Fundamentals of Computer

We see computers everywhere, in offices, schools and in home. So let's start with learning basic fundamentals of a computer. 

What is a Computer? 

With respect to class 4 Fundamentals of Computer, a computer is an electronic device. It was created by the Charles Babbage. 'Computer' is taken from a word 'compute' which means calculate. A computer can do the following work-

1. Computers can process huge amounts of data very quickly. Data is information stored by a computer such as files, video games, songs, pictures, etc.
2. Computers can store a large amount of information.
3. It displays accurate results.

Parts of Computer

With respect to class 4 computer lessons, a computer is made up of three main parts. They are-

1. The Input Unit.
2. The Processing Unit
3. The Output Unit.

The Input Unit

With respect to class 4 Fundamentals of Computer, the information which we enter into the computer is known as Input. It can be words, numbers, pictures or sound. Input is entered into the computer through input devices.

Input unit consists of input devices such as-

• Keyboards
• Mouse
• Joystick
• Scanner 

Let us learn about a few input devices.

Keyboard 

With respect to class 4 computer lessons, the keyboard is an input device. Just as you use a pencil to write on a paper, the computer needs a keyboard to tell it what to do. A keyboard has 101 keys.

Mouse

The mouse is a pointing input device. A mouse has two or three buttons called Left, Right and Middle button. Buttons are used to perform different functions like to select an object, opening a program, etc.

The Processing Unit

With respect to class 4 computer lessons, the computer carries out all its work in the central processing unit (CPU). It processes data according to the instructions provided. CPU is the brain of the computer. Just as our brain controls all the different parts of the body and makes them work together, the CPU controls all other parts of the computer and makes them work together. All other parts of the computer are connected to CPU. The CPU also stores all the information in the computer.

The Output Unit

With respect to class 4 Fundamentals of Computer, when an input is processed in the computer, it gives a result which is known as Output. The output is displayed from the computer through output devices.

Output unit consists of output devices such as-

• Monitor
• Printer
• Speaker 

Let us learn about few output devices. 

Monitor

With respect to class 4 Fundamentals of Computer, a monitor is like a television; it shows us what work the computer carries out. The glass surface of the monitor is called the screen. It shows whatever you type on the keyboard or draw with the mouse.

Printer

A printer gives output on a paper. A printer can print output as text or images. There are colour printers as well as black and white printers.

Speaker

With respect to class 4 computer lessons, speakers are one of the most common output devices. Sounds produced by the computer or songs played on it are heard through the speakers.

Examples:

Q1. Computers can .................. a large amount of information.

Ans: Store.

Q2.How many keys does a keyboard have?

Ans: 101 keys.

Q3. ............................. is a pointing input device.

Ans: Mouse.

Q4. CPU is the ........................ of the computer.

Ans: Brain.

Q5. The glass surface of the monitor is called?

Ans: Screen.

Recap 

• A computer is an electronic device created by the Charles Babbage.
• Computers can process huge amounts of data very quickly and display accurate results.
• A computer is made up of three main parts: The Input Unit, The Processing Unit and The Output Unit.
• Input unit consists of input devices such as - Keyboards, Mouse, Joystick, Scanner, etc.
• Output units consists of output devices such as-Monitor, Printers and Speakers.
• CPU is the brain of the computer.