROM.
11. Firmware: If manufacturers of ROM write programs or instructions permanently in it, then we refer the ROM as firmware.

Reference

Ghishing, Er.Ashim. Computer Science. Kathmandu, Nepal: Benchmark , 2008.