Computer basics

Computer Basics:

Computer Basics

What is a Computer?:

What is a Computer? Definition - A Computer is a programmable machine that receives input, stores and automatically manipulates data, and provides output in a useful format. Types of Computer: Mini Computers Mainframe Computers Super Computers

Brief History of Computers:

Brief History of Computers The first use of the word "computer" was recorded in 1613, referring to a person who carried out calculations, or computations. Charles Babbage, a British Mathematics professor, is regarded as the Father of Computers. He design a "difference engine" in 1821 which was a very large and complicated machine. Charles Babbage

Basic Components of a Computer:

Basic Components of a Computer Computer Case - Where all of the components are stored. CPU - It is basically the brain of your computer. The CPU is a used to process everything from basic to complex functions in a computer. RAM - RAM is memory that attaches to the motherboard. RAM is hardware used to temporarily store and access data. Motherboard - A Motherboard is the most important component in a computer system. All of the other hardware in a computer system connect to the motherboard.

Basic Components of a Computer:

Basic Components of a Computer Power Supply - A Power Supply sends power to all of the other hardware so they can operate. Hard Drive - A Hard Drive is used for permanently storing files and programs. Disk Drives - Disk Drives can be a floppy drive, CD drive, DVD drive or other possible file storage devices that are used in a computer. Video Card - A Video Card is the part of a computer system that converts binary code from the CPU so you can view it on a monitor.

Basic Components of a Computer:

Basic Components of a Computer Monitor - The part of a computer that allows you to see what the computer is processing. Keyboard - A keyboard allows a computer user to enter text commands into a computer system. Mouse - A mouse allows a computer user to use a point and click interface to enter.

Functional Components of a Computer:

Functional Components of a Computer Input devices – keyboard, mouse, barcode readers, microphone etc. CPU – Central processing unit, processes the data. Memory – Stores the program being executed : RAM, cache. Storage Devices – Hard disk, CDs, DVDs, pen drives etc. Output Devices - Monitor, printers, speakers etc. arrows represent the direction information flows between the functional units

Hardware:

Hardware It is the physical components of a computer system. If you can touch it, it is a hardware. The hardware are assembled and controlled by softwares to perform their desired tasks. Circuits, displays, power supplies, cables, keyboards, printers and mice are all hardware.

Software:

Software It is a collection of programs and related data. It tells the computer what to do and how to do it. Unlike hardware, software are the components that cannot be touched. Software can be broadly classified as Application Software and Application Software

System Software:

System Software System software manages and controls computer hardware so that application software can perform a task. Operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X or Linux, are prominent examples of system software.

Application Software:

Application Software Application software are used to perform user specific tasks. Word and image processing tools such as MS Word, Photoshop etc. are examples of application software.

Programming Basics:

Programming Basics A computer program is nothing but a set of instructions, which when executed give result to a certain operation . The instructions should be in a flow, and before writing the program you need to decide the flow of the program. Flowcharts and algorithms are a good way to draft the flow of programs before coding the actual program.

Flowcharts:

Flowcharts The flowchart is a means of visually presenting the flow of data through an information processing systems , the operations performed within the system and the sequence in which they are performed. A flowchart is a graphic representation of how a process works, showing, at a minimum, the sequence of steps. A flowchart helps to clarify how things are currently working. It assists in finding the key elements of a process.

Basic Symbols used in Flowcharts:

Basic Symbols used in Flowcharts

Flowchart example:

Flowchart example A simple flowchart representing a process for dealing with a non-functioning lamp.

Algorithms:

Algorithms An algorithm is a specific set of instructions or rules for carrying out a procedure or solving a problem. To be an algorithm, the set of rules must be unambiguous and have a clear stopping point. Algorithms can be expressed in any language, from natural languages like English. Algorithms are not the actual code that are fed into the computer, it is only intended for easy understanding of a person.

Algorithm example:

Algorithm example Here is a small example of an algorithm to find the sum of three numbers and display them: Input : Three integer numbers Output : Sum of the three numbers begin write “Enter three numbers” read a read b read c sum=a+b+c write “The sum of the three numbers is” sum end

Programming Example:

Programming Example C Program to sort numbers #include<stdio.h> #include<conio.h> void main() { int n, i, j a[50]; clrscr(); printf(“How many numbers do you want to sort?\n”); scanf(“%d”,&n); printf(“Enter any %d numbers\n”,n); for(i=0;i<n;i++) scanf(“%d”,&a[i]); //some sorting algorithm printf(“The sorted numbers are:\n”); for(i=0;i<n;i++) printf(“d\n”,a[i]); }

Programming Example:

Programming Example The output will look something like this: How many numbers do you want to sort? 4 Enter any 4 numbers 9 11 2 7 The sorted numbers are: 2 7 9 11