Fundamentals of Computer

A computer is an electronic machine which assists us in a lot of work, including typing, drawing, calculating and searching for information. We should learn the fundamental components and operations of a computer so that we can know how it functions. These are referred to as the fundamentals of a computer.

Its main basics are:

  1. Input Devices
  2. Output Devices
  3. Hardware
  4. Software

We shall know about each in particular.

Input and Output Devices

The computer operates in three major stages:

Input – Process – Output

Input Devices

The computer is instructed or fed with data using input devices.

Examples of input devices:

  • Keyboard – This is used to type out letters and figures.
  • Mouse – Used to point and click.
  • Scanner – It is used to scan documents.
  • Microphone – This is used to record sound.


These gadgets assist us in typing data into the computer.

Output Devices

Output devices give us the output of the work performed by the computer.

Examples of output devices:

  • Monitor – Shows texts and images.
  • Printer – Documents on paper are printed.
  • Speakers – Produce sound
  • Headphones – Enable us to listen to sound on our own.

Output devices assist us in receiving information from the computer.

Hardware

Hardware refers to those portions of a computer that we can feel and observe.

Examples of hardware:

  • Monitor
  • CPU (Central Processing Unit)
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Printer

Hardware consists of internal components (that are located in the cabinet of the CPU) and external components (that are outside the cabinet).

A computer cannot function without hardware.

Software

  • Software is a collection of programs and instructions that inform the computer on what to do.
  • Software cannot be touched, but its result can be seen on the screen.

Software can be of two kinds:

1. System Software

System software is the main software that controls and manages the computer’s hardware and makes other programs run smoothly.

System Software

2. Application Software

Application software is the software that assists users in performing certain tasks, such as typing documents, creating pictures, browsing the internet, or playing games.

The computer cannot work without the help of hardware and software.

Application Software

How Everything Works Together:

  • Input devices assist us in entering data into the computer.
  • The computer processes the information.
  • Output devices display the results to us.
  • Hardware and software collaborate to complete the task.

QUIZ FOR FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTERS

1. You want to type a letter on the computer. Which device would you use?

A) Monitor
B) Printer
C) Keyboard
D) Mouse

Answer: C) Keyboard

2. If you want to print your homework after typing it on the computer, which device will help you do that?

A) Monitor
B) Speaker
C) Printer
D) Keyboard

Answer: C) Printer

3. You want to work on the computer. Which device do you use to view your document?

A) Mouse
B) Monitor
C) Printer
D) Keyboard

Answer: B) Monitor

4. When you click on a link or icon on your screen, which device is helping you do that?

A) Keyboard
B) Mouse
C) Scanner
D) Printer

Answer: B) Mouse

5. If you want to speak into the computer, which device will you use?

A) Printer
B) Microphone
C) Keyboard
D) Monitor

Answer: B) Microphone

6. What is the device that you can use to store your work or to transfer files between one computer and another?

A) Mouse
B) Printer
C) Pen Drive
D) Speaker

Answer: C) Pen Drive

7. What are the two things that a computer can not work without?

A) Power supply and games
B) Keyboard and screen
C) Hardware and software
D) Mouse and the Internet

Answer: C) Hardware and software.

8. What are the programs that assist a computer in such activities as playing games, typing documents or browsing through the web?

A) Hardware
B) Operating systems
C) Software
D) Files

Answer: C) Software

9. What kind of software controls the hardware of the computer so that it can work properly?

A) Application Software
B) System Software
C) Utility Software
D) Internet Software

Answer: B) System Software

10. You have to do some calculations for your homework on the computer. What application software would assist you in doing so?

A) MS Word
B) MS Paint
C) MS Excel
D) MS PowerPoint

Answer: C) MS Excel